Lecture on Mustard Gas and Chemotherapy

Introduction to Mustard Gas

• Used during World War I as a chemical weapon.
• Caused severe respiratory issues, eye burns, and skin blisters.
• Damaged soldiers' bone marrow, halting blood cell production.

Discovery of Chemotherapy

• Scientists observed mustard gas affected rapidly dividing cells (bone marrow and cancer cells).
• 1930s: Researchers experimented with mustard gas derivatives for cancer treatment.
• Post World War II: Developed first chemotherapy drugs, now over 100 exist.

Mechanism of Chemotherapy

• Cytotoxic Agents:
  • Toxic to living cells, target rapidly dividing cells (cancer characteristic).
  • Delivered via pills and injections.

Types of Chemotherapy Drugs

1. Alkylating Agents

   • Administered through bloodstream.
   • Damage DNA's double helix when exposed, leading to cell death.
   • Cancer cells absorb more due to rapid division, rarely repair DNA damage.

2. Microtubule Stabilizers

   • Prevent disassembly of cell tubes needed for division and replication.
   • Result in cell death due to failed replication.

• Six classes of chemotherapy drugs exist today.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

• Affects healthy fast-renewing cells: hair follicles, mouth cells, GI lining, reproductive system, and bone marrow.
• Common side effects: hair loss, fatigue, infertility, nausea, and vomiting.
• Management options include anti-nausea medications and cold caps for hair preservation.

Impact of Chemotherapy

• 2018: Over 17 million worldwide cancer diagnoses.
• Improved survival rates:
  • Up to 95% survival in testicular cancer.
  • 60% remission in acute myeloid leukemia for patients under 60.

Future of Cancer Treatment

• Ongoing research for targeted treatments to minimize harm to healthy tissues.
• Aims to enhance survival rates and reduce side effects.