Cytostatics are drugs that slow down the process of cell division. Maintaining the vital functions of the body is based on the ability of its cells to divide, with new cells taking the place of old ones, and old ones, accordingly, dying. The rate of this process is determined biologically in such a way that a strict balance of cells is maintained in the body, and it is noteworthy that in each organ the metabolic process proceeds at a different speed.

But sometimes the rate of cell division becomes too fast, and old cells do not have time to die. This is how neoplasms form, in other words, tumors. It is at this time that it becomes topical issue, about cytostatics - what they are and how they can help in the treatment of cancer. And in order to answer it, it is necessary to consider all aspects of this group of drugs.

Cytostatics and oncology

Most often in medical practice, the use of cytostatics occurs in the field of oncology in order to slow down tumor growth. During time it affects all cells of the body, so a slowdown in metabolism occurs in all tissues. But only in malignant neoplasms is the effect of cytostatics expressed in full, slowing down the rate of cancer progression.

Cytostatics and autoimmune processes

Cytostatics are also used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, when as a result of pathological activity immune system Antibodies do not destroy antigens that enter the body, but the cells of their own tissues. Cytostatics affect the bone marrow, reducing the activity of the immune system, as a result of which the disease can go into remission.

Thus, cytostatics are used for the following diseases:

malignant oncological tumors in the early stages;
lymphoma;
leukemia;
systemic lupus erythematosus;
arthritis;
vasculitis;
Sjögren's syndrome;
scleroderma.

Having considered the indications for taking the drug and the mechanism of its effect on the body, it becomes clear how cytostatics work, what they are, and in what cases they should be used.

Types of cytostatics

Cytostatics, the list of which is given below, are not limited to these categories, but it is customary to distinguish these 6 categories of drugs.

1. Alkylating cytostatics are drugs that have the ability to damage the DNA of cells that differ high speed division. Despite the high degree of effectiveness, the drugs are difficult to tolerate by patients; among the consequences of the course of treatment, pathologies of the liver and kidneys, as the main filtration systems of the body, often appear. Such means include:

chlorethylamines;
nitrosourea derivatives;
alkyl sulfates;
ethyleneimines.

2. Cytostatic alkaloids of plant origin - preparations similar action, but with a natural composition:

taxanes;
vinca alkaloids;
podophyllotoxins.

3. Cytostatics-antimetabolites - drugs that inhibit substances involved in the process of tumor formation, thereby stopping its growth:

antagonists folic acid;
purine antagonists;
pyrimidine antagonists.

4. Cytostatics-antibiotics - antimicrobial drugs with antitumor effects:

anthracyclines.

5. Cytostatic hormones are antitumor drugs that reduce the production of certain hormones.

progestins;
antiestrogens;
estrogens;
antiandrogens;
aromatase inhibitors.

6. Monoclonal antibodies are artificially created antibodies, identical to the real ones, directed against certain cells, in this case tumors.

Drugs

Cytostatics, the list of drugs of which is presented below, are prescribed only by prescription and are taken only according to strict indications:

"Cyclophosphamide";
"Tamoxifen";
"Flutamide";
"Sulfasalazine";
"Chlorambucil";
"Azathioprine";
"Temozolomide";
"Hydroxychloroquine";
"Methotrexate".

The list of drugs that fit the definition of “cytostatics” is very wide, but these drugs are most often prescribed by doctors. The drugs are selected individually for the patient very carefully, and the doctor explains to the patient what side effects cause cytostatics, what they are and whether they can be avoided.

Side effects

The diagnostic process must confirm that a person has a serious disease, the treatment of which requires cytostatics. The side effects of these drugs are very pronounced; they are not only difficult for patients to tolerate, but also pose a danger to human health. In other words, taking cytostatic drugs is always a huge risk, but with oncology and autoimmune diseases, the risk from lack of treatment is higher than the risk from possible side effects of the drug.

The main side effect of cytostatics is its negative effect on the bone marrow, and therefore on the entire hematopoietic system. At long-term use, which is usually required during therapy oncological neoplasms, and with autoimmune processes, even the development of leukemia is possible.

But even if blood cancer can be avoided, changes in blood composition will inevitably affect the functioning of all systems. If blood viscosity increases, the kidneys suffer, since a large load is placed on the membranes of the glomeruli, as a result of which they can be damaged.

When taking cytostatics, you should be prepared for permanent feeling unwell. Patients who have undergone a course of treatment with drugs of this group constantly report a feeling of weakness, drowsiness, and inability to concentrate on a task. A common complaint is headache, which is constantly present and difficult to relieve with analgesics.

During treatment, women usually experience menstrual irregularities and the inability to conceive a child.

