Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Mechanisms of Action

Cytotoxic chemotherapy refers to agents whose mechanisms of action cause cell death or prevent cell growth, generally through inhibiting microtubule function, protein function, or DNA synthesis. Cytotoxic chemotherapy mechanisms of action may be cell cycle-dependent—arresting cancer cell growth at specific phases in the cell cycle.

Figure 1. Many cytotoxic chemotherapy mechanisms of action may be cell cycle-dependent—arresting cancer cell growth at specific phases in the cell cycle. However, chemotherapies such as alkylating agents act independently of the phases of the cell cycle. Specific nodes in the pathway that are therapeutically actionable are noted. Click here to open a larger version of this image in a new window.

Therapies That Target This Pathway

Last Updated: May 24, 2016

Disclaimer: The information presented at MyCancerGenome.org is compiled from sources believed to be reliable. Extensive efforts have been made to make this information as accurate and as up-to-date as possible. However, the accuracy and completeness of this information cannot be guaranteed. Despite our best efforts, this information may contain typographical errors and omissions. The contents are to be used only as a guide, and health care providers should employ sound clinical judgment in interpreting this information for individual patient care.