Cancer, as we all know, is one of the deadliest diseases on earth. And it is not just one disease; there are more than 100 different types of cancer, and each requires a unique treatment strategy.

Even with all the advancements in medical science, cancer remains a major health concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone.

Cancer treatment has come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days when surgery and radiation were the only options.

Today, there are numerous drugs available for cancer treatment, and they are playing a more significant role than ever in beating cancer. In this article, we will discuss some widely used and highly effective cancer-beating drugs.

Imatinib (Gleevec)

Gleevec, also known as Imatinib, is a targeted therapy drug used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and stomach cancer. It is one of the first drugs developed for targeted cancer therapy.

Imatinib works by targeting a specific protein known as BCR-ABL, which is produced by the abnormal gene responsible for CML. The drug, therefore, inhibits the growth of cancer cells by blocking the action of the BCR-ABL protein. Gleevec has shown remarkable success in treating CML, and many patients have been able to resume a normal life because of it.

Trastuzumab (Herceptin)

Trastuzumab, commonly known as Herceptin, is a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat breast cancer. It works by targeting the HER2 protein that is produced excessively in some breast cancer cells.

By inhibiting the action of this protein, Herceptin stops the growth and spread of cancer cells. Herceptin is commonly used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, and it has been shown to be highly effective in treating this type of cancer.

The drug is administered intravenously, and it has been known to have minor side effects such as nausea and fatigue.

Rituximab (Rituxan)

Rituximab, also known as Rituxan, is a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and rheumatoid arthritis.

It works by targeting a specific protein known as CD20, which is found on the surface of certain immune cells responsible for B-cell lymphoma. By binding to CD20, Rituximab destroys the cells, thus halting the progression of cancer.

Rituximab has been shown to be highly effective in treating various types of lymphoma, and it is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to increase the chances of success.

Cetuximab (Erbitux)

Cetuximab, commonly known as Erbitux, is a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer. It works by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein found on the surface of some cancer cells.

By inhibiting the action of EGFR, Cetuximab halts the growth and division of cancer cells. Cetuximab is often used in combination with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. The drug has been known to have side effects such as rash and diarrhea, but they are usually mild and manageable.

Docetaxel (Taxotere)

Docetaxel, also known as Taxotere, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.

It works by inhibiting the division of cancer cells, thus preventing them from growing and spreading. Docetaxel is known to be highly effective in treating breast cancer, and it is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to increase its effectiveness.

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The drug is administered intravenously and may have side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.

Paclitaxel (Taxol)

Paclitaxel, also known as Taxol, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer.

Similar to Docetaxel, Paclitaxel works by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells by stopping them from dividing. Paclitaxel is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The drug is administered intravenously, and common side effects may include hair loss, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy.

Erlotinib (Tarceva)

Erlotinib, commonly known as Tarceva, is a targeted therapy drug used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

It works by targeting a specific protein known as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overactive in some cancer cells. By inhibiting the action of EGFR, Erlotinib prevents the growth and spread of cancer cells. Tarceva is often used in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

The drug has been known to cause skin rash and diarrhea as side effects, but these are usually manageable.

Bortezomib (Velcade)

Bortezomib, commonly known as Velcade, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. It works by inhibiting the proteasome, which is a cellular structure that breaks down proteins.

By inhibiting the proteasome, Bortezomib stops the growth of cancer cells, leading to their death. Bortezomib is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to increase its effectiveness. The drug is administered intravenously, and common side effects may include fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and diarrhea.

Gemcitabine (Gemzar)

Gemcitabine, commonly known as Gemzar, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. It works by inhibiting the division of cancer cells, thus preventing their growth and spread.

Gemcitabine is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to increase its effectiveness. The drug is administered intravenously, and common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

Pembrolizumab, commonly known as Keytruda, is a type of immunotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer.

It works by activating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Pembrolizumab is often used in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer who have failed standard treatments. The drug is administered intravenously, and common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.

The Future: Cancer-Beating Drugs

Cancer research continues to evolve at an incredible pace, and scientists are discovering new drugs and treatment strategies to fight the disease.

Fortunately, the outlook for cancer patients continues to improve as more and more effective drugs become available. However, it is essential to note that cancer treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient is unique, and treatment must be tailored to their specific needs.

If you or someone you know is fighting cancer, it is essential to talk to your doctor about all the available treatment options. With the right treatment strategy, cancer can be beaten.