Disorders digestive system manifest themselves in the form of nausea and diarrhea. This often becomes the reason for a person’s natural desire to limit their diet and reduce the amount of food they eat, which, in turn, leads to anorexia.

Not dangerous to health, but an unpleasant consequence of taking cytostatics is hair loss on the head and body. After stopping the course, hair growth usually resumes.

Based on this, it can be emphasized that the answer to the question of what cytostatics are, contains information not only about the benefits of this type of drug, but also about high risk for health and well-being during its use.

Rules for taking cytostatics

It is important to understand that a cytostatic has a direct effect on the activity of the immune system, inhibiting it. Therefore, during the course a person becomes susceptible to any infection.

In order to prevent infection, it is necessary to follow all safety measures: do not appear in places large cluster people, wear protective gauze bandage and enjoy local means antiviral protection ( oxolinic ointment), avoid hypothermia. If infection respiratory infection If this happens, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How to reduce side effects?

Modern medicine makes it possible to minimize the severity of side effects that occur while taking cytostatics. Special preparations, blocking vomiting reflex in the brain, make it possible to maintain normal well-being and performance during treatment.

As a rule, the tablet is taken early in the morning, after which it is recommended to increase the drinking regime to 2 liters of water per day. Cytostatics are predominantly excreted by the kidneys, so their particles can settle on tissues Bladder, having an irritating effect. A large number of drinking fluid and frequent emptying of the bladder makes it possible to reduce the severity of the side effects of cytostatics on the bladder. It is especially important to empty your bladder thoroughly before going to bed.

Examinations during treatment

Taking cytostatics requires regular examination of the body. At least once a month, the patient must undergo tests showing the effectiveness of the kidneys, liver, and hematopoietic system:

clinical blood test;
biochemical blood test for creatinine, ALT and AST levels;
complete urine analysis;
CRP indicator.

Thus, knowing everything up-to-date information about why cytostatics are needed, what they are, what types of drugs there are and how to take them correctly, you can count on a favorable prognosis for the treatment of oncological and autoimmune diseases.

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Classmates

Cytostatics are drugs for the treatment of malignant cells and neoplasms, which are aimed at suppressing mitotic activity and preventing pathologically rapid cell division.

These drugs belong to the group of antimetabolites, which significantly change the metabolic process inside the body's cells. Exactly malignant neoplasms most sensitive to the effects of cytostatic agents.

Scope of application of cytostatic drugs

Cytostatics are prescribed for the treatment of diseases such as leukemia, early stages cancer, lymphoma.

Cytostatics inhibit the division of cells of malignant tumors and formations in order to prevent the disease from actively progressing. Cells with normal speed divisions are much less responsive to these drugs (for example, cells of the mucous membranes, epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, hair).

Cytostatics may also inhibit cell proliferation bone marrow Therefore, they are actively used for various autoimmune diseases (arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and monoclonal gammopathies).

Cytostatic drugs come in the form of tablets, capsules and various injections. Only a doctor can prescribe the dosage and duration of treatment, based on the severity of the disease, the body’s tolerance of the prescribed drugs, as well as the effectiveness of the course of treatment.

Types of cytostatic drugs

All existing cytostatics are rather conventionally classified into several types. This convention is due to the fact that each cytostatic drug has a completely unique mechanism of action on the body. At the same time, a group of several cytostatics from the same group has effective influence absolutely different types malignant formations.

Here is a list of the most common ones in traditional medicine cytostatic drugs:

alkylating group of cytostatics (chlorethylamines, nitrosourea derivatives, alkylsulfonates and ethyleneimines;
a group of cytostatic alkaloids of plant origin (taxanes, podophyllotoxins and vinca alkaloids);
cytostatic antimetabolites (antagonists of purine, folic acid and pyrimidine);
cytostatic antibiotics with antitumor activity (anthracyclines and others);
monoclonal antibodies;
cytostatic hormones (estrogens, progestins, antiandrogens, antiestrogens and aromatase inhibitors);
other cytostatic drugs.

The most well-known cytostatic drugs are:

Busulfan;
Nimustine;
Chlorambucil;
Teniposide Vindesine;
Cisplatin.

Side effects when using cytostatic drugs

Cytostatics actively inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cells of the bone marrow, lymphoid system and gastrointestinal epithelium. Because of this effect of drugs on the body, some patients experience diseases such as cytopenia, stomatitis, intestinal and stomach ulcers. Some people experience signs of rapid liver damage from toxins, leading to cirrhosis.

The most characteristic side effect of cytostatics is chronic inhibition of hematopoiesis, which manifests itself in the form of leukopenia and anemia. The degree of manifestation of this process directly depends on the number of single and total doses of cytostatic drugs taken.

Cytostatics also have an immunosuppressive effect on the human body, which leads to increased activity pathogenic microflora. This helps to reduce the body’s resistance to various pathogenic factors, and an exacerbation of chronic processes appears.

