9

Consumer Chemistry
Quarter 4 - Module 5
Anticancer Drugs
Consumer Chemistry – Grade 9
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 5: Anticancer Drugs
First Edition, 2021

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 9

Consumer Chemistry
Quarter 4 - Module 5
Anticancer Drugs
Introductory Message

This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, dear learners, can
continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-step
as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM.
This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to
ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the
lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check
your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that
you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teachers are also provided
to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can best
help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of
this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercise and tests. Read
the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the tasks
in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.

Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

During World War I, one of the horrors in the warfare was a poisonous yellow cloud
called mustard gas. Those that were exposed made it impossible to breathe, burned their
eyes, and formed large wounds on their skin. Scientists tried to develop an antidote to that
dangerous weapon of war. They also found out that this poison damages the bone marrow.
This gave them an idea that this chemical can cure cancer cells as well. Cancer cells like
the bone marrow divide rapidly. It was surprising how this unfortunate event can lead to
the discovery of treatment that would save more lives.

Today, there are more than 100 anticancer drugs. As the cancer evolves and
becomes complex and so did the nature of cancer treatment. Thorough research and
advancement in medicine helps in discovering many anticancer drugs for different forms
of tumor which led to decrease death rates caused by cancer.

This module will provide you with information and different activities that will help
you describe the properties, mode of action, and effects of anticancer drugs.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

 classify the different kinds of anticancer drugs according to its cell cycle activity;
 describe the properties, mode of action, and effects of anticancer drugs; and
 recognize the importance of anticancer drugs to treat cancer.

What I Know

Directions: Multiple Choice. Read the following questions and choose the letter of the correct
answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. There are different forms of cancer treatment. What do you call the treatment that uses
anticancer drugs?
a. chemotherapy b. biological treatment c. radiotherapy d. surgery

2. Which of the following best describes a cell-cycle non-specific drug?

a. CCNS drugs are effective in actively dividing cells and can target any cell phase.
b. CCNS drugs can kill fast-growing cells and target a certain cell phase.
c. CCNS drugs target any cell phase including the resting phase and are effective in
slow-growing tumors.
d. CCNS drugs target the resting phase of the cell and kill fast-growing tumors.

3. What term is used for medication that can kill cells?

a. blocker b. cytotoxic c. inhibitor d. suppressor

4. Which among the following anticancer drugs is derived from natural substances?
a. alkylating agent c. antitumor antibiotic
b. antimetabolite d. platinum compound

1
5. Alkylating agents are toxic to cancer cells because of the presence of “mustard portion,” an
original component of the nitrogen mustard gas used during World War I. Which of the
following is considered as mustard portion?
a. 2 chloroethyl group c. dihydrofolate
b. cyclophosphamide d. 2 phenylalanine

6. Cell-cycle specific drugs target a certain cell phase, what CCS drug causes cell arrest during
the M phase of the cell?
a. antimetabolite c. hormonal agent
b. bleomycin d. microtubule inhibitor

7. What CCNS drug is highly metallic and causes alteration in DNA structure and inhibits
DNA synthesis?
a. alkylating agent c. platinum compound
b. antimetabolite d. antitumor antibiotic

8. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?

a. Alkylating agent attaches its alkyl group to the DNA particularly the guanine base
causing cross-linkage preventing DNA to separate for synthesis or transcription.
b. Antimetabolite inhibits nucleic acid synthesis by competing in the binding site of
components that participate in the replication of DNA.
c. Antitumor antibiotic is derived from natural substance such as plant that blocks
DNA synthesis.
d. Hormonal agents are effective chemotherapeutic treatment for ovarian, breast, and
prostate cancers.

