Eli5 How does Chemotherapy work? Does it increase the oxygen in cancer cells? How does that kill them?
In: 3
Let me give you a few real world examples.
Temozolmide is a drug that attacks DNA. It cases direct DNA damage by adding some extra atoms to the “G” in DNA (remember DNA consists of nucleotides abbreviated as A, T, G and C). Cancer cells are dividing fast, so they need to copy their DNA very often, but now they are also busy fixing the damage. This damage is very bad for them but temozolmide damages the normal cells DNA too, that’s why you have severe side effects.
Paclitaxel attacks an important protein that is used by the cell while cell division. This protein (called tubulin) has an important role in pulling apart the two dividing cells. Paclitaxel makes tubulin rigid so it cannot do it’s function and thus cells cannot divide. As cancer cells are fast dividing, they are badly affected, but all good cells suffer too. That causes side effects.
Actinomycin D is sticking to the DNA and doesn’t allow the DNA copying mechanisms work, like a roadblock. As cancer cells are dividing fast, the rest you know…
Actually quite many chemotherapeutic agents attack DNA somehow. Either direct damage to the DNA (so the cells are busy fixing) or blocking a process that is needed for DNA replication (so they cannot divide).
Latest Answers