The result of the effect of cytostatics on the body in some cases is a noticeable decrease in the protective forces of cells. This can create favorable conditions to start the process of cell malignancy and the formation of new types of formations, tumors and metastases.

All antitumor drugs, according to their mechanism of action, chemical structure and source of production, can be divided into alkylating compounds, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, herbal drugs, enzymes and a group of different drugs (Table 9.5).

Table 9.5. Classification antitumor drugs(WHO).

Alkylating drugs

At the core biological action The entire group (Table 9.6) is based on the reaction - the binding of the alkyl (methyl) group of the cytostatic with the nucleophilic groups of DNA and proteins, followed by breaks in the polynucleotide chains.

Alkylation of DNA molecules, the formation of cross-links and breaks leads to disruption of their functions in the processes of replication and transcription and, ultimately, to unbalanced growth and death tumor cells. Without exception, all alkylating agents are general cell poisons, with a predominantly phase-neutral effect.

They have a particularly pronounced damaging effect on rapidly dividing cells. Most alkylating agents are well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but due to their strong local irritant effect, many of them are administered intravenously.

Despite general mechanism actions, most drugs in this group differ from each other in the spectrum of influence on tumors, as well as side effects, although they all inhibit hematopoiesis, and in the long term and with long-term use, many of them can cause secondary tumors.

Alkylating compounds also include prospidin, which reduces ionic permeability plasma membranes and changes the activity of membrane-bound enzymes. It is believed that the selectivity of its action is determined by differences in the structure and functions of the plasma membranes of tumor and normal cells.

Drugs of the nitrosourea group are also alkylating agents that bind DNA bases and phosphates, leading to breaks and cross-linking of its molecule in tumor and normal cells. Due to their high solubility in lipids, nitrosourea derivatives penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which makes them widely used in the treatment of primary and metastatic malignant brain tumors.

The drugs have a fairly wide spectrum of action, but also high toxicity. Among derivatives III generation new highly active, but less toxic, compounds have been obtained. Among them, the most interesting is fotemustine (mustoforan), which has a high rate of penetration into the cell and through the blood-brain barrier.

Fotemustine is most effective for disseminated melanoma and, in particular, for its metastases to the brain, for primary brain tumors (gliomas) and their relapses after surgery and/or radiation therapy.

Antimetabolites are structural analogues of “natural” components (metabolites) of nucleic acids (purine and pyrimidine analogues). By entering into competitive relationships with normal metabolites, they disrupt the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Many metabolites have S-phase specificity and either inhibit enzymes of nucleic acid synthesis or disrupt the DNA structure when an analog is incorporated.

Of the pyrimidine antimetabolites, the most widely used is the thymine analogue. 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Another drug in this group, ftorafur, is considered as a transport form of 5FU. Unlike 5FU, ftorafur stays in the body longer, is less toxic, and is better soluble in lipids. therefore it penetrates the blood-brain barrier and is used for brain tumors.

Pyrimidine antimetabolites are widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal and breast tumors. Among pyrimidine antienzyme analogues, the most famous is cytarabine (cytosar). Its target enzyme is DNA polymerase and therefore the sensitivity of cells to cytarabine is maximum in the S-phase (blocks the transition from G1 to the S phase and causes acute S-phase cell death).

At small doses, cytarabine causes only a temporary block of DNA synthesis in S-phase cells, which makes it possible to use it in such doses to “synchronize” tumor cells and increase their sensitivity to other cycle-dependent drugs.

It is likely that it is with small DNA damage that the ability of cytarabine to stimulate apoptosis in malignant cells is realized. Among pyrimidine antimetabolites, gemcitabine (gemzar) is considered the most promising, which inhibits DNA synthesis more effectively than others.

Purine antimetabolites include 6-mercaptopurine. It differs from natural metabolites in that the oxygen atom in it is replaced by sulfur. This drug inhibits de novo synthesis of purines in tumors, and is also included in nucleic acids and disrupts their function, which leads to the death of tumor cells.

Main disadvantage this antimetabolite has the ability to cause the development of drug resistance in tumor cells when repeat courses treatment. From the group of purine antimetabolites in clinical practice Three new drugs have been introduced: fludarabine, cladribine and pentostatin. Fludarabine inhibits DNA synthesis and primarily damages cells between G1 and G phase.

Cladribine is an adenosine antimetabolite that is incorporated into DNA, causing DNA strand breaks. Mostly cells in the S phase die, but non-dividing cells are also damaged. Pentostatin leads to the accumulation of adenosine metabolites in the cell, which suppress DNA synthesis. Both of these drugs showed high activity for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, leukemia.

