An Update on Alkylating Agents in Breast Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Alkylating agents, characterized by their ability to bind to and modify DNA, have shown promising impacts on breast cancer patients in clinical trials across various stages and phases. This research, utilizing data from the National Library of Medicine's clinicaltrials.gov, investigates the efficacy of these drugs in breast cancer treatment. The study focuses on cyclophosphamide, an alkylating agent that prevents cancer cell DNA replication, and its synergistic effects when combined with other medications such as docetaxel, a taxane that suppresses cell division. Results indicate that these combination therapies may enhance treatment efficacy and improve outcomes. The research highlights the widespread use of alkylating agents in clinical studies for breast cancer, a disease affecting over a million people annually in India alone. Commonly used alkylating drugs for breast cancer treatment include carmustine, chlorambucil, and cyclophosphamide. These agents have shown effectiveness in treating metastatic breast cancer and reducing the risk of recurrence, underscoring their significant role in breast cancer therapy.

Keywords: alkylating agents; breast cancer; cyclophosphamide.