9. Which of the following anticancer drugs is cell-cycle specific?

a. alkylating agent c. antitumor antibiotic
b. antimetabolite d. platinum compound

10. Alkylating agent contains an alkyl group that attaches to the DNA to cause mispairing of
base pairs, which of the following best describes its action?
a. bursting of cell due to osmosis
b. cellular arrest in the metaphase
c. inhibition of DNA replication and RNA transcription
d. inhibition of tumor growth

11. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

a. Alopecia is known as bone suppression that leads to anemia, bruising and low
immune system.
b. Alteration of taste of cancer patients is due to ulcers of the mouth. The oral cavity is
affected by anticancer drugs because it is made up of fast-growing cells.
c. Even after chemotherapy treatment is over there are still long-term effects that may
last for years. Long-term effect of anticancer drugs may affect the bones, hair, and
mouth of the cancer patient.
d. Nephrotoxicity is a long-term effect of chemotherapy that damages the nerve cells
of mostly hands and feet.

2
12. When methotrexate is taken what would likely to happen?
a. Cytosine and guanine will not link to each other.
b. The DNA will be tightly twisted unable to replicate.
c. There will be interstrand cross-link between 2 guanines.
d. Thymine will not be synthesized.

13. What long-term effect of anticancer drug leads to impairment of the ear?
a. cystic fibrosis b. myelotoxicity c. neuropathy d. ototoxic

14. Which of the following is a short-term effect of anticancer drugs?

a. alopecia c. nephrotoxicity
b. congested heart failure d. neuropathy

15. Why are most patients that undergo chemotherapy experienced anemia?
a. Chemotherapy can cause bone suppression that lowers the consistency of plasma.
b. Chemotherapy can cause bone suppression that lowers the number of platelets.
c. Chemotherapy can cause bone suppression that lowers the number of RBC.
d. Chemotherapy can cause bone suppression that lowers the number of WBC.

How was your performance in the pre-assessment?

If you got a perfect score, you could skip the module or continue
to further enrich your understanding. But if you score 14 and below,
you must proceed with the module.

What’s In

Directions: Identify the following vocabularies by filling the missing letters in the boxes. The
illustrations and definition on the left side will help you complete each word. Write
your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

ILLUSTRATION DEFINITION VOCABULARY

A disease caused by an
uncontrolled division of n e r
abnormal cells in a part of
the body

3
 Any substance,
radionuclide, or radiation
c r c o g n
that promotes formation of
cancer

A medical attention given to

t e t n
a sick or injured person

A drug used to diagnose,

cure, treat, or prevent d c n e
disease

A treatment for cancer that

uses chemical substances h m o e r p
to kill fast growing cells

Did you enjoy the activity?

How many words did you complete?
You may refer to the back pages to check your answers.

What can you infer from the activity?

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that is

genetically inherited or formed through exposure to
carcinogens. Cancer cells divide without stopping and
can spread throughout the body. However, it can be
treated either by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or
biological methods. Treatment depends on the type
of cancer and how severe it is. Medicine given to
cancer patients through chemotherapy is known as
anticancer drugs.

4
 What’s New

CANCER

TREATMENT

Surgery Radiation Biological

Chemotherapy

ANTICANCER DRUG

Cell Cycle Specific Drugs Cell Cycle Non-Specific Drugs

- antimetabolites - alkylating agents

- microtubule inhibitors - antitumor antibiotics
- hormonal agents - platinum compounds
- bleomycin

Anticancer drug is an effective treatment for cancer. It is used to kill or control the
growth of cancerous cells. It comes in many forms; some are liquid that are injected, others
are pills that are taken orally, and a few that is applied directly on the skin.

Drugs against cancer can be classified according to their cell cycle activity – Cell-Cycle
Specific (CCS) Drugs and Cell-Cycle Non-Specific (CCNS) Drugs. CCS can kill cancer cells
during a certain cell-cycle phase. It can only kill actively dividing cells. It is best given to
patients if the cancer is in the fast phase growing stage. On the other hand, CCNS can kill
cancer cells during any cell-cycle phase including resting phase which is a sensitive stage.
This drug is useful for treating tumors that are slow growing.

Did you know that?

Anticancer drug is also known as antineoplastic drug.
Neoplastic comes from the word neoplasm which means
abnormal growth of cells or tumor.

5
Directions: Compare and contrast Cell-Cycle Specific Drugs from Cell-Cycle Non-Specific
Drugs using the Venn Diagram. Choose the words/phrases from the box below.
Copy the Venn diagram on a separate sheet of paper.