TO active drugs Hydroxyurea (hydrea), a powerful inhibitor of DNA synthesis, has an antimetabolite mechanism of action. The rapid reversibility of the action of this drug causes its relatively low toxicity and makes it a good synchronizer of cell division, which allows the use of hydroxyurea as a radiosensitizer for a number of solid tumors.

For normal height cells need folic acid, which takes part in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines and, ultimately, nucleic acids. Among the folic acid antagonists, the most widely used is methotrexate, which inhibits the synthesis of folic acid, which disrupts the formation of purines and thymidine and thereby interferes with DNA synthesis.

Methotrexate, as a folic acid antagonist, is a typical antimetabolite. Newer antifolates include edatrexate, trimetrexate and pyritrexime.

In the class of antimetabolites, a new purine and thymidine inhibitor has appeared - raltitrexide (Tomudex) Tomudex, in contrast to 5FU and methotrexate. quickly excreted through the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract and does not have a cumulative effect.

Tomudex by therapeutic activity in this regard, it is close to the combination of 5FU with its biochemical modulator leucovorin, but has less toxicity. The drug was effective in patients with advanced coporectal cancer. In this regard, it can be classified as a first-line drug for this localization.

Plant alkaloids

Into the practice of treatment tumor diseases Herbal preparations have long been included. The most famous are vinca alkaloids contained in the pink periwinkle plant. Vincaalcapoids (vinblastine, vincristine) have slight differences in chemical structure, have a similar mechanism of action, but differ in the spectrum of antitumor action and especially side effects.

The mechanism of their action is reduced to the denaturation of tubulin - the protein of the microtubules of the mitotic spindle, which leads to the arrest of the cell cycle in mitosis (mitotic poisons). New vinca alkaloids with tubulin inhibitor activity include navelbine (vinorelbine). The limiting toxicity of the drug is neutropenia. At the same time, it is less neurotoxic than other vinca alkaloids, which makes it possible to administer it over a longer period of time and at longer intervals. high doses.

Herbal preparations also include podofiplin (a mixture of substances from the roots of podophyllum thyroid), which was previously used topically for papillomatosis of the larynx and bladder. Currently, semi-synthetic derivatives of podophyllin are used - etoposide (VP-16, Vepesid) and teniposide (Vumon, VM-26).

Podophyllotoxins act on cell division by inhibiting the nuclear enzyme topoisomerase II, which is responsible for changing the shape (“unwinding” and “twisting”) of the DNA helix during replication. As a result, the cell cycle is blocked in G2 and the entry of tumor cells into mitosis is inhibited.

IN last years in the treatment of many solid tumors Taxoids (paclitaxel, docetaxel) began to be widely used. Pacpitaxep (taxoi) was isolated in the 60s in the USA from the bark of the Pacific yew, and docetaxel (taxotere) was obtained in the 80s from the needles of the European yew.

The drugs have a unique mechanism of action, different from the known cytotoxic plant alkaloids. The target of taxoids is the system of tubulin microtubules of the tumor cell. However, without destroying the microtubular apparatus, they cause the formation of defective microtubules and an irreversible arrest of cell division. Differences in clinical activity these two taxoids are not great. The main dose-limiting toxicity of both is neutropenia.

Antitumor antibiotics

A large group of antitumor drugs consists of fungal waste products, of which anthracycline antibiotics have found the greatest practical application. Among them wide range Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxolem), epirubicin (farmorubicin), rubomycin (daunorubicin) have an antitumor effect.

Antibiotics, through intercalation (formation of inserts between base pairs) induce single-strand DNA breaks, trigger the mechanism of free radical oxidation with damage to cell membranes and intracellular structures.

Disruption of DNA structure leads to inhibition of replication and transcription in tumor cells. The drugs are highly effective against various solid tumors, but have severe cardiotoxicity, requiring special drug prophylaxis.

Of the bleomycin antibiotics, the most widely used is bleomycin, which selectively inhibits DNA synthesis, causing the formation of single DNA breaks. Unlike other antitumor antibiotics, bleomecin does not have myelo- and immunosuppressive effects, but can induce pulmonary fibrosis.

The anthracenedione antibiotic mitoxantrone is a toloisomerase II inhibitor. Effective for leukemia in combination with cytarabine, as well as for a number of solid tumors. In recent years, a pronounced analgesic effect of a combination of mitoxantrone and small doses of prednisolone has been discovered in multiple cancer metastases. prostate gland in the bones.

Other cytostatics

The mechanisms of antitumor action of cytostatics not included in the groups described above are very different.

Platinum derivatives

Close to alkylating compounds are platinum derivatives (carboplatin), for which DNA is the main target. It has been established that they interact with DNA to form inter- and intramolecular DNA-protein and DNA-DNA crosslinks.

