All of these are antimetabolites (cytotoxic) except:
- a- Methotrexate.
- b- Cytarabin.
- c- Azathioprine.
- d- Mercaptopurine.
- e- Fluorouracil.
- f- Cyclophosphamide.***
What is cyclophosphamide?
Cyclophosphamide is actually considered an alkylating agent, not an antimetabolite. Alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide work by attaching alkyl groups to DNA strands, which interferes with DNA replication and leads to cell death. Antimetabolites, on the other hand, are a different class of cytotoxic drugs that interfere with the normal metabolic processes of cells.
antimetabolites:
Examples of antimetabolites include:
- Methotrexate:
Methotrexate inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, which is involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. By inhibiting this enzyme, methotrexate disrupts the production of nucleotides and inhibits cell proliferation.
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU):
5-FU interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA by inhibiting the enzyme thymidylate synthase. It is commonly used in the treatment of various cancers, including colorectal, breast, and head and neck cancers.
- Cytarabine (ara-C):
Cytarabine is a pyrimidine analog that incorporates into DNA and inhibits DNA synthesis. It is frequently used in the treatment of hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia.
- Gemcitabine:
Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that is incorporated into DNA during replication, leading to chain termination and inhibition of DNA synthesis. It is used in the treatment of various solid tumors, including pancreatic, lung, and bladder cancers.
- 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP):
6-MP is a purine analog that interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It is used in the treatment of leukemia and certain autoimmune disorders.
These are examples of cytotoxic drugs classified as antimetabolites, which act by disrupting the normal cellular metabolic pathways.
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pharmacology