What causes cells to become cancerous?

Cancer cells have gene mutations that turn the cell from a normal cell into a cancer cell. These gene mutations may be inherited, develop over time as we get older and genes wear out, or develop if we are around something that damages our genes, like cigarette smoke, alcohol or ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

What are mitotic inhibitors and how do they stop the spread of cancerous cells?

Mitotic inhibitors are derived from natural substances such as plant alkaloids, and prevent cells from undergoing mitosis by disrupting microtubule polymerization, thus preventing cancerous growth. Microtubules are long, ropelike proteins that extend through the cell and move cellular components around.

How does Taxol stop cell division?

Taxol stops the uncontrolled cell divisions of cancer by forming extremely stable and nonfunctional microtubules. The microtubules are the means of chromosome motion during mitosis (cell division). Mitosis is halted when the stable, nonfunctional microtubules fail to form a normal mitotic apparatus.

Which of the following anticancer drugs acts in the M phase of the cell cycle to prevent disassembly of the mitotic spindle?

Colchicine. Colchicine is an alkaloid derived from the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). It inhibits mitosis by inhibiting microtubule polymerization.

What percent of cancers are genetically inherited?

Inherited genetic mutations play a major role in about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers. Researchers have associated mutations in specific genes with more than 50 hereditary cancer syndromes, which are disorders that may predispose individuals to developing certain cancers.

What is the name of chemo pills?

Capecitabine is the generic name for the trade name drug Xeloda. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Xeloda when referring to the generic drug name capecitabine.

Which world famous company produces the anticancer drug Taxol?

Dabur recently announced that it had perfected a method to extract taxol — a potent drug used to treat ovarian and breast cancers — from the leaves of the Himalayan yew (Taxus baccata).

What tree is Taxol made from?

NCI-funded research delivers a breakthrough discovery with paclitaxel (Taxol), a cancer drug from the bark of the Pacific yew tree that expands treatment options for patients with breast and ovarian cancers.

How can doxorubicin be fatal to a cell?

Doxorubicin exerts its anti-tumoral activity primarily by intercalation into DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II (TOP2) in fast-proliferating cancer cells, leading to cancer cell death10.

Which anticancer drug is AM phase cell cycle specific?

Plant alkaloids Although they act throughout the cell cycle, some are more effective during the S- and M- phases, making these drugs cell cycle specific. Examples of plant alkaloids used in chemotherapy are actinomycin D, doxorubicin, and mitomycin.