Platinum drugs are the basis in a variety of combination chemotherapy programs for many solid tumors, but are highly emetogenic and nephrotoxic (cisplatin) agents.

IN modern drugs(carboplatin, oxaliplatin) nephrotoxicity is sharply weakened, but myelosuppression (carboplatin) and neurotoxicity (oxaliplatin) are present.

Camptothecin derivatives

The beginning of the 80s was marked by the introduction of fundamentally new antitumor compounds into the clinic. These include toloisomerase I and II inhibitors. Toloisomerases are normally responsible for the topology of DNA and its three-dimensional structure, participate in DNA replication and RNA transcription, as well as in DNA repair and genomic rearrangement in cells. Toloisomerase I inhibitors cause reversible disruption of individual strands within transcription.

Drugs that inhibit the activity of toloisomerase II lead to reversible damage to double strands during transcription, replication and repair processes. Toloisomerase inhibitors also stabilize the DNA-toloisomerase complex, rendering the cell incapable of DNA synthesis.

The toloisomerase I inhibitors irinotecan (CAMPTO) and tolothecan (hicamptin) block DNA replication by stabilizing the DNA-toloisomerase I complex.

The drugs are S-phase specific

KAMPTO is used in the treatment of many solid cancers, but is considered one of the most effective cytostatics in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer, especially when combined with leucovorin and 5-fluorouracip. The side effects of KAMPTO, among which the most common is diarrhea, are completely reversible.

Tolototecan is structurally similar to KAMPTO, but has a different spectrum of clinical activity (cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, leukemia and sarcoma in children). The drug penetrates the blood-brain barrier and has therapeutic effect with brain metastases of various solid tumors.

L-asparaginase

Many tumors are unable to synthesize aspartic acid and depend on its supply with the blood, extracting this metabolite from there. It is on the basis of the discovered differences in the biochemistry of tumor and normal cells that the use of L-asparaginase is purposefully implemented.

The enzyme destroys asparagine in the body and, accordingly, reduces its content in the extracellular fluid. The growth of tumors, which, unlike normal tissues, are not capable of synthesizing asparagine, under conditions of such amino acid “hunger” is selectively suppressed. This effect is clearly manifested in the treatment of acute leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with the drug.

When characterizing groups of chemotherapy drugs, the names of anticancer drugs, as a rule, are given according to the international nomenclature. At the same time, the variety of names on pharmaceutical market, in order to avoid mistakes, forces us to list the main synonyms of the mentioned cytostatics. completely consistent with each other international standards.

Uglyanitsa K.N., Lud N.G., Uglyanitsa N.K.

I will consider the side effects of cytostatics and their effects further for informational purposes. These drugs mainly affect cells with an increased so-called mitotic index, that is, with a rapid division process.

Cytostatics - what are these drugs??

Cytostatics are used as antitumor agent. They inhibit or completely suppress the process of tumor cell division, and pronounced proliferation stops connective tissue. Rapidly dividing cells are susceptible to cytostatic effects, in particular malignant tumors.

To a lesser extent, normal so-called rapidly dividing cells are also sensitive to the effects of cytostatics, in particular bone marrow cells, cells of lymphoid origin and myeloid, skin and mucous cells to a lesser extent.

The ability of cytostatics to suppress cell proliferation directly in the bone marrow has found wide application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. These drugs inhibit leukopoiesis and reduce the number of autoaggressive T- and B-lymphocytes.

All cytostatic pharmaceuticals are highly toxic, therefore, the disposal of biomaterial must comply with the so-called generally accepted sanitary standards. At various diseases these medicines have found application.

Cytostatics - their mechanism of action

Cytostatics violate normal process so-called cell division, induce damage to biomacromolecules, thereby causing disorganization of various biochemical processes regardless of the so-called replicative DNA synthesis.

Cytostatics have little effect on resting cells. These drugs cause genotoxic stress by modifying the DNA template when intrastrand and interstrand DNA cross-links are formed. They contribute to the inactivation of key enzymes, disrupt the processes of transcription, processing, protein synthesis, and so on.

This group of drugs is biotransformed under the direct influence of phosphatases, resulting in the formation of active metabolites that have a so-called alkylating effect.

After intravenous administration cytostatics, their concentration in the bloodstream decreases quite quickly already in the first day, but can be determined within 72 hours. When taking drugs from this group orally, the concentration of metabolites is almost the same as with infusion administration. The half-life averages seven hours. It is excreted from the body by the kidneys and through the intestines.

Side effects

Cytostatic therapy affects the entire body. Toxic components inhibit the development of actively dividing bone marrow cells, lymphatic system, digestive system, liver activity suffers as a result of increased levels of liver enzymes.

