Final answer:
Non-specific cell cycle chemotherapy agents are particularly effective against fast-growing tumors because they target cells that are rapidly dividing, which is a characteristic of these tumors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-specific cell cycle chemotherapy agents are effective against fast growing tumors because they target rapidly dividing cells. These agents work by interfering with various processes involved in cell division, such as the replication of DNA or the segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. Cancer cells divide more frequently than most normal cells, thus, chemotherapy primarily affects these cells. However, other rapidly dividing normal cells, such as those in hair follicles, the intestinal lining, and bone marrow, can also be affected, leading to the common side effects of chemotherapy like hair loss and digestive issues.
While each chemotherapy drug may have a unique mechanism of action, the general principle is that by slowing down or stopping the cell division of cancer cells, the spread of the cancer can be controlled. This is particularly effective for fast growing tumors. For slow growing tumors, the effects of chemotherapy might not be as pronounced, as these cells are not dividing as quickly. Hence, the effectiveness of chemotherapy is somewhat dependent on the growth rate of the tumor.