Chemotherapy of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and anticancer agents

Abstract

Chemotherapy comprises a wide array of pharmacological agents used to treat infectious diseases and cancer. This
review offers an overview of four primary chemotherapeutic classes: antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and
anticancer drugs. Sources were identified through databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google
Scholar using keywords “chemotherapy,” “anticancer drugs,” and “chemotherapeutic strategies.” Antibiotics combat
bacterial infections by targeting cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, or DNA replication; however, antimicrobial
resistance poses a critical global threat. Antiviral agents, essential in managing infections such as HIV, hepatitis, and
SARS-CoV-2, function by disrupting viral replication but face challenges due to resistance and limited drug targets.
Antifungal therapies, though fewer in number, are vital in treating invasive fungal infections, especially in
immunocompromised patients, by affecting membrane integrity or cell wall synthesis. Resistance in this domain is
also rising. In oncology, anticancer drugs encompass cytotoxic agents and targeted therapies that disrupt cell division
and signaling pathways. Innovations such as personalized medicine and immunotherapy have enhanced treatment
precision, yet toxicity and drug resistance persist as major limitations. Across all categories, resistance, adverse
effects, and lack of specificity remain significant barriers. This review discusses therapeutic strategies, mechanisms of
action, clinical applications, resistance development, and future directions. A comprehensive understanding of these
chemotherapeutic agents is critical for improving outcomes, informing research, and advancing novel therapies amid
the growing complexity of disease and drug resistance.