Oncology Drugs Mechanism of Action

asparaginase

Hydrolysis of L asparagine, leukemic cells have no asparagine supply

purine analogs

Interfere with adenine and guanine interrupting DNA synthesis

methotrexate

Competitively inhibits dihydrofolate reductase and DNA/RNA synthesis

pyrimidine analogs

Interfere with thymidine, cytosine and uracil interrupting RNA and DNA synthesis

topoisomerase inhibitors

Leads to supercoiling and DNA strand breaks

antitumor antibiotics

Cleaves DNA by generating free radicals that damage nucleosides

vinca alkaloids

Bind to beta tubulin blocking microtubule formation and cell mitosis

taxanes

Bind to beta subunit promoting microtubule formation and preventing disassembly

alkylating agents

Cause DNA damage by forming cross bridges and preventing uncoiling of DNA

monoclonal antibodies

Bind to receptors or ligands and interrupt normal signal transduction

small molecule inhibitors

Interrupt cellular signaling, ex. tyrosine kinase inhibitors

mTOR inhibitors

Interrupt cellular signaling, ex. serine/threonine kinase inhibitors

checkpoint inhibitors

Inhibit cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4

SERMs

Competitive inhibitor of estradiol binding to estrogen receptor

aromatase inhibitors

Reduce the synthesis of estrogens from androgenic precursors

anti-androgens

Competitively inhibit the binding of testosterone