Introduction
Cancer is one of the most feared and dreaded diseases because people do not fully know the causes, origins and interventions that guarantee full health. There is no known definite cure to the illness which is why people have to rely on the effects of anticancer prodrugs treatments. These medications are known to slow down or stop the process and keep the person healthy enough to withstand other types of interventions. Here are some guidelines.
History
Chemotherapy is the most popular treatment approach to cancer. The benefits of anticancer prodrugs treatments in this case revolve around attacking and destroying the cancer cells while speeding up the recovery of healthy ones. During chemotherapy, a number of medications will be introduced to attack the cancer cell's DNA. Cancer is described as the abnormal growth and spread of malignant cells that destroy healthy ones, ultimately disrupting the ability of systems and structures of the body to function properly. The DNA in particular is attacked by the chemo drugs to prevent the malignant cells from growing in number. Many of the drugs used in chemotherapy do not just target the malignant cells. Even the healthy ones are included which is why the therapy also involves waiting for the healthy ones to improve and heal. Chemotherapy is done in cycles to allow the healthy cells to recover. The benefits of anticancer prodrugs treatments stem from a number of medications like fluorouracil and methotrexate.
Features
Preventing the Spread
One of the main benefits of anticancer prodrugs treatments is stopping the development of the elements the create DNA like folic acid. These elements are naturally created inside the cells. When the drugs stop the process, the DNA cannot successfully form. The DNA of malignant cancer cells will not be able to build up so there is no new creation or division of harmful cells due to lack of nucleotides.
Another benefit of anticancer prodrugs treatments is the disruption of the spindle development among cells. The spindles are required for the cells to successfully divide and spread throughout the body. One cell will normally split into two to multiply. Without the building elements of DNA and the spindles, spread and development is halted.
The specific action of the cancer medications in attacking the RNA and DNA is to prevent further replication. The DNA and RNA are responsible for setting codes that will successfully replicate cells. If these are ineffective or damage, the process is hindered and cancer development is stopped. Drugs like cisplatin and hydroxyurea may be included for the action.
Based on Response
Chemotherapy of anticancer prodrugs treatments can be done depending on the severity and development of cancer and the response of the patient to treatment. The patient will be given enough time to recuperate and grow new healthy cells so that the next session will eradicate more malignant cells until the cancer is fully treated. Cycles can be done each week, every two weeks or every month, depending on how fast the patient can recover from the cell-damaging techniques.
