Supplemental Digital Content 5. Common Head, Oral, and Mouth Cancer Drugs
Drug (generic/trade)
Classification/Action
cetuximab (Erbitux)
Classification:
Chimeric monoclonar
antibody. Used against
human epidermal
growth factor receptor
(EGFR) Cancer cells
need this protein to
grow and divide.
Classification:
Chimeric monoclonar
antibody
May slow or block the
activity of a specific
protein called
epidermal growth
factor receptor 1
(HER1/EGFR).
Classification:
Monoclonial antibody.
Works by stopping
vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF)
and formation of new
blood vessels; Targets
a protein that
stimulates blood vessel
growth in tumors
Classification:
Taxanes
Works by stopping the
growth and spread of
cancer cells
Interferes with cell
division
erlotinib (Tarceva)
bevacizumab
(Avastin)
docetaxel (Taxotere)
Classification:
Alkylating agents
Inorganic platinum
agent
Interferes with growth
of cancer cells
fluorouracil(Adrucil) Classification:
cisplatin (Platinol)
Common Side
Effects
rash, pruritis, dry
skin, electrolyte
issues,
hypersensitivity
rash, diarrhea,
poor appetite,
SOB, infection,
mouth sores, dry
skin
generalized
weakness,
abdominal pain,
N/V,
constipation,
URI,
leukocytopenia,
hair loss, mouth
sores
nausea, hair loss,
nail changes,
sores in mouth,
changes in taste,
leukocytopenia,
fluid retention,
erythrocytopenia,
constipation
joint pain,
tinnitus, loss of
balance, edema
of lower legs,
trouble hearing
N/V, diarrhea,
Antimetabolite/
mouth sores,
pyrimidine antagonist
poor appetite,
Very similar to normal photophobia,
substances within the
metal taste,
cell. Incorporating
blood disorders
these substances
replication issues.
Attack cells at very
specific phases in the
cycle
Classification:
blood disorders,
Methotrexate
Antimetabolite/folic
kidney problems,
(Rheumatrex;
acid anagonist
rash, hair loss,
Trexall)
Exerts effect by
eye problems
counteracting and
competing with folic
acid in cancer cells
resulting in folic acid
deficiency.
Brockstein, 2011; CancerCare, 2006; Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 2005; Frampton, 2010;
National Cancer Institute, 2012.