CCS Drugs CCNS Drugs

similarities

- focus on fast growing tumors - chemotherapy

- anticancer drugs - target a particular cell phase
- target any cell phase - work during resting phase
- focus on slow growing tumors - antimetabolite
- antitumor antibiotic - hormonal agent

What is It
Anticancer Drugs
PROPERTIES AND MODE OF ACTION OF ANTICANCER DRUGS
Note: Phrases/sentences that were bold are the properties of anticancer drugs while those
that were italicized are their mode of action.

Now that you have differentiated CCS from

CCNS drugs, let us move to the highlight of
this module. First, let us learn some basic
information, properties, and mode of action
of 6 common chemotherapeutic medicines.

Different anticancer drugs exhibit different properties. These properties affect how it
behaves and targets the tumor in various ways. Some can prevent the DNA, RNA, or protein
synthesis of the cell. Others can interfere with the cell growth or cell division. This interference
in the structure and function of a cell due to anticancer drugs can lead to cell suicide known
as apoptosis.

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Cell-Cycle Specific Drugs

Figure 1. Phases of Cell Cycle

Cell-cycle specific anticancer drugs target either the G1 (gap 1), S (synthesis), G2
(gap 2), or M (mitosis) phase of a cell cycle.

ANTIMETABOLITE is one of the most common cancer drugs used by doctors. It was
first used to treat children with leukemia. Nowadays, it is also commonly given to patients with
breast, ovarian, and intestinal tract cancers. Antimetabolite is a small, weakly acidic
compound similar to the structure of a metabolite. A metabolite is a product of metabolism
that is required by a growing cell. Hence, antimetabolite copies the metabolite molecule
needed by the cells. Cancer cells absorb it instead of the normal building blocks needed in
making a DNA. Therefore, antimetabolite inhibits nucleic acid synthesis by competing in the
binding site of component that participate in the replication of DNA. Since it affects the
synthesis of DNA, the drug is specifically active during the S phase. If the cell cannot
synthesize nucleic acid, the DNA will not be replicated for successful cell division, resulting in
apoptosis. Medications that cause death of cells are known as cytotoxic drugs.

An example of this drug is the methotrexate which is a folic acid competitor. They are
termed as competitors because they compete with folic acid that is absorbed by the cell. They
have similar structures (see figure 2). Folic acid or Vitamin B9 is important in the synthesis of
thymidine monophosphate which is the thymine base of the DNA. Folic acid with addition of
2H+ and 2e-, plus an enzyme reduces it into dihydrofolate and tetrahydrofolate that further
reduced to thymidine monophosphate for thymine synthesis. If methotrexate is given, it will be
absorbed instead of folic acid because it has similar structure. It will not help with the
production of thymine base and cause the cancer cell to die. Since it affects the DNA
synthesis, it is highly toxic to the normal cells as well.

Figure 2. Chemical structures of folic acid and methotrexate

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 MICROTUBULE INHIBITOR is one of the most effective anticancer drugs. It is
extracted from plants. The first approved for clinical use was vinca alkaloid in the 1960s
which is derived from the leaves of periwinkle plant. It is also a cytotoxic drug.

The other term for this drug is antimitotic drug because it attacks the cell during its M
phase by disrupting the function of the tubulin (microtubule). This is a small tube that is
assembled and then break back down to align and pull chromosomes apart during the process
of cell division. The microtubule inhibitor affects the construction and deconstruction of tubulin
during mitosis. It has two types depending on its function: stabilizing and destabilizing
microtubules.
(1) Microtubule-stabilizing agent promotes polymerization (building long chains
of molecules) of tubulin. It keeps the tubulin from disassembling (see figure 3.b).
If the microtubule does not break down and continues to elongate, the pulling and
separation of chromosomes during mitosis will not happen. Examples of drugs that
are microtubule- stabilizing are paclitaxel and docetaxel.
(2) Microtubule-destabilizing agent promotes depolymerization (converting long
chains of molecules into smaller units) of tubulin. It prevents extension of
microtubules that is needed during the alignment of chromosomes in the
metaphase (see figure 3.b). Vinblastine and vincristine are examples of drugs that
destabilize formation of tubulins.

