Blog Details

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and India is no exception. The prevalence of cancer in India has been steadily increasing, with millions of new cases being diagnosed each year. 

However, advancements in medical science have led to the development of various anticancer drugs that have significantly improved the prognosis and quality of life for cancer patients. This blog will explore the top 10 anticancer drugs in India that are used to treat some of the most prevalent cancers in the country.

1. Imatinib

Cancer Types:

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)

Overview: Imatinib Mesylate, marketed under the brand name Gleevec, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has revolutionized the treatment of CML and GIST. By specifically targeting the BCR-ABL fusion protein in CML cells, Imatinib inhibits their proliferation, leading to remission in a significant number of patients.

Impact: The introduction of Imatinib has transformed CML from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition, allowing patients to lead relatively normal lives.

2. Dactinomycin

Cancer Types:

• Metastatic Melanoma
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer 
• Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
• Gastric Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer

Overview: Generally, the actinomycins exert an inhibitory effect on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and on some fungi.

Good evidence exists that this drug bind strongly, but reversibly, to DNA, interfering with synthesis of RNA (prevention of RNA polymerase elongation) and, consequently, with protein synthesis.

Impact: Pembrolizumab is a highly selective IgG4-kappa humanized monoclonal antibody against PD-1 receptors.

3. Carboplatin Injection

Cancer Types:

• Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma 

Overview: Carboplatin is an alkylating agent used to treat advanced ovarian cancer. Carboplatin is indicated in combination with an established combination of chemotherapeutic agents for the initial treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma.

Impact: Carboplatin is an organoplatinum antineoplastic alkylating agent used in the treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma.

4. Docetaxel

Cancer Types:

• Breast Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Overview: Docetaxel, marketed as Taxotere, is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to the taxane class. It works by inhibiting microtubule depolymerization, which disrupts cell division and induces apoptosis in cancer cells.

Impact: Docetaxel is a critical component of treatment regimens for multiple cancers, significantly improving survival rates, particularly in metastatic breast and prostate cancers.

5. Capecitabine

Cancer Types:

• Colorectal Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Gastric Cancer

Overview: Capecitabine, sold under the brand name Xeloda, is an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). It is converted into 5-FU in the body, where it inhibits DNA synthesis and induces cell death in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Impact: Capecitabine offers the convenience of oral administration and has been shown to be effective in treating various cancers, either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs.

6. Erlotinib

Cancer Types:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
• Pancreatic Cancer

Overview: Erlotinib, marketed as Tarceva, is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks the EGFR pathway, which is often overactive in certain cancers, leading to inhibited tumor growth and increased apoptosis.

Impact: Erlotinib has improved progression-free survival in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and is also used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

7. Letrozole

Cancer Types:

• Breast Cancer (Postmenopausal women)

Overview: Letrozole, known by the brand name Femara, is an aromatase inhibitor used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It works by reducing estrogen levels in the body, which helps slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors.

Impact: Letrozole is highly effective in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women and is a standard treatment in adjuvant and metastatic settings.

8. Doxorubicin Liquid Injection

Cancer Types:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
• Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia
• Metastatic Breast Cancer
• Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Metastatic Gastric Carcinoma

Overview: Doxorubicin is a cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic isolated from cultures of Streptomyces peucetius var. caesius alongside daunorubicin, another cytotoxic agent.

It is generally thought to exert its antitumor effect by destabilizing DNA structures through intercalation, thus introducing DNA strand breakages and damages

Impact: Doxorubicin is indicated for the treatment of neoplastic conditions like acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metastatic breast cancer, metastatic Wilms’ tumor, metastatic neuroblastoma, metastatic soft tissue and bone sarcomas, metastatic ovarian carcinoma, metastatic transitional cell bladder carcinoma, metastatic thyroid carcinoma, metastatic gastric carcinoma, and metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma.

9. Tamoxifen

Cancer Types:

• Breast Cancer (Hormone receptor-positive)

Overview: Tamoxifen, sold under the brand name Nolvadex, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It binds to estrogen receptors on cancer cells, preventing estrogen from stimulating tumor growth.

Impact: Tamoxifen has been a mainstay in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer for decades, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence and improving survival rates.

10. Cyclophosphamide

Cancer Types:

• Breast Cancer
• Lymphomas
• Leukemias

Overview: Cyclophosphamide, marketed as Cytoxan, is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of various cancers. It works by cross-linking DNA strands, leading to cell death.

Impact: Cyclophosphamide is a versatile chemotherapy drug that is effective in a wide range of cancers, often used as part of combination regimens to enhance treatment efficacy.

Conclusion

The development and availability of these top 10 anticancer drugs in India have significantly improved the management and outcomes of various prevalent cancers. These drugs represent a mix of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and traditional chemotherapies, each playing a crucial role in the fight against cancer by Ellia Cytocare. With ongoing research and advancements in cancer treatment, the future looks promising for patients battling this formidable disease.

As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers to stay informed about the latest treatment options and their potential benefits. Access to these life-saving drugs, coupled with early detection and appropriate medical care, can make a substantial difference in the lives of cancer patients across India.