Lung cancer is one of the most deadly diseases among both men and women. Mainly, there are two types of lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer and Small cell lung cancer. And, among these NSCLC is the most common one. Chemotherapy is the first-line therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The commonly used drugs in the chemotherapy treatment are Cytotoxic drugs. These work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. The use of anti-cancer drugs helps to treat cancer. These drugs describe a group of medicines that contain chemicals toxic to cells, preventing their replication or growth and thus, are used to treat lung cancer.
How Cytotoxic Drugs Work?
The Cytotoxic drugs work to prevent the function of cancer cells. These are primarily used to treat cancer and frequently as a part of chemotherapy regime. The drugs can prevent the rapid growth and division of cancer cells. Also, they can affect the growth of other quickly dividing cells in the body. Thus, some normal cells may also get damaged along with the cancer cells.
Other Uses
In addition to lung cancer, the drug is also used to treat certain skin diseases, steroid-assistant muscle conditions and more. These are also used to treat disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
Precautions to be taken
The Cytotoxic drugs can present significant risks to those who handle them. These are hazardous substances and proper precautions should be taken to protect them. When action is not taken, it may produce certain side effects to the patients as well as those who are exposed to it.
Wrapping Up
Though Cytotoxic drugs have a significant role to play in treatment of lung cancer but the main cause behind lung cancer remains smoking. It is very essential for the patients to quit smoking and even do not expose themselves to smoke.
The information shared in this blog is for educational purposes only.
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