Figure 3. (a) Polymerization and depolymerization of microtubules

(b) Microtubule stabilizer and destabilizer

Overall, this drug causes cellular arrest by inhibiting mitotic spindle formation which is
important in the alignment and division of chromosomes during metaphase. Once microtubule
formation is inhibited, the cells cannot replicate.

Cells communicate through hormones. Hormones can be a small protein or in a form

of steroid. HORMONAL AGENTS as a cancer treatment uses artificial hormones that
interrupt the natural hormones in reaching hormone-sensitive organs. Hormonal agent
floods the cells depriving it with the substance it needed to function. It binds to hormone
receptors of the cancer cells to block the actions of the natural hormones which result to
inhibition of tumor growth during the G1 phase of the cell. It is best given to patients with
breast, ovarian and prostate cancers since these organs grow and perform with the help of
hormones. Some of the common examples of this agent are abiraterone for prostate cancer
and anastrozole for breast cancer.

8
 Figure 4. Artificial hormones block hormone receptors

Cell Cycle Non-Specific Drugs

ALKYLATING AGENT produces highly reactive carbonium ion that causes

replacement of DNA base by an alkyl group by means of covalent bond. It is a cytotoxic
drug. It is best given to patients with lung, ovarian, testicular, bladder, esophageal, head and
neck cancers.

One of the first anticancer drug discovered was an alkylating agent called nitrogen
mustard (mechlorethamine) in 1946.

Figure 5. Chemical structure of mechlorethamine

Most alkylating drugs will have a common structure as the nitrogen mustard which is
the presence of two chloroethyl group that represents the “mustard portion” (see figure 5).
This mustard portion is the alkylating agent that attaches to the DNA of the cancer cells. The
drug only varies with the remaining group. It differs depending on what type of cancer it will
target. It will be selective on the cancer cells to be attacked, not allowing to harm other
healthy cells.

One example is melphalan which is used to treat melanomas, a type of skin cancer.
The skin absorbs a lot of the phenylalanine group of the alkylating agent that contains the
mustard portion that is toxic to the cancer cells. Another example is cyclophosphamide drug,
commonly given to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. Instead of
phenylalanine, it has a cyclophosphamide group attached to the mustard portion.

9
 Figure 6. Chemical structure of melphalan

Alkylating agent inhibits DNA replication and/or RNA transcription causing cross-
linkage or miss-pairing of bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine). It attaches its alkyl
group to the DNA particularly the guanine base preventing the strands of DNA to link as they
should. This can cause DNA breakage. Without DNA anticancer cells cannot multiply. It
occurs in any cycle of the cell especially during the resting phase.

ANTITUMOR ANTIBIOTIC is a cytotoxic drug that blocks cell growth. It inhibits DNA
synthesis and impair RNA and protein production by releasing free radicals that insert
between base pairs of a DNA. It targets any cycle of the cell, but some antitumor antibiotics
are effective during G2 phase like bleomycin. It is derived from bacteria, commonly
Streptomyces species. It treats leukemia, bladder, and testicular cancers.

Figure 7. Intercalation of antibiotic to the DNA strands

Mitomycin C is an antitumor antibiotic that is toxic not only to cancer cells but also to
other normal cells bringing side effects to the patient’s body. For the mitomycin C to work, it
needs cellular enzymes to activate it. Enzymes present in regular cells causes reductive
activation converting this antibiotic into a bis-electrophile to covalently form with the DNA.
Once activated, it will bind to the guanine base of the DNA causing intrastrand and interstrand
cross-links (see figure 9).

