|  | | | Alkylating agents
Anti-leukaemic drugs which interact with genetic material (DNA) in such a way as to prevent division of the cells. Drugs of this type include busulphan, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, melphalan.
Allopurinol
This is a drug which prevents build-up of uric acid (produced by breakdown of proteins when cells are killed). Large quantities of uric acid in the blood lead to crystal deposits in joints - this is the cause of gout or can lead to kidney damage.
Anthracyclines
Drugs which are used in leukaemia therapy to prevent cell division by disrupting the structure of the DNA. Drugs of this type include buridazone, daunorubicin, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), epirubicin, and idarubicin.
Antibiotics
Drugs which kill or stop the growth of bacteria, for example penicillin.
Anti-emetic
A drug to prevent or alleviate the nausea and vomiting which sometimes occur as side-effects of chemotherapy. Drugs of this type include metoclopramide (Maxolon), ondansetron, Zofran.
Antilymphocyte globulin
Antibodies which attach to and destroy lymphocytes. They may be used clinically by injection into a vein, for example in aplastic anaemia. One form, called antithymocyte globulin, acts specifically against T-cells.
Antimetabolites
A group of anti-cancer drugs which prevent cells growing and dividing by blocking the chemical reactions required in the cell to produce DNA. Drugs of this type include 6- mercaptopurine, azathioprine, thioguanine, methotrexate.
Bisphosphonate
A group of drugs used in multiple myeloma which do not affect the disease directly but reduce the bone damage and associated pain.
Chemotherapy
Treatment using anti-cancer drugs. These may be used singly or in combination to kill or prevent the growth and division of cells. Although aimed at the cancer cells, chemotherapy will also unavoidably affect rapidly dividing normal cells such as in the hair and gut causing hair loss and nausea, which are usually temporary and reversible.
Corticosteroids (steroids)
A group of synthetic hormones including prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone used in the treatment of some leukaemias and myeloma. Also used to suppress graft rejection and graft versus host disease following a stem cell transplant. Side-effects include an increased risk of infection, rise in blood pressure, peptic ulcers, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis.
Cyclosporin
A A drug used to prevent and treat rejection and graft versus host disease in transplant patients by suppressing their normal immune system.
Cytotoxic drugs
Anti-cancer drugs which act by killing or preventing the division of cells.
Diuretic
A drug to stimulate the excretion of urine by the kidneys. May be used during chemotherapy to ensure the excretion of anti-cancer drugs.
Folic acid antagonist
A chemical which inhibits a cell's capacity to use folic acid and so prevent cell division, for example methotrexate.
Gamma globulin
A concentrated solution of antibody given through a vein to fight infections, e.g. measles in patients with low resistance.
Interferons
A family of proteins derived from human cells that are involved in fighting viral infections. They are now available as products of genetic engineering for use in the treatment of a number of leukaemias and leukaemia related diseases including hairy cell leukaemia, and multiple myeloma.
Vinca alkaloid </
Anti-cancer drugs originally derived from vinca (periwinkle) plants. Drugs of this type include vincristine and vinblastine.
Zig (zoster immune globulin)
Gamma globulin against the chicken pox virus which can be given to an immunosuppressed patient following direct contact with the disease to prevent infection. |
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