Cancer Medicines Explained
Plain-language guides to the most-searched cancer drugs — what each medicine is and its drug class in everyday words, the cancers it treats, how it is given, common side effects, and the warning signs to report. Covers immunotherapies like Keytruda and Opdivo, targeted therapies like Tagrisso and Gleevec, and classic chemotherapy and hormone drugs. Educational only — never dosing advice.
Articles about Cancer Medicines Explained
Cancer Medicines Explained
5-FU (Fluorouracil): What It Is and What to Expect
5-FU (Fluorouracil) is a type of chemotherapy called an antimetabolite used to help treat colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Adriamycin (Doxorubicin): What It Is and What to Expect
Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) is a type of chemotherapy called an anthracycline used to help treat breast cancer, lymphomas, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Afinitor (Everolimus): What It Is and What to Expect
Afinitor (Everolimus) is a targeted therapy called an mTOR inhibitor used to help treat some breast, kidney, and neuroendocrine cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Arimidex (Anastrozole): What It Is and What to Expect
Arimidex (Anastrozole) is a hormone therapy for breast cancer used to help treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Avastin (Bevacizumab): What It Is and What to Expect
Avastin (Bevacizumab) is a targeted therapy that blocks tumor blood-vessel growth used to help treat colorectal cancer and some lung, kidney, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Blincyto (Blinatumomab): What It Is and What to Expect
Blincyto (Blinatumomab) is a type of immunotherapy called a bispecific antibody used to help treat some B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Carboplatin: What It Is and What to Expect
Carboplatin is a type of chemotherapy (a platinum drug) used to help treat ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Cisplatin: What It Is and What to Expect
Cisplatin is a type of chemotherapy (a platinum drug) used to help treat bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Cyclophosphamide: What It Is and What to Expect
Cyclophosphamide is a type of chemotherapy called an alkylating agent used to help treat lymphomas, leukemias, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Darzalex (Daratumumab): What It Is and What to Expect
Darzalex (Daratumumab) is a targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody used to help treat multiple myeloma. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Erbitux (Cetuximab): What It Is and What to Expect
Erbitux (Cetuximab) is a targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody used to help treat some colorectal cancers and head and neck cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Femara (Letrozole): What It Is and What to Expect
Femara (Letrozole) is a hormone therapy for breast cancer used to help treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Gleevec (Imatinib): What It Is and What to Expect
Gleevec (Imatinib) is a targeted therapy called a kinase inhibitor used to help treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), some acute leukemias, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Herceptin (Trastuzumab): What It Is and What to Expect
Herceptin (Trastuzumab) is a targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody used to help treat HER2-positive breast cancer and some HER2-positive stomach cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Ibrance (Palbociclib): What It Is and What to Expect
Ibrance (Palbociclib) is a targeted therapy called a CDK4/6 inhibitor used to help treat hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has spread. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Imfinzi (Durvalumab): What It Is and What to Expect
Imfinzi (Durvalumab) is a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor used to help treat lung cancer, bladder cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Imlygic (Talimogene laherparepvec): What It Is and What to Expect
Imlygic (Talimogene laherparepvec) is a type of immunotherapy made from a modified virus used to help treat melanoma in the skin and lymph nodes that cannot be removed by surgery. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Jemperli (Dostarlimab): What It Is and What to Expect
Jemperli (Dostarlimab) is a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor used to help treat endometrial (uterine) cancer and some other mismatch-repair-deficient cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab): What It Is and What to Expect
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) is a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor used to help treat melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Kymriah (Tisagenlecleucel): What It Is and What to Expect
Kymriah (Tisagenlecleucel) is a type of immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy used to help treat some B-cell leukemias in children and young adults and some B-cell lymphomas in adults. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Lumakras (Sotorasib): What It Is and What to Expect
Lumakras (Sotorasib) is a targeted therapy called a kinase-pathway inhibitor used to help treat non-small cell lung cancer with a KRAS G12C change. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Lynparza (Olaparib): What It Is and What to Expect
