Chemotherapy's Impact on Cells: Mechanisms & Effects

Chemotherapy produces similar effects on swiftly replicating normal cells as it does on cancer cells. Different types of chemotherapeutic agents have specific effects according to their mode of action.

Alkaloids (Plant Derived Agents)

• Chemotherapy with alkaloid agents hinders cell division and mitosis by dislocating cell chromosome spindles.

Alkylating Agents

• Chemotherapy with alkylating agents obstructs normal cell division by binding to DNA, RNA and cell enzymes, thus stopping their normal procedures to control the cell production.

Antibiotics

• Chemotherapy with antibiotic agents impedes DNA formation, which disturbs cell actions and production.

Antimetabolites

• Chemotherapy using antimetabolite agents affects DNA synthesis by congesting reactions that supply essential cell precursors.

Hormones

• Chemotherapy using hormones as agents affects cell metabolism by shifting the hormonal equilibrium of the body, which may affect the cell membrane.