Figure 8. Activation of mitomycin C

10
 Figure 9. Intrastand cross-link versus interstrand cross-link

PLATINUM COMPOUND is derived from the element platinum. In this drug, the
platinum is the central metal in the compound in +2 or +4 oxidation state. It loses one of
their leading group of elements and replace it with another weaker group of elements that
react with DNA bases. This leads to formation of cross-linkages to produce alterations in DNA
structure and inhibition of DNA synthesis to cause apoptosis. Mostly, platinum agents have
the same action as the alkylating agents. It is used in advanced and solid forms of cancer in
the colon, lungs, ovary, head and neck. However, it cannot kill all cancer cells that have spread
throughout the body in advanced cases. Platinum compounds will only control too more
growth and relieve some symptoms.

Figure 10. Cisplatin

Cisplatin (cis-diamine dichloroplatinum) is one common example of a platinum

compound. Cis in cisplatin means the same, since the 2 amino groups are at the same side
while the 2 chlorine are also on the same side (see figure 10). It causes cross-linking of DNA
by binding to the N7 of the guanine base linking two guanines on the same DNA strand known
as intrastrand cross-links.

Figure 11. Binding

of cisplatin to the N7
of guanine base

11
 EFFECTS OF ANTICANCER DRUGS

Chemotherapeutic drugs attack and kill fast-growing cancer cells but they will also
affect the healthy and normal fast-growing cells of the body. Cells that grow rapidly can
commonly be found in the blood, hair, skin, and lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is
the reason why patients that undergo chemotherapy experience excessive bruising, anemia,
hair loss, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, infertility,
abortion, nausea and vomiting.

Myelotoxicity - is also known as bone marrow suppression, the decreased production

of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Most chemo drugs damage the bone
marrow that produces blood components. It has a big impact on health especially deficiency
in WBC that results in low immune system and fatigue, low RBC causing anemia, and platelet
counts below normal leading to bruising or excessive bleeding.

Alopecia - is a temporary hair loss; Anticancer drugs make the hair follicles
weak, brittle, and fall out resulting to spot baldness. Fortunately, hair regrows after
chemotherapy ends.

Diarrhea and constipation - are both abnormal conditions in excretion. Diarrhea is the
excessive release of loose, watery stool five or more times within 24 hours. Constipation is
the opposite which is the passage of hard, dry stools. The chemotherapeutic drugs damaged
the cells lining the GI tract triggering changes in bowel movement. The loss of appetite can
also cause irregular bowel movement.

Stomatitis and mucositis - Since the mouth and GI tract are made up of fast-growing
cells, it results to ulcers- red, irritated, inflamed lining of mouth and the GI tract. Ulcer in the
mouth is called stomatitis while ulcer in the GI tract is called mucositis. These ulcers may also
lead to loss of appetite, changes in taste, and vomiting.

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 Taste alteration - Chemo drugs have direct effect on the cells in the mouth that causes
changes in the sense of taste. Food may taste metallic or bitter. The loss of appetite may lead
to decreased body weight.

Nausea and vomiting - are the two of the most common side effects of chemotherapy.
Nausea and vomiting happen depending on the type and dosage of the drug, how it is given
(injected medicine can cause more nausea and vomiting than oral medication) and how often
the drug is given.

Most side effects of anticancer drugs decrease once the treatment is over but long-
term effects may develop years after treatment. It can cause damage to the heart, lungs,
kidneys, nerves, and reproductive organs.

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when the tissues in the lungs become damaged
losing its elasticity making difficult to breathe.

Congested heart failure (CHF) is a condition wherein the heart’s function to

pump becomes abnormal, unable to meet the body’s need.

Nephrotoxicity is toxicity in the kidneys. It is the condition where chemicals from

anticancer drugs serve as a poison that damages the kidneys. Once the
kidneys are damaged it will not able to get rid of extra urine and wastes.

Peripheral neuropathy is the damage of the nerves that carry information to

and from the brain to the rest of the body. It can cause severe pain and
numbness of the hands and feet.

Ototoxic occurs when a person ingests chemicals that affects the functions of
the inner ear. Chemotherapeutic drugs can damage the cochlea and nerves of
the ear impairing hearing and affecting balance.

In female, early menopause happens because of the damage of the anticancer

drugs to the ovaries. The older the patient is, the higher the risk to have an
early menopause, however, younger patients are less prone to this. For males,
the long-term effect is the slowing down of sperm production or even worse
unable to produce sperm at all. It can take many years before the normal sperm
count returns, and sometimes it does not return at all.

