Chemotherapeutics

Chemotherapeutics are chemical entities used to treat or cure cancers. These agents target critical processes for cell division in rapidly growing cancer cells. Most cancer drugs are derived from natural sources such as plants and bacteria, other are derived from synthetic or semisynthetic processes. Cancers can arise in virtually all tissues of the body, but the frequency of incidences varies depending on genetic influence, diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures. The most common cancers worldwide are lung, breast and prostate cancers which have had increased survival due to improvements in diagnoses and treatment options. Naturally derived agents have been the mainstay of cancer therapy and the potential to uncover endemic compounds that may exhibit potent anticancer properties has driven research for novel anticancer agents. A number of active agents or extracts from plants extracts have been studied for their anti-cancer properties, some of these will be discussed herein.