Medication

• Platinum-based chemotherapy: The drugs Cisplatin® und Carboplatin® are referred to as the basis of chemotherapy. They are responsible for the cell death (Apoptosis), as it inhibits the DNA repairing qualities as well as the Telomerase (keeps the cell alive) of the dividing cell. In combination with Zytostatika this therapy form is currently the most effective.

• Mitomycin C: Mitomycin is an anti-biotic discovered in1958. Nowadays it is only used as a Zytostatica. It affects the DNA by combining the DNA strings covalent. The result is the death of the cell, as neither a transcription nor a replication of the DNA can take place.

• Vinblastine: Vinblastine is a mitotic inhibitor, influencing the spindles microtubule. The cell division is prevented. (Velbe®)
• Etoposide inhibits the topoisomerase II and therefore the cell division. A trade name is Vepesid®.
• Taxane: Taxane are based on taxus extracts. During the cell division the active agent attaches to the microtubule and in the course stops the cell from dividing. Taxane are given intravenously. The two taxane drugs out on the market are Docetaxel (Taxotere®) and Paclitaxel (Taxol®).
• Vinorelbine also acts as a mitotic inhibitor. The side-effects are not as strong compared to other Zytostatika.
• Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog (part of the DNA). The cell death is achieved by interrupting the DNA-synthesis, which is accomplished by inserting gemicitabine into the DNA instead of cytidine. (Gemzar®)
• Cyclophpsphamide: This drug is given intravenously but only enfolds its effect after passing through the liver. Enzyms in the liver activate the agent. Only then can the active agent break down the cancer cells' DNA strings and thereby kill the cell. (Cytoxan®)
• Anthracycline attach to the topoisomerase II and thus stops the cell division. Idarubicin (Idamycin®), Doxarubicin (Adriamycin®)
• Topotecan: This topoisomerase inhibitor is only effective during the cell division itself and therefore only with fast dividing cells.
• Bendamustine: This drug is alkylating on the DNA, which destroys the DNA strings. The cell consequently dies. (Ribomustin®)