Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. It has claimed millions of lives over the years, leaving behind families devastated and incurable.

However, with the advancement of science and technology, researchers have been working tirelessly to find a cure for cancer. Groundbreaking discoveries have been made, and groundbreaking treatment options have been identified. The use of wonder drugs, in particular, has been hailed as a game-changer in the fight against cancer.

What are Wonder Drugs?

Also known as targeted therapy or precision medicine, wonder drugs are a new line of cancer treatment that targets specific genes or proteins present within cancerous cells.

Unlike the traditional cancer treatments that attack both healthy and cancerous cells, wonder drugs only attack cancer cells, reducing the chance of side effects that come with other treatments. Wonder drugs are normally administered in the form of pills or injections and require no hospitalization, unlike chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

How do Wonder Drugs Work?

Wonder drugs work by targeting a specific gene or protein present in cancer cells, inducing them to stop growing and dividing.

As different types of cancers are caused by different gene mutations, it is essential to identify the specific genetic mutation of a given cancer to prescribe the correct wonder drug. Unlike traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which is often generalized and does not take into account the specific genetic makeup of an individual cancer patient, precision medicine dictates a more targeted approach.

Types of Wonder Drugs

There are various types of wonder drugs identified in the quest to cure cancer, and each class is prescribed to different types of cancers.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a new and exciting cancer treatment that works by allowing the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.

The therapy involves training T-cells (a type of white blood cells in our body responsible for fighting infections) to recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach is particularly useful in treating cancers that are resistant to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, such as lung cancer, lymphoma, and melanoma.

BRAF Inhibitors

BRAF inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy used to treat melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanoma is often linked to the BRAF gene mutation, and the inhibitor works by blocking the mutated gene, preventing further cancer growth.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors

Cancer cells require nutrients and oxygen to grow and divide. Angiogenesis inhibitors are given to stop the growth of new blood vessels within tumors, ultimately starving the cancerous cells of the nutrients they need to grow.

The therapy is commonly used in treating colorectal, lung, and kidney cancers.

PARP Inhibitors

PARP inhibitors are a type of cancer treatment that works by inhibiting the enzyme PARP, which cancer cells use to repair their genetic material. By stopping the cells’ ability to repair their genes, the drugs cause the cancer cells to die.

The therapy is commonly used in treating ovarian and breast cancers.

Side Effects of Wonder Drugs

While wonder drugs have revolutionized cancer treatment, they are not entirely risk-free. Many of these drugs come at a high cost, which is why they are not widely available around the world.

Additionally, some patients may still experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and dehydration. However, compared to the side effects of traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can lead to hair loss, mouth sores, and weakened immune system, the side effects of wonder drugs are mild and often bearable.

The Future of Wonder Drugs

Despite the many advancements made within the field of cancer treatment, cancer is still the second leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer research is vital and holds the key to finding a permanent cure for the disease.

In the next few years, it is expected that the use of wonder drugs will continue to increase, with more people benefiting from the targeted approach to treatment. However, the cost of the drugs remains a significant barrier to the widespread use of these drugs. Pharmaceutical companies must work towards developing more affordable wonder drugs that can reach more people and save more lives.

The Lifesaver

Wonder drugs are a testament to the endless possibilities of the human mind. They are not only miracle workers but also lifesavers for many cancer patients.

The cure for cancer may not be found just yet, but wonder drugs are providing significant breakthrough care for cancer patients. The drugs are proving to be an essential tool in the fight against cancer, and it is up to the medical community to build upon them to make cancer treatment more widely accessible.