In: Nursing
a) Alkylating Drugs mechanism of Action
b) Alkylating Drugs Indications
c) Alkylating Drugs Contraindications
Alkylating agents are group of antineoplastic drugs , used for treatment of cancer. The main groups are nitrogen mustards, alkyl sulfonates, nitrosoureas, triazines, and ethylenimines.
a) Alkylating Drugs mechanism of action.
Alkylating agents stop the abnormal multiplication of the cancer cells by preventing the cross link within DNA chanis. They substitute analkyl group to the base of the DNA molecule for hydrogen atoms, preventing the strands of the double helix from linking and leads to break of the DNA strands. This eventually kills the rapid growing cancer cells in the body by inhibition of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and the triggering of programmed cell death (apoptosis).
b) Alkylating Drugs Indications
Treatment of various types of cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, leukemias, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. These drugs are useful in treatment of slow progressing type of cancer.
c) Alkylating Drugs Contraindications
Pregnancy and lactation, known allergic to alkylating drugs, hepatic or renal impairment, and bone marrow suppression.