Lynparza (Olaparib) is a targeted therapy called a PARP inhibitor used to help treat some ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, often with a BRCA change. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Methotrexate: What It Is and What to Expect
Methotrexate is a type of chemotherapy called an antimetabolite used to help treat leukemias, lymphomas, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Opdivo (Nivolumab): What It Is and What to Expect
Opdivo (Nivolumab) is a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor used to help treat melanoma, lung cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Paclitaxel: What It Is and What to Expect
Paclitaxel is a type of chemotherapy called a taxane used to help treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Pluvicto (Lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan): What It Is and What to Expect
Pluvicto (Lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) is a targeted radioactive medicine (radioligand therapy) used to help treat advanced prostate cancer that makes the PSMA protein. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Retevmo (Selpercatinib): What It Is and What to Expect
Retevmo (Selpercatinib) is a targeted therapy called a kinase inhibitor used to help treat some lung cancers and thyroid cancers with a RET gene change. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Rituxan (Rituximab): What It Is and What to Expect
Rituxan (Rituximab) is a targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody used to help treat some non-Hodgkin lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Saving Money on Cancer Medicines
Cancer medicines can be costly, but there are safe ways to lower the price. Plain-language tips from the National Cancer Institute, and cautions to keep in mind.
5 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Soltamox (Tamoxifen): What It Is and What to Expect
Soltamox (Tamoxifen) is a hormone therapy for breast cancer used to help treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer (in women and men) and reducing risk in some higher-risk people. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Tagrisso (Osimertinib): What It Is and What to Expect
Tagrisso (Osimertinib) is a targeted therapy called a kinase inhibitor used to help treat non-small cell lung cancer with an EGFR gene change. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Tecentriq (Atezolizumab): What It Is and What to Expect
Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) is a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor used to help treat lung cancer, liver cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Trodelvy (Sacituzumab govitecan): What It Is and What to Expect
Trodelvy (Sacituzumab govitecan) is a targeted therapy called an antibody-drug conjugate used to help treat triple-negative breast cancer and some hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Venclexta (Venetoclax): What It Is and What to Expect
Venclexta (Venetoclax) is a targeted therapy called a BCL-2 inhibitor used to help treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and some acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Vitrakvi (Larotrectinib): What It Is and What to Expect
Vitrakvi (Larotrectinib) is a targeted therapy called a kinase inhibitor used to help treat solid tumors with an NTRK gene fusion (in adults and children). A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Welireg (Belzutifan): What It Is and What to Expect
Welireg (Belzutifan) is a targeted therapy called a HIF-2 alpha inhibitor used to help treat certain kidney cancers and some tumors linked to von Hippel-Lindau disease. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Xalkori (Crizotinib): What It Is and What to Expect
Xalkori (Crizotinib) is a targeted therapy called a kinase inhibitor used to help treat non-small cell lung cancer with an ALK or ROS1 change and some other tumors. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Xtandi (Enzalutamide): What It Is and What to Expect
Xtandi (Enzalutamide) is a hormone therapy for prostate cancer used to help treat prostate cancer. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Yervoy (Ipilimumab): What It Is and What to Expect
Yervoy (Ipilimumab) is a type of immunotherapy called an immune checkpoint inhibitor used to help treat melanoma, kidney cancer, and other cancers. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Yescarta (Axicabtagene ciloleucel): What It Is and What to Expect
Yescarta (Axicabtagene ciloleucel) is a type of immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy used to help treat some large B-cell lymphomas that have come back or not responded to other treatment. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
Cancer Medicines Explained
Zelboraf (Vemurafenib): What It Is and What to Expect
Zelboraf (Vemurafenib) is a targeted therapy called a kinase inhibitor used to help treat melanoma with a BRAF V600 gene change and a rare blood disorder. A plain-language guide to what it is, how it is given, and its common side effects. Based on the National Cancer Institute.
3 min read · Beginner
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