Top 10 Anticancer Medications In India For Common Cancers
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Worldwide, cancer is still one of the leading causes of death, and in India, approximately one in nine individuals are expected to face a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Cancer is not just a single disease but a collection of disorders that all begin when cells in the body grow uncontrollably. The type of cancer treatment someone receives, including anticancer medications, is highly individualised and depends on factors such as age, overall health, the stage of the cancer, and its location in the body.
In 2023, an estimated 1.4 million people in India were living with cancer. Some of the most frequently diagnosed cancers are breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer, among others. For patients and caregivers navigating treatment options, understanding the top anticancer medications in India for these common cancers is crucial. This article will provide an in-depth look at the top 10 anti-cancer drugs available in the country and how they help combat these prevalent cancers.
What is the most effective treatment for cancer?
When it comes to treating cancer, two key factors determine the success of the treatment: the stage of the cancer at diagnosis and the type of therapy used. In India, oncologists adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to care, combining treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Of these, immunotherapy and targeted therapies have gained significant attention due to their precision in attacking cancer cells, often leading to better outcomes for patients.
Personalised treatment plans are crucial because every cancer and every patient is different. These tailored approaches take into account the unique characteristics of both the cancer and the individual, ensuring that treatment is as effective as possible.
What is the most common anticancer drug?
1. Pembrolizumab - Immunotherapy
Pembrolizumab is a powerful immunotherapy drug that is used in treating various types of cancer, including lung, colorectal, breast, ovarian, skin, stomach, and oesophagal cancers. It’s also effective against blood cancers and cancers of the head and neck.
What makes pembrolizumab stand out is how it works with the body’s immune system. It essentially boosts your body’s natural defences, helping it recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively. The drug binds to specific receptors on immune cells and blocks certain proteins that encourage cancer cell growth, slowing or even halting the progression of the disease.
Pembrolizumab is typically given as an intravenous infusion. Recent studies have shown remarkable improvements in survival rates for patients, especially those with advanced-stage lung cancer, which has earned pembrolizumab the reputation of being a "blockbuster" cancer drug.
While pembrolizumab is a game-changer for many, it’s important to be aware that, like any treatment, it may come with side effects such as fatigue, skin rashes, or digestive issues. Always consult with your doctor to ensure it’s the right fit for your condition.
2. Trastuzumab - Targeted Therapy
In India, breast cancer ranks as the most common cancer among women, with one woman being diagnosed every minute. Many cases are detected at later stages (3 and 4), making targeted therapy a vital part of treatment to improve survival rates. One of the most aggressive forms, HER2-positive breast cancer, has become increasingly common.
Trastuzumab, a targeted therapy drug, is widely used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. This monoclonal antibody works by binding to HER2 receptors, which are responsible for the rapid growth of cancer cells. By inhibiting these proteins, trastuzumab helps to slow down or stop cancer progression.
Administered via intravenous infusion, trastuzumab can be used alone or alongside chemotherapy and surgery. Its use has shown promising results, with many women experiencing improved outcomes. Beyond breast cancer, trastuzumab is also effective in treating certain types of stomach and oesophagal cancers, making it a key player in targeted cancer therapies.
3. Bevacizumab - Targeted Therapy
Ovarian cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in India. Bevacizumab, a targeted therapy, works by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes the formation of blood vessels within tumours, allowing them to grow and spread. By inhibiting VEGF, bevacizumab effectively slows cancer progression.
Recent studies show that using bevacizumab as a first-line treatment for ovarian cancer has yielded positive results, especially in preventing recurrence. It’s also beneficial for treating other cancers, such as lung, advanced brain, colon, breast, and cervical cancers that have metastasised. Bevacizumab is often used in combination with chemotherapy to enhance its effectiveness in these aggressive cancers.
4. Nivolumab - Immunotherapy
Nivolumab has shown remarkable success in treating advanced lung cancer in India, particularly for patients who haven’t responded well to platinum-based chemotherapy. Recent studies highlight its effectiveness in managing recurrent lung cancer, making it a crucial option for many.
