Common Cancer Drugs, Their Uses and Severe Side Effects

27 Jun 2025 GS 3 Science & Technology

Context: A major investigation has revealed that many widely used cancer drugs shipped globally have failed quality tests. The report focused on six key chemotherapy drugs commonly used in cancer treatment:

1. Cisplatin

  • Type: Platinum-based chemotherapy.

  • Used for: Testicular, ovarian, bladder, and certain lung cancers.

  • Mechanism: Binds to cancer cell DNA, stopping replication.

  • Severe Side Effects:

    • Nausea

    • Kidney damage

    • Hearing loss

    • Bone marrow suppression (weakened immunity)

2. Oxaliplatin

  • Type: Platinum-based, like cisplatin.

  • Used for: Advanced colorectal cancer, especially post-surgery.

  • Mechanism: DNA damage in cancer cells.

  • Severe Side Effects: Similar to cisplatin.

3. Cyclophosphamide

  • Used for: Breast cancer, leukemia, sarcoma, lymphoma.

  • Mechanism: Disrupts DNA replication.

  • Severe Side Effects:

    • Immune suppression (reduced white blood cells)

    • Bladder inflammation and pain during urination

4. Doxorubicin

  • Nickname: “Red devil” (due to colour and toxicity)

  • Used for: Breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma.

  • Mechanism: Interferes with DNA replication.

  • Severe Side Effects:

    • Heart damage

    • Hair loss

    • Skin changes

    • Increased infection risk

5. Methotrexate

  • Used for: Leukemia, lymphoma, various tumors.

  • Mechanism: Blocks DNA synthesis by inhibiting key enzymes.

  • Severe Side Effects:

    • Toxic to healthy cells unless balanced by leucovorin

6. Leucovorin

  • Type: Not a chemotherapy drug; vitamin B9 derivative.

  • Used for: Protecting healthy cells from methotrexate toxicity.

  • Function: Reduces methotrexate side effects.

Despite their critical role in cancer treatment, these drugs have faced quality control failures in global supply chains, raising safety concerns for patients in over 100 countries.


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