Key Finding: Global Quality Concerns
- A major investigation found that widely used cancer drugs, shipped to over 100 countries, had failed quality tests.
- Raises urgent concerns about the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatment worldwide.
Relevance : GS 2(Health ,Governance) ,GS 3(Science)
Understanding Chemotherapy
- Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth due to gene mutations.
- Chemotherapy drugs work by disrupting DNA synthesis or function, inhibiting cancer cell replication.
- Goal: Target cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells.
Common Chemotherapy Drugs and Their Profiles
1. Cisplatin
- Mechanism: Binds to and damages DNA in cancer cells.
- Used for: Testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers.
- Side Effects:
- Kidney damage
- Nausea
- Hearing loss
- Immune suppression
2. Oxaliplatin
- Similar to: Cisplatin (also platinum-based).
- Used for: Advanced colorectal cancer, especially post-surgery.
- Side Effects: Comparable to cisplatin (kidney, immune system issues).
3. Cyclophosphamide
- Used for: Breast cancer, leukemia, sarcoma, lymphoma.
- Mechanism: Disrupts DNA and suppresses immune system.
- Side Effects:
- Drop in white blood cells
- Bladder inflammation
- Increased infection risk
4. Doxorubicin
- Derived from Streptomyces bacteria; originally studied as an antibiotic.
- Used for: Breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma.
- Mechanism: Interferes with DNA replication.
- Side Effects:
- Heart damage
- Hair loss
- Increased infection risk
5. Methotrexate
- Used for: Leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumors.
- Mechanism: Inhibits DNA synthesis by blocking folate metabolism.
- Side Effects:
- Bone marrow suppression
- Requires leucovorin rescue therapy to protect healthy cells
6. Leucovorin (Folinic Acid)
- Not a chemo drug, but a supportive agent used to:
- Reduce toxicity of methotrexate
- Enhance effects of other chemotherapy regimens
Common Severe Side Effects Across Drugs
- Kidney and heart damage
- Immune system suppression
- Hair loss, skin changes
- Bladder irritation, hearing loss
- Increased vulnerability to infection
Conclusion
- Chemotherapy drugs are life-saving but highly toxic, requiring strict quality control.
- The investigation exposes a critical gap in global pharmaceutical regulation.
- Emphasizes the need for strengthened drug safety standards and better oversight, especially in low- and middle-income countries where these drugs are widely distributed.