The powerful immunosuppressive effect of cytostatics leads to a decrease in immunity. It becomes more difficult for the body to resist infectious diseases and fight with pathogenic microorganisms, as a result may worsen chronic processes. If a person passes long-term treatment, then leukopenia, anemia may develop, diarrhea is noted, and anorexia is possible.

Side effects can be observed from the urinary system in the form of hemorrhagic urethritis, fibrosis of the bladder, necrosis of the renal tubules is sometimes noted, atypical cells of the bladder can be detected in the urine, with high doses of cytostatics, renal dysfunction occurs, hyperuricemia, nephropathy are recorded, which may be associated with increase uric acid.

In addition, cardiotoxicity is observed; congestive heart failure cannot be excluded; it may be caused by hemorrhagic myocarditis. Added side effects respiratory system in the form of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Others side effects expressed in the form of hair loss on the head, as well as over the entire area skin, there may be nausea and vomiting, in general the tone of the body decreases, rapid fatigue is noted, in addition, confusion menstrual cycle, the likelihood of infertility increases, as well as other negative manifestations.

Cytostatics for glomerulonephritis

In case of kidney pathology, in particular, with diagnosed glomerulonephritis, among others medicines cytostatics are also prescribed, in particular, the following medications are used: Imuran, Myelosan, in addition, Leukeran, Cyclophosphamide, as well as Aminopterin, Azathioprine, and also Mercaptopurine.

Cytostatics for pancreatitis

For diseases of the pancreas, in particular for pancreatitis, the use of cytostatics is also indicated, and the patient is also prescribed other pharmaceuticals. In particular, in severe cases of the disease, a person may be prescribed Fluorouracil. As a result, the medication is able to inhibit (suppress) the so-called excretory function of the pancreas.

Cytostatics - list of drugs for rheumatoid arthritis

For diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, use the following drugs, belonging to the cytostatics: Methotrexate, Arava, in addition, Cyclophosphamide, Remicade, Azathioprine, and also Cyclosporine.

Conclusion

The use of cytostatics should be carried out only after examining the patient and after consultation with the treating doctor.

Cytostatic agents. Cytostatics: what are they, list of drugs

Cytostatics- these are substances (included in some plants, capable of influencing the cell, stopping its division (reproduction) and further development.
The effect of cytostatics can affect not only tumor cells, but also healthy ones. This almost always occurs when powerful cytostatics are used. modern oncology. Unfortunately, this is the price one has to pay for the possibility of healing.

The effect of cytostatics on cancer and body cells

What cells are damaged primarily by cytostatics?
The first cells to be damaged by chemotherapy are those that rapidly and constantly divide. Under such conditions, the cell needs a lot of different substances for construction. Therefore, she grabs everything from the intercellular fluid surrounding her, including poison. Most easily, cytostatics can harm young and growing tumor cells, which are usually located on the periphery of the tumor node and also form metastases. In other words, most likely effect can be considered stopping the growth of the tumor and metastases, and not the destruction of the tumor as such.
Under the influence of cytostatics, they will fall as an inevitable victim. healthy cells organisms characterized by rapid division. Therefore, during chemotherapy, the following is observed: a decrease in the number of blood leukocytes, damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, hair loss, etc. The higher the concentration, the more damaging the effect of cytostatics is. active substance we give.

Cytostatics of plant origin: poisonous and non-poisonous plants

Both poisonous and non-poisonous plants are used as cytostatics. Poisonous plants have the most powerful and quick effect towards cancerous tumor. Non-poisonous plants can be taken in large doses for quite a long time without any adverse reactions. Poisons that require precise dosing are in most cases used in alcohol tinctures or in powders. While non-poisonous plants can be used in the form of teas and simple decoctions.
Poisonous plants, containing caryoclastic poisons, have been used in the treatment of cancer since ancient times. They gave rise to many modern chemotherapy agents.
Periwinkle became the basis for the preparation of rather old drugs vinblastine and vincristine and modern navelbine.
Drugs autumn colchicum are used less frequently and mainly for external forms of cancer.
One of the most modern chemotherapy drugs, Taxotere, is obtained from needles. yew.
The most effective plant cytostatics: Poisonous grappler, spotted hemlock, poisonous wekh, red fly agaric, meadow lumbago, twisted kirkazon, black hellebore, prince of Okhotsk, comfrey.

The principle of sufficient dose states, that only then can one count on expressed antitumor effect when enough has been created high concentration active substances of the plant in the blood.
Very low concentrations active substances plants, entering the human body and without having a direct damaging effect on tissue, cause certain changes in the immune system (namely, the formation of antibodies), which subsequently destroy cancer cells. Minimum concentration gives maximum effect.

Only then will cytostatics of plant origin effectively attack the tumor when their dose is high enough.

