Anti Cancer

Anti-Cancer Medicines in Pakistan

Anti-cancer medicine ,  also known as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy drugs, are used to treat different types of cancers by slowing down or stopping the growth of cancer cells. These medicines can be given orally (tablets/capsules), intravenously (injections or drips), or through other routes depending on the type of cancer and treatment plan.

In Pakistan, cancer treatment is available in both public and private hospitals. Anti-cancer drugs are usually prescribed by oncologists in specialized cancer centers such as Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, and INMOL (Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Lahore).

Some commonly used classes of anti-cancer medicines in Pakistan include:

• Chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel)
• Targeted therapies (e.g., imatinib for blood cancers, trastuzumab for breast cancer)
• Immunotherapy drugs (though limited and expensive, available for certain cancers)
• Hormonal therapies (e.g., tamoxifen, letrozole for breast cancer, bicalutamide for prostate cancer)

Challenges in Pakistan

• High cost: Many imported anti-cancer drugs are very expensive and not affordable for most patients.
• Limited availability: Some modern targeted and immunotherapy drugs are only available in bigger cities.
• Government support: Public hospitals provide some medicines at subsidized rates, and charity hospitals like Shaukat Khanum offer free or partially funded treatment to underprivileged patients.

Conclusion

Anti-cancer medicines in Pakistan play a critical role in cancer management, but challenges like affordability, accessibility, and awareness remain major hurdles. Continuous government support, local production of cancer drugs, and charity-based healthcare are helping to make treatments more accessible to patients across the country.