Final answer:
Etoposide and Teniposide are anticancer drugs that inhibit topoisomerase II, leading to DNA breaks and cell death in rapidly dividing cells. Their clinical uses lie in treating various cancers, but they can cause significant side effects like myelosuppression, gastrointestinal toxicity, and alopecia, and potentially lead to secondary malignancies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanisms of Action, Uses, and Toxicities of Etoposide and Teniposide
Etoposide and Teniposide are both topoisomerase II inhibitors. These drugs are used to treat cancer by causing double-stranded breaks in DNA, which prevents the DNA from being properly repaired. This ultimately leads to cell death specifically in rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Clinically, these drugs are used in the treatment of various malignancies, including testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, and leukemias.
The potential toxicities of Etoposide and Teniposide can be substantial, given their mechanism of action which can also affect rapidly dividing normal cells. Side effects commonly seen with these medications include myelosuppression (decreased blood cell production), gastrointestinal toxicity, alopecia (hair loss), and increased risk of infection due to immune suppression. In some cases, these drugs can also contribute to secondary malignancies and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).