Site of action of plant-derived cytostatics against cancer

Delivery principle. The thyroid gland carries the lion's share of iodine entering the body. The lungs love silicon very much. Bones - calcium and phosphorus. It is clear that if poison is somehow attached to iodine, it will go straight into thyroid gland and will do there what we expect from him. This is what explains the specific effect of cocklebur on tumors of the thyroid gland, and knotweed and horsetail on the lungs.
The idea of the delivery principle is that for better penetration into a specific organ, you need to add any other plant to a poisonous plant, even a non-poisonous one, but so that it contains those substances and microelements that the organ loves.
So, in order to improve the delivery of the fighter to the lungs, you need to give it with horsetail or lungwort. And to bring hemlock to the bones (which it itself does not do), it would be nice to combine it with dandelion or comfrey. Many centuries ago, this principle was postulated in the Tibetan treatise “Chzhud-shi”. Moreover, the treatise precisely indicates the plants that are a guide in this or that case.
The “Chzhud-shi” indicates universal conductors used for cold pathology, which includes cancer. These are the heroes: prince, rhododendron, sea buckthorn and mineral remedy"tamed spar".
And the guides in the composition: skullcap, Saussurea costus, sage and gentian macrophylla - generally form the basis of all herbal compositions.

The principle of mitigating side effects. Each poisonous plant has its own spectrum of adverse reactions. Usually they are associated with selective defeat of one or another organ. For example, the turnip wrestler chooses the heart for toxic reactions, the fly agaric chooses the liver.
Therefore, it is advisable to simultaneously (with poisons) prescribe herbs that protect the suffering organs. So, together with the fighter it is good to prescribe hawthorn and mint, and with fly agaric - immortelle and calendula. The combined purpose of the poison and the covering plant does not at all mean that they are simultaneous use. It is better to separate their intake by a certain period of time, say, one hour. This is because tannins and gallic acid, found in many plants, can neutralize poisons when mixed together.

Dosage regimens for poisonous plants for cancer

Several dosage regimens can be distinguished alcohol extracts from poisonous plants. The choice of scheme in each specific case depends on the type of plant used; depending on the purpose (treatment of a malignant tumor, treatment benign tumor, anti-relapse postoperative treatment, prevention) the plant is used; on the severity of the patient’s condition and the presence of violations on his part internal organs; depending on the stage of treatment.

Constant dosing schedule

The simplest dosing of poisons is their administration in a constant, unchanged dose at certain intervals. For example, 10 drops three times a day before meals. That's all. No more and no less.
Advantages. When a person clearly knows what and how much, it is extremely difficult for him to make a mistake.
Flaw. This scheme is very rigid, inconvenient, there is no flexibility or individuality in treatment. So, when initially prescribing a certain number of drops to a patient, you need to be sure that this dose will be well tolerated from the very beginning. On the other hand, where is the guarantee that the chosen dose will be sufficient?
It seems that a constant dosing scheme is suitable when using plants that are not the most poisonous, or, conversely, very poisonous, with a low therapeutic range, and also in cases where there is no need to take high doses of the medicine. For example, in the treatment of benign neoplasms or in cases of prevention.
Dosing scheme "slide". The most popular. This scheme is very often used among people and is called a “slide”. There are different slides, but their meaning comes down to the same thing: a gradual increase and the same gradual decline doses.
For example, they start taking the medicine with one drop, adding one more every day. Upon reaching the maximum dose, such a systematic reduction begins. This is the practical essence of the slide.
Its pharmacological essence lies in the fact that a single (as well as the total daily) dose increases gradually.
With regard to poisons, this approach has been known for quite some time. Written sources report that King Mithridates VI Eupator (132 - 63 BC), fearing being poisoned, accustomed his body to poisons, taking them in increasing doses, starting with scanty ones.
The use of poisons in the form of a slide not only promotes a gradual increase in the therapeutic effect, but also prevents the occurrence of adverse reactions. This effect is deservedly called mithridatism.
Features of using the “slide” scheme. The first concept is “dose step”. The dose step is the amount by which the dose increases with a single addition. For example, today the patient takes one drop of tincture, and tomorrow he takes two, the day after tomorrow three. Therefore, the dose increment will be equal to the amount of poison contained in 1 drop.
Very important point! - dose increments will be different if used different concentrations tinctures, even if the application regimen is the same. For example, one patient takes a 10% tincture of wrestler, adding 1 drop per day, and another patient takes a 20% tincture according to the same regimen. This means that their dose increments will differ by exactly half.
The second concept is “dose plateau”. A dose plateau is a situation when, against the background of an initial increasing or decreasing change in dose, one switches to taking a constant dose.
For example, first the patient takes the tincture with one drop, adding one drop daily. Let's say he has reached 20 drops, and, starting from that day, he continues to take 20 drops throughout the entire course of treatment.
What is the practical value of these concepts? It's quite simple. These two points give the treatment its individuality.
For example, the choice of dose increments is largely dictated by the condition of a particular patient at a particular time in particular circumstances. If the patient is weakened, the dose increment will be small. It will also be small if the toxicity of the plant is significant. And vice versa, if the patient is strong enough, not exhausted by a tumor disease, and time is impatient, then the dose increment can be made larger.
The higher the dose, the more pronounced the antitumor effect. Therefore, ideally we need to give the patient the maximum dose of medication for as long as possible.
We cannot give such a dose right away; the patient will be poisoned. So it turns out that, counting on the effect of mithridatism, we give the patient minimum dose poison, which cannot in any way be considered medicinal. Gradually we increase it (slide) and finally reach what we need, or the maximum tolerated. This is where the dose plateau occurs.
It is clear that the dose plateau, as well as the dose step, will be different for each patient, depending on his individual characteristics.

