Tag: Chemotherapy drugs

According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), there were 271 active drug shortages at the end of 2024, continuing a prolonged crisis. Affecting everything from critical cancer treatments to common antibiotics, the situation prompts a crucial question for patients and providers alike: **what drugs are in shortage right now in the USA**?

Derived from the 'Happy Tree' (*Camptotheca acuminata*), 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) is a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. So, **what is 10-hydroxycamptothecin used for?** It forms the backbone of crucial anticancer therapies, particularly for colorectal, ovarian, and lung cancers [1.3.1, 1.3.3].

Docetaxel and paclitaxel are cornerstone chemotherapy drugs of the taxane class, widely used for treating cancers like breast, lung, and prostate cancer [1.5.4, 1.5.6]. Deciding which is better, docetaxel or paclitaxel, depends on the cancer type, treatment goals, and patient-specific factors.

In vitro studies show that docetaxel can be more potent than paclitaxel in promoting microtubule assembly, a key mechanism for fighting cancer cells [1.6.1, 1.2.4]. The question of if docetaxel is stronger than Taxol (paclitaxel) is complex, with the answer depending on the cancer type, clinical setting, and patient-specific factors.

Fludarabine was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991 and has been a cornerstone in the treatment of certain hematological cancers. As a potent antimetabolite, **what is fludarabine used for** has evolved over time, primarily targeting B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but also finding application in other lymphomas and stem cell transplantation.