Remember class, the severity of

the side effects depends on
person to person, on how serious
the cancer is and the type of
drugs taken.

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 What’s More

Independent Activity 1: Search for the Cure

Directions: Read the anticancer drug vocabularies from the WORD BANK. Can you find all
six words in the search grid? Circle each word you find. The words may be placed
vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or even backwards. Copy the search grid on a
separate sheet of paper.

ANTIMETABOLITES
ALKYLATING
ANTIBIOTICS
PLATINUM
HORMONAL
INHIBITORS

Answer the following questions:

1. Give three types of anticancer drugs that target a certain cycle in the mitosis of cancer cell.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

2. Which among the anticancer drugs do you think is best used in treating cancers that are
hormone sensitive? Cite an example.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

3. Carcinoid tumors are types of slow-growing cancer that develop in different parts of the
body. What types of anticancer drugs are appropriate for carcinoids?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

4. Give at least two anticancer drugs that are derived from nature.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

5. Platinum agent is used in treatment of advanced cancers, what do you mean by advanced
cancer?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

14
Independent Assessment 1: Fact or Bluff
Directions: Fact or Bluff. Read each statement carefully. Write FACT if it is correct and BLUFF
if it is wrong. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

______________1. Organs that are dependent on hormones to function such as breasts,

ovaries, and testes are best treated using hormonal agents. Hormonal
agents imitate and block the natural hormones from binding with the
receptors of the cancer cells.
______________2. For antimetabolite to compete with the binding site of metabolites in the
cancer cells, it must have exactly the same chemical structure.
______________3. The mustard portion of an alkylating agent is made up of two chloromethyl
groups that is highly toxic to the cancer cells.
______________4. Microtubule-stabilizing agent promotes polymerization that prevents
deconstruction of the tubulin.
______________5. An example of cell-cycle specific anticancer drug that functions during the
G1 phase of the cell is the platinum compound.

Independent Activity 2: What Works Best

Directions: Identification. Answer the following questions. Choose the best anticancer drug
from the bottles, then support your answer. Write it on a separate sheet of paper.

Antitumor Microtubule Platinum Alkylating Hormonal

Antimetabolite
antibiotic inhibitor compounds agents agents

1. What anticancer drug is derived from a natural source and effective in slow
growing tumor? Explain your answer.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
2. A patient with advanced type of cancer needs a stronger medication that
can alter DNA structure and inhibit DNA synthesis. What specific type of
anticancer drug fits the description? How does the drug work?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

15
 3. To kill cancer cells, alkyl group attaches to the guanine base of the DNA
creating cross-linkages. What type of anticancer drug is being described?
Give an example of an alkyl group.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

4. Cells replicate DNA during the S phase, what chemotherapeutic drug is

suggested to be taken if you want to inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acid of
the cancer cells? Explain.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

5. The patient has prostate cancer and was given docetaxel to slow down the
amount of androgen in the body. What type of anticancer drug is docetaxel?
How did you come up with that conclusion?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

6. A cancer patient has a rapid growing tumor and has requested a natural
drug for chemotherapy, what type of anticancer drug best fits the
description? Support your answer.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Independent Assessment 2: You Complete Me!

Directions: Complete the table with the necessary information. Copy and answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

ANTICANCER EXAMPLE CCS/ CCNS MODE OF ACTION

DRUG

antimetabolite methotrexate

It inhibits DNA synthesis and

mitomycin C impair RNA and protein production
bleomycin by releasing free radicals that insert
between the base pairs.

cell-cycle
abiraterone
specific
anastrozole
gap phase 1

16
 It attaches its alkyl group to the
alkylating DNA, particularly the guanine base
agent causing intrastrand cross-link that
inhibits DNA replication.

cell-cycle
Cisplatin
non-specific

vinka It causes cellular arrest by

alkaloids inhibiting mitotic spindle formation.

