Cytostatic Agents

Cytostatic drugs (cytostatics) are a group of drugs used to treat cancer. They suppress the growth and division of tumor cells, preventing their uncontrolled proliferation.

The mechanism of action of cytostatics is based on the effect on the cell cycle of malignant cells. The drugs block the division of cancer cells at different phases of the cell cycle, thereby stopping their proliferation.

Cytostatics are classified according to their mechanism of action, chemical structure and origin.

The main groups of cytostatic drugs include:

1. Alkylating agents
2. Antimetabolites
3. Antibiotics
4. Plant alkaloids
5. Hormonal agents

Cytostatics are widely used to treat leukemia, lymphomas, breast, ovarian, lung and other malignant tumors. They can be prescribed either as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer drugs.

However, along with the therapeutic effect, cytostatics have severe toxicity and can cause serious adverse reactions, which requires careful dosage selection and regular monitoring of the patient's condition.