How do chemotherapy drugs work to kill or inhibit tumor cells?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy drugs work by a variety of mechanisms that damage DNA or interfere with the cell cycle of tumor cells, ultimately leading to inhibition or death of the cells. This can include interfering with DNA replication or repair, damaging the structure of DNA, or targeting proteins involved in cell division. Increasing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and creating holes in cell surfaces are not typical mechanisms of chemotherapy drugs. While some drugs may interfere with protein synthesis, this is not the primary mechanism by which most chemotherapy drugs work.

How Do Chemotherapy Drugs Work to Kill or Inhibit Tumor