Breast cancer chemotherapy drugs are an essential part of cancer treatment for many individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to target and destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells. The specific chemotherapy drugs prescribed can vary based on the type and stage of breast cancer, as well as individual patient factors. Here are some of the commonly used chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer:

1. Anthracyclines: Doxorubicin,  (Adriamycin) and Doxil: Doxorubicin drug is often used in combination with other chemotherapy agents to treat breast cancer. It works by damaging DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Similarly, Doxil kill cancer cells by damaging their genes and interfering with their reproduction.
2. Taxanes: Paclitaxel (Taxol) and Docetaxel (Taxotere): These drugs interfere with the microtubules necessary for cell division, effectively stopping cancer cell growth. It reduces the risk of early-stage breast cancer coming back treat.
3. Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan): This is an alkylating agent that interferes with DNA replication in cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer treatment.
4. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): An antimetabolite drug, 5-FU interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA in cancer cells, leading to cell death.
5. Methotrexate: Another antimetabolite, methotrexate disrupts the synthesis of DNA and RNA, hindering the growth of cancer cells.
6. Epirubicin: Epirubicin is another anthracycline used in breast cancer treatment. It functions similarly to doxorubicin, damaging cancer cell DNA.
7. Eribulin: Halaven- Eribulin is used to treat people with locally advanced breast cancer – breast cancer that has spread to the tissues and lymph nodes around the chest, neck and under the breastbone and to treat metastatic breast cancer – breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body
8. Cisplatin: A platinum-based drug, cisplatin forms DNA cross-links, disrupting DNA structure in cancer cells and preventing cell division.
9. Carboplatin: Like cisplatin, carboplatin is used in breast cancer treatment to interrupt DNA synthesis in cancer cells.
10. Gemcitabine: This drug interferes with DNA replication and is often used in combination with other chemotherapy agents for breast cancer.
11. Vinorelbine: A vinca alkaloid, vinorelbine disrupts cell division by affecting microtubules. It is used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
12. Ixabepilone: This drug is a microtubule inhibitor that disrupts the cell division process in cancer cells. It is used in certain breast cancer cases.
13. Vinblastine: Another vinca alkaloid, vinblastine inhibits microtubule formation and disrupts cell division. It may be used in breast cancer treatment.

Drugs approved to prevent breast cancer:

• Evista (Raloxifene Hydrochloride)
• Raloxifene Hydrochloride
• Soltamox (Tamoxifen Citrate)
• Tamoxifen Citrate

Drugs approved for breast cancer treatment: There are many drugs approved by FDA to treat breast cancer. Few examples are –Abemaciclib, Abraxane (Paclitaxel Albumin-stabilized Nanoparticle Formulation), Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine, Afinitor (Everolimus), Afinitor Disperz (Everolimus), Alpelisib, Anastrozole, Aredia (Pamidronate Disodium), Arimidex (Anastrozole), Aromasin (Exemestane), Capecitabine, Vinblastine Sulfate, Xeloda (Capecitabine), Zoladex (Goserelin Acetate) (See more list @ www.cancer.gov)

Approved drugs combinations used for treating breast cancer:

• AC = A   = Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (Adriamycin) & C= Cyclophosphamide – for localized breast cancer
• AC-T = A= Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (Adriamycin), C= Cyclophosphamide & T= Paclitaxel (Taxol)- Blocks DNA production and destroys cell division
• CAF= C  = Cyclophosphamide, A  = Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (Adriamycin) & F= Fluorouracil – to treat advanced /recurrent cancer
• CMF= C = Cyclophosphamide, M = Methotrexate & F= Fluorouracil-To treat metastatic breast Cancer
• FEC= F   = Fluorouracil, E = Epirubicin Hydrochloride & C= Cyclophosphamide – for advanced breast cancer
• TAC= T=Taxotere, A= Adriamycin, and C= Cyclophosphamide -used after surgery to treat any remaining breast cancer cells.

Please note that the choice of chemotherapy drugs, the treatment regimen, and the schedule will depend on the individual’s specific cancer type and stage, as well as their overall health and medical history. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy. The healthcare team closely monitors the patient’s response to treatment and may adjust the treatment plan as needed. Chemotherapy can have side effects, and supportive care measures are often prescribed to manage these side effects and help patients cope with the treatment.

Note: This article is only for educational purpose, to understand the types of drugs used in chemotherapy.

References:

https://www.cancer.org/

https://www.cancer.gov/

https://www.breastcancer.org/

https://breastcancernow.org/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

Image credit: Image by cristhianelouback0 from Pixabay (cc by 0)