This drug functions as an immunoglobulin 4 antibody, enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognise and combat cancer cells. In addition to lung cancer, nivolumab is also used for various other cancers, including colorectal, head and neck, gastric, blood, kidney, liver, skin, and bladder cancers. Notably, low doses of nivolumab have been associated with improved survival rates in patients with head and neck cancer, reinforcing its role as a vital treatment in oncology.
5. Ipilimumab - Immunotherapy
Ipilimumab has shown promising results in treating metastatic colorectal cancer, which ranks among the top five cancers in India. As part of the immunotherapy class, this medication harnesses the power of the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. Initially approved for treating aggressive skin cancer, ipilimumab has gained popularity for its effectiveness. Today, it’s often used in combination with nivolumab to treat liver, lung, and advanced kidney cancers, enhancing patient outcomes by attacking cancer from multiple angles. Recent studies indicate improved survival rates with this combination therapy, making it a valuable option in oncology.
6. Ramucirumab - Targeted Therapy
As stomach cancer cases continue to rise in India, particularly among men, ramucirumab has emerged as a significant option for treatment. This targeted therapy works by blocking the growth of blood vessels that supply tumours, effectively hindering the progression of gastric cancer. Indicated specifically for advanced cases, recent trials have shown that combining ramucirumab with traditional chemotherapy can lead to improved efficacy and better patient outcomes.
7. Atezolizumab - Immunotherapy
Lung carcinoma is the second most prevalent cancer in India, and atezolizumab is making waves for its ability to improve survival rates in patients. Studies indicate that about 24% of lung cancer patients treated with atezolizumab experience a two-year survival rate. As a monoclonal antibody, it enhances the immune system's ability to combat cancer cells. Atezolizumab can be used post-surgery for non-small cell lung cancer or in combination with chemotherapy for extensive small cell lung cancer. While effective, some patients may experience side effects, emphasising the need for careful monitoring during treatment.
8. Ribociclib - Targeted Therapy
Ribociclib has shown remarkable promise for younger women facing advanced metastatic breast cancer. Studies indicate that patients treated with ribociclib have a higher life expectancy compared to those receiving standard chemotherapy. Long-term outcomes show that this targeted therapy can significantly prolong survival rates, making it a valuable option for those battling this aggressive form of cancer.
9. Sunitinib - Targeted Therapy
Renal cell carcinoma, one of the types of kidney cancer, affects around 85% of kidney cancer patients, with a higher incidence in Indian men. Sunitinib, a targeted therapy, has demonstrated a 60% disease control rate in advanced kidney cancer patients. Taken orally, this medication also treats pancreatic cancer and stomach tumours. Sunitinib works by blocking enzymes that signal cancer cell growth, interrupting the pathways that fuel cancer progression. Managing side effects is crucial for patients; common issues include fatigue and gastrointestinal discomfort, which can often be addressed through supportive care strategies.
10. Ibrutinib - Targeted Therapy
Each year, approximately 100,000 individuals in India are diagnosed with blood cancer, making it a growing health concern, especially among children. Ibrutinib, approved in 2016 as a first-line treatment for certain leukaemias, has shown significant success in extending patient survival by delaying cancer progression. This targeted therapy works by inhibiting Bruton’s protein kinase, a protein critical for the abnormal growth of cancer cells. Administered in pill form, it has become a cornerstone in the treatment of blood cancers, with recent studies indicating promising outcomes for the Indian population.
Kick cancer before it kicks you!
While the success rates of these top anticancer drugs are encouraging, it's important to acknowledge that cancer mortality remains a serious issue, largely due to late-stage diagnoses. The availability of effective treatments like ramucirumab, atezolizumab, ribociclib, sunitinib, and ibrutinib underscores the importance of early detection and intervention.
Regular screenings can catch cancer early, making treatment more effective. Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can also play a vital role in cancer prevention. By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to combat cancer before it takes a stronger hold.
References
- https://ncdirindia.org/display/wcd.aspx
- https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/as-told-to-parliament-february-9-2024-cancer-cases-on-the-rise-in-india-94402
- https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2021/ribociclib-improves-metastatic-breast-cancer-survival
- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/jul/immunotherapy-difficult-treat-lung-cancer-patients-improves-long-term-survival