Independent Activity 3: Chemo Man

Directions: Taking anticancer drugs can cause side effects in the different parts of the body.
Label Chemo Man with the common side effects resulting from the toxicity of
anticancer drugs. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

17
Independent Assessment 3: Mind Match
Directions: Matching Type. Match the description in Column A to its respective term in Column
B. Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.
A B
_____1. inflammation affecting the mucous membranes of the a. pulmonary
mouth and lips fibrosis
_____2. condition causing hair to fall out in small patches b. alopecia
_____3. hearing loss due to damage to the nerves of the ears c. congested heart
caused by toxins failure
_____4. condition when heart muscle does not pump enough d. nephrotoxicity
blood e. mucositis
_____5. effect of high toxicity in the kidney causing difficult
f. stomatitis
urination and elimination of wastes
_____6. g. vomiting
hard, dry bowel movement that is less frequent and
difficult to pass h. ototoxicity
_____7. decrease in the production of WBC, RBC, and i. neuropathy
platelets in the bone marrow j. myelotoxicity
_____8. numbness, muscle weakness, and pain in the body k. constipation
due to dysfunction of one or more nerves
_____9. losing elasticity of the lung tissues due to damage
or scars
_____10. forceful expulsion of previously eaten food from the
stomach through the mouth

What I Have Learned

Having gone through activities, you have learned the properties, mode of actions, and
effects of anticancer drugs. Now, in your understanding write your realization by plotting the
ideas below.

Three facts I learned about anticancer Realization on the importance of

drugs: anticancer drugs:
___________________________
1.____________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________ ___________________________
___________________________
2.____________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________ ___________________________
___________________________
3.____________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________ ___________________________
_________________
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 What I Can Do

Nature has provided us not only with our basic needs but other promising uses
including medicines. Herbal medicines have been used for many years and are still used in
many countries as primary source of medical treatment. Many plant species are already being
used to treat cancer. Search five anticancer herbal medicines commonly found here in the
Philippines. Complete the table below with necessary information about the herbal medicine.
Copy and answer the table on a separate sheet of paper.

PART OF
COMMON SCIENTIFIC MODE OF KIND OF
THE REFERENCE
NAME NAME ACTION CANCER
PLANT
Example: Curcuma Root It induces breast Mhd Anas Tomeh,
Turmeric longa apoptosis cancer, lung Roja Hadianamrei,
and cancer, and Xiubo Zhao,
inhibiting head and (2019.) A Review of
proliferation neck Curcumin and Its
and invasion squamous Derivatives as
of tumors by cell Anticancer Agents.
suppressing carcinoma, International Journal
a variety of prostate of Molecular
cellular cancer, and Sciences, 20(5).
signaling brain tumors https://www.ncbi.nlm.
pathways. nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC 6429287/

Note to the Teacher:

The teacher should guide and advise the learners on the best
way to search for the herbal anticancer drugs using its scientific
name, as well as the preferred format for listing the references.

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 Assessment

Directions: Multiple choice. Read the following statements carefully. Choose the letter of
correct answer. Write it on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Cell-cycle specific drugs are anticancer agents that target certain phase of the cell, which
of the following set of drugs are CCS?
a. alkylating agent, antimetabolite, microtubule inhibitor
b. alkylating agent, antitumor antibiotic, platinum compound
c. antimetabolite, hormonal agent, microtubule inhibitor
d. antitumor antibiotic, hormonal agent, microtubule inhibitor
2. What form of anticancer treatment is given to patients who are taking anticancer drugs?
a. biological treatment c. radiotherapy
b. chemotherapy d. surgery
3. Antimetabolite inhibits nucleic acid synthesis of the cancer cell. In which cell phase is the
drug active?
a. G1 phase b. G2 phase c. M phase d. S phase
4. Antitumor antibiotic is one of the best cytotoxic drugs used in chemotherapy. From which
substance is it derived?
a. alcohol b. metallic compound c. microorganism d. plant
5. Which of the following is the correct structure of cisplatin?
a. c.

b. d.