Scheme of the "royal hill". Among the most common and popular are twenty-, fifteen- and ten-drop ascending-descending slides, as well as the scheme known as the “royal” one.
If the first of the listed schemes concern almost all plants, then the royal scheme relates almost exclusively to the use of hemlock and is associated with the name of Tishchenko.
Its main difference is that the tincture is taken not three times a day, as usual, but only once. But maximum dose at the peak of the slide is almost twice as high as with ordinary schemes.
The issue of frequency of administration is very important. How many times a day should you take the tincture? To answer this question, you need to understand the following thing. In order to healing effect was optimal, it is necessary that the concentration of the active substance of the plant in the area of the tumor, and therefore in the blood, be constant and high.
Plant substances(alkaloids, glycosides and others), getting from the gastrointestinal tract into the blood, do not circulate there indefinitely. Firstly, they do their work inside the tumor and are destroyed. Secondly, they are eliminated from the body quite quickly through urine, feces, and bile. Thirdly, they bind to proteins in the blood, forming inactive compounds.
Therefore, constant replenishment is needed. In this regard, a single dose during the day may be very controversial. After all, the concentration of poison in the blood will vary greatly throughout the day.

Standard scheme of a twenty-drop slide

Reception day

First appointment (before breakfast)

Second appointment (before lunch)

Third appointment (before dinner)

Reception day

First appointment (before breakfast)

Second appointment (before lunch)

Third meal (before dinner)

Non-toxic cytostatics of plant origin against cancer

As for dosing non-poisonous plants, everything is much simpler with them.
The predominant dosage form in this case is an aqueous decoction or steam. Non-poisonous plants are usually used as part of preparations, so the dose for preparing decoctions is usually standardized as 1 tbsp. mixture with top 200 ml of water.
It is quite difficult to determine the mechanism of the antitumor effect of such plants. Perhaps even more difficult than in the case of poisons.
Plants realize their effect due to the entire complex of substances included in their composition, which have not so much a cytostatic effect as a regulatory one.
Unlike poisonous plants, non-poisonous plants more clearly demonstrate the dependence of the therapeutic effect on the substances and microelements they contain - the suppliers. I have already given examples above (horsetail, common grass, cocklebur, and so on).
At the same time, the principle of a sufficient dose is less important for them. In other words, for poisons it is clearly visible that the more you give, the more powerful the therapeutic effect, then when prescribing, say, bedstraw, there is no difference whether the patient takes a decoction of a tablespoon per glass or two.
But regularity and duration of intake of non-poisonous plants are extremely important.
Examples of non-poisonous plants against cancer: Wormwood, large burdock, Baikal skullcap, tenacious and true bedstraw, agrimony, chaga, great plantain, cinquefoil, marsh grass, common hop, Saussurea loosestrife, calendula officinalis and many others.
Example effective scheme combinations of poisonous and non-poisonous plants.
As a combination of poisonous and non-poisonous plants, I consider it necessary to cite one rather popular scheme consisting of several plants. The authorship belongs to the Far Eastern herbalist M.V. Golyuk. Here is the diagram:
the first three days they drink infusion of bergenia (50 g of root per 350 ml of water, 2-3 teaspoons before meals), on the fourth day - tincture of celandine (100 g per 0.5 l of vodka, 2-3 teaspoons 3 times a day before meals), on the fifth and sixth days - tincture of Sophora japonica (50 g per 0.5 l of vodka, 30 drops 3 times a day before meals), the remaining three days - tincture of Eleutherococcus senticosus (100 g per 0.5 l of vodka, 1 teaspoon three times a day before meals). Peony tincture (maryin root, 50 g per 0.5 liter of vodka, 30-40 drops 3 times a day before meals) is drunk throughout the entire cycle.
Sometimes this scheme takes the form of a four-tincture - Japanese Sophora falls out. >>