Cancer Drugs

Comprehensive guide to medications used in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care across all cancer types

Understanding Cancer Medications

Cancer treatment has evolved significantly with the development of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and precision medicine approaches. This comprehensive guide covers the most commonly used cancer drugs categorized by cancer type and treatment approach, helping patients and caregivers understand the various treatment options available.

1. General Cancer Treatments (Multiple Cancer Types)

These medications are used across many different types of cancer:

Chemotherapy

Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Gemcitabine, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)

Targeted Therapy

Bevacizumab (Avastin), Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), Nivolumab (Opdivo)

Supportive Care

Filgrastim (Neupogen), Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta), Ondansetron (Zofran) for nausea
2. Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy

Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel

Targeted Therapy

Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab, T-DM1, Lapatinib

Hormone Therapy

Tamoxifen, Letrozole, Anastrozole, Exemestane, Fulvestrant

Immunotherapy

Atezolizumab (in triple-negative cases)
3. Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy

Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel, Pemetrexed, Gemcitabine

Targeted Therapy

Erlotinib, Gefitinib, Osimertinib, Crizotinib, Alectinib

Immunotherapy

Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Durvalumab

Small Cell Lung Cancer

Etoposide + Cisplatin/Carboplatin
4. Prostate Cancer

Hormone Therapy

Leuprolide, Goserelin, Degarelix, Abiraterone, Enzalutamide

Chemotherapy

Docetaxel, Cabazitaxel

Radiopharmaceuticals

Radium-223

Targeted Therapy

Olaparib (PARP inhibitor for BRCA mutations)
5. Colorectal Cancer

Chemotherapy

5-FU, Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan

Targeted Therapy

Bevacizumab, Cetuximab, Panitumumab

Immunotherapy

Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab (for MSI-H tumors)
6. Blood Cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma)

Leukemia

Imatinib (CML), Dasatinib, Nilotinib, Cytarabine, Methotrexate

Lymphoma

R-CHOP regimen (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone)

Multiple Myeloma

Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, Carfilzomib, Daratumumab
7. Head & Neck Cancers

Chemotherapy

Cisplatin, Carboplatin, 5-FU, Paclitaxel

Targeted Therapy

Cetuximab

Immunotherapy

Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab
8. Gynecologic Cancers (Ovarian, Cervical, Uterine)

Ovarian Cancer

Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Bevacizumab, Olaparib

Cervical Cancer

Cisplatin, Paclitaxel, Bevacizumab, Pembrolizumab

Uterine Cancer

Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Lenvatinib + Pembrolizumab
9. Pediatric Cancers

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Vincristine, Methotrexate, Dexamethasone, Pegaspargase

Neuroblastoma

Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin, Topotecan

Wilms Tumor

Vincristine, Dactinomycin, Doxorubicin
10. Palliative & Supportive Care

Pain Control

Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl patches

Bone Strength

Zoledronic acid, Denosumab

Nausea/Vomiting

Ondansetron, Aprepitant

Anemia

Epoetin alfa, Darbepoetin alfa

Important Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your oncologist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Treatment plans are individualized based on cancer type, stage, patient health, and other factors. Drug names may include both generic and brand names for reference.