Understanding Cancer Treatment Drugs
Cancer treatment has evolved dramatically over the past decades, with new drugs offering more targeted and effective approaches. Our comprehensive drug monographs explain how each medication works, what to expect during treatment, how to manage side effects, and important safety information.
Each drug guide includes mechanism of action, dosing schedules, side effect profiles, drug interactions, monitoring requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions. All information is evidence-based and regularly updated.
Immunotherapy
Drugs that harness the immune system to fight cancer
Pembrolizumab
Checkpoint inhibitor for melanoma, lung cancer, and many other tumor types. Blocks PD-1 to unleash immune response.
Learn More →Nivolumab
Anti-PD-1 antibody for melanoma, lung, kidney, and other cancers. Similar mechanism to pembrolizumab with different approvals.
Learn More →Targeted Therapy
Drugs that target specific proteins or pathways in cancer cells
Bevacizumab
Blocks blood vessel formation to starve tumors. Used for colorectal, lung, brain, kidney, and other cancers.
Learn More →Rituximab
Targets CD20 on B-cells for lymphoma and leukemia. Revolutionized lymphoma treatment with R-CHOP regimen.
Learn More →Trastuzumab
Targets HER2 on breast and stomach cancers. Needs a positive HER2 test and regular heart (echo/MUGA) checks.
Learn More →Pertuzumab
Given with trastuzumab and chemo for HER2-positive breast cancer to block HER2 signalling more completely.
Learn More →Palbociclib
Oral tablet combined with hormone therapy for HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
Learn More →Sorafenib
Oral targeted drug for liver, kidney and thyroid cancer. Hand-foot skin reaction is the key side effect.
Learn More →Hormone Therapy
Drugs that block or lower hormones that fuel HR-positive breast cancer. See the hormone therapy guide.
Tamoxifen
Blocks estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells. Used before and after menopause, usually for 5-10 years.
Learn More →Letrozole
Daily tablet that lowers estrogen after menopause. Joint aches and bone thinning are common side effects.
Learn More →Anastrozole
Non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor for postmenopausal HR-positive breast cancer.
Learn More →Exemestane
Steroidal aromatase inhibitor, often used after tamoxifen or when other AIs are not tolerated.
Learn More →Fulvestrant
Monthly injection that breaks down estrogen receptors, used for advanced HR-positive breast cancer.
Learn More →Supportive Care
Medicines that help you get through treatment safely
Filgrastim
Daily injection that boosts white blood cells after chemo to lower the risk of neutropenic infection.
Learn More →Pegfilgrastim
Long-acting single injection given once per chemo cycle to lower the risk of neutropenic infection.
Learn More →Chemotherapy - Other Classic Agents
Widely used drugs for blood cancers, lung, testicular and breast cancers
Etoposide
Used in lung and testicular cancers. Blood counts usually reach their lowest point about 1 to 2 weeks after treatment.
Learn More →Cyclophosphamide
Used in breast cancer, lymphoma and leukemia. Drinking fluids helps protect the bladder.
Learn More →Methotrexate
Used in leukemia and lymphoma, often with leucovorin rescue at high doses.
Learn More →Chemotherapy - Platinum Agents
Platinum-based drugs that damage DNA to kill cancer cells
Cisplatin
Cornerstone of many regimens for testicular, lung, bladder, and other cancers. Requires aggressive hydration.
Learn More →Carboplatin
Similar to cisplatin but less kidney toxic. Used for ovarian, lung, and other cancers.
Learn More →Oxaliplatin
Part of FOLFOX regimen for colorectal cancer. Unique cold-induced peripheral neuropathy side effect.
Learn More →Chemotherapy - Taxanes
Microtubule inhibitors that prevent cell division
Paclitaxel
Widely used for breast, ovarian, and lung cancers. Stabilizes microtubules to block cell division.
Learn More →Docetaxel
More potent than paclitaxel. Used for breast, lung, prostate, and gastric cancers. Requires steroid premedication.
Learn More →Chemotherapy - Antimetabolites
Drugs that interfere with DNA/RNA synthesis
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Backbone of many regimens for colorectal and GI cancers. Usually given as continuous IV infusion.
Learn More →Capecitabine
Oral chemotherapy that converts to 5-FU in the body. Key side effect: hand-foot syndrome.
Learn More →Gemcitabine
Standard for pancreatic cancer. Also used for lung, bladder, and ovarian cancers.
Learn More →Chemotherapy - Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Drugs that interfere with DNA replication enzymes
Irinotecan
Part of FOLFIRI for colorectal cancer and FOLFIRINOX for pancreatic cancer. Two types of diarrhea require different management.
Learn More →Chemotherapy - Anthracyclines
Potent drugs that intercalate DNA and generate free radicals
Doxorubicin
One of the most effective chemotherapy drugs. Used for breast cancer, lymphoma, sarcoma. Monitor for heart toxicity.
Learn More →Chemotherapy - Alkylating Agents
Drugs that directly damage DNA through alkylation
Temozolomide
Oral chemotherapy for glioblastoma and brain tumors. Crosses blood-brain barrier. MGMT methylation predicts response.
Learn More →Drug Database Statistics
17 drugs currently in database with comprehensive monographs
6 drug classes represented: immunotherapy, targeted therapy, platinum agents, taxanes, antimetabolites, and more
Regularly updated with latest FDA approvals, clinical trial data, and treatment guidelines