1. Cisplatin
Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used to treat various cancers, including lung, bladder, ovarian, and testicular cancer. It works by interfering with DNA replication in cancer cells, causing them to die.
Benefits:
- Effective against multiple cancer types
- Used in combination therapies
- Improves survival rates in advanced-stage cancers
2. Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Doxorubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells by inhibiting DNA synthesis. It is commonly used for breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.
Benefits:
- Highly effective for aggressive cancers
- Used in chemotherapy regimens like CHOP for lymphoma
- Can be combined with other drugs for better outcomes
3. Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Paclitaxel is a plant-based chemotherapy injection that prevents cancer cell division. It is commonly used for breast, ovarian, and lung cancer. link
Benefits:
- Effective for various solid tumors
- Slows cancer growth
- Improves response to treatment in combination therapy
4. Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
Trastuzumab is a targeted therapy injection for HER2-positive breast and stomach cancer. It works by blocking HER2 receptors that promote cancer cell growth.
Benefits:
- Specifically targets cancer cells, sparing healthy cells
- Improves survival rates in breast cancer
- Used in adjuvant and metastatic settings
5. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy injection that blocks the PD-1 protein, allowing the immune system to attack cancer cells. It is used for melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancers.
Benefits:
- Boosts immune response against cancer
- Effective for advanced-stage cancers
- Fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy
6. Nivolumab (Opdivo)
Nivolumab is another PD-1 inhibitor that enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. It is used for lung cancer, kidney cancer, and melanoma.
Benefits:
- Increases overall survival rates
- Works well in combination with other treatments
- Approved for various cancer types
7. Bevacizumab (Avastin)
Bevacizumab is an anti-angiogenesis injection that prevents blood vessel formation in tumors, starving them of nutrients. It is used for colorectal, lung, and kidney cancers.
Benefits:
- Slows tumor growth by cutting off blood supply
- Enhances effectiveness of chemotherapy
- Used for recurrent or resistant cancers
8. Ipilimumab (Yervoy)
Ipilimumab is a CTLA-4 inhibitor that enhances the immune system’s attack on cancer cells. It is primarily used for melanoma.
Benefits:
- Prolongs survival in advanced melanoma
- Can be combined with nivolumab for better outcomes
- Improves long-term immune memory against cancer
9. Etoposide (VP-16)
Etoposide is a chemotherapy injection that prevents cancer cells from dividing. It is commonly used for lung cancer, testicular cancer, and leukemia.
Benefits:
- Effective against fast-growing cancers
- Often used in combination therapy
- Can be administered in high doses for aggressive cancers
10. Bortezomib (Velcade)
Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. It blocks cancer cells’ ability to break down proteins, causing them to die.
Benefits:
- Improves survival rates in blood cancers
- Works well with other treatments
- Helps slow disease progression
Conclusion
Cancer injections have revolutionized treatment, offering hope and improved survival rates for patients worldwide. From chemotherapy to immunotherapy and targeted therapy, these injections play a vital role in battling cancer effectively. If you or a loved one is undergoing treatment, consult with your oncologist to explore the best options available.