6. Which of the following cell-cycle non-specific drugs inhibit DNA, RNA, and protein
synthesis by releasing free radicals that insert between the base pairs of a DNA?
a. alkylating agent c. platinum compound
b. antitumor antibiotic d. none of the above
7. Methotrexate causes inhibition of DNA synthesis. Which of the following is NOT true
about this drug?
a. Methotrexate activates by attaching to a folic acid molecule.
b. Methotrexate inhibits thymine synthesis.
c. Methotrexate is a cytotoxic drug that also affects other rapid-growing normal cells.
d. Methotrexate is an example of an antimetabolite.

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8. Which of the following cell-cycle specific drugs target the G1 phase of the cell?
a. antimetabolite c. hormonal agent
b. bleomycin d. microtubule inhibitor
9. Cancer of the hormone-sensitive organs are best treated with the use of hormonal agents
that deprive cancer cells of substances it needs to grow. Which of the following given
cancers is applicable to this type of anticancer drug?
a. colon cancer b. leukemia c. osteosarcoma d. prostate cancer
10. Microtubule inhibitors has two functions. Which of the following is a type of inhibitor that
affects the extension of tubulin to prevent the chromosomes from aligning during
metaphase?
a. depolymerization c. microtubule- stabilizing
b. microtubule-destabilizing d. polymerization
11. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
a. Anticancer drugs can cause side effects to the cells that are fast-growing like
cancer cells.
b. Damage to the nerves especially in the hands and feet is a long-term side effect of
anticancer drugs.
c. Taking anticancer drugs can cause adverse effects to the body.
d. None of the above
12. If a patient undergoing chemotherapy has a decreased platelet count, what is likely to
happen?
a. The patient will experience anemia.
b. The patient will experience bruising.
c. The patient will experience diarrhea.
d. The patient will experience nausea and vomiting.
13. Effects of anticancer drugs may be experienced even after the treatment has ended.
Which among the following is NOT a long-term effect of chemotherapy?
a. myelotoxicity b. nephrotoxicity c. neuropathy d. ototoxic
14. Cyclophosphamide is an example of an alkylating agent. Which of the following is the
mustard portion of this drug?

a. b. c. d.

15. What is a common side effect of anticancer drug that results to temporary hair loss?
a. alopecia b. mucositis c. myelotoxicity d. stomatitis

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 Additional Activities

Puzzle of Anticancer Drugs

Directions: Crossword Puzzle. Identify the specific anticancer drug being described. Use the
given clues below the puzzle. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Across Down
2. antitumor antibiotic active during the G2 1. antimetabolite drug for melanoma
phase of the cell
4. folic acid competitor
3. anticancer drug used to treat Hodgkin’s
lymphoma

5. hormonal agent for breast cancer

6. microtubule stabilizing agent

7. platinum compound with 2 amino groups

and 2 chlorine found on the same side

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 Prevention is Better than Cure

Although a lot of treatment has been discovered against cancer, it is better

to avoid the risk of it through awareness and prevention. As a Grade 9 learner, how
can you help promote cancer awareness through a campaign? In this activity, you
must create a pamphlet about “Cancer Awareness.” It can be cancer in general or
you may choose a specific cancer. Make sure to include basic information about it
and ways on how to prevent it.

Cancer Awareness Pamphlet Rubric

4 3 2 1
Organization The pamphlet The pamphlet The pamphlet The pamphlet’s
has excellent has appropriate has some format and
formatting and formatting and organized organization of
very well- well-organized information with materials are
organized information. random confusing to the
information. formatting. reader.
Content/ The pamphlet The pamphlet The pamphlet The pamphlet
Ideas communicates communicates communicates communicates
relevant relevant irrelevant irrelevant
information information information or information and
appropriately appropriately to communicates communicates
and effectively the intended inappropriately inappropriately
to the intended audience. to the intended to the intended
audience. audience. audience.
Conventions All the writing is Most of the Some of the Most of the
done in writing is done writing is done writing is not
complete in complete in complete done in
sentence. sentences. sentences. complete
sentence.
Capitalization Most of the Some of the
and punctuation capitalization capitalization Most of the
are correct and punctuation and punctuation capitalization
throughout the are correct are correct and punctuation
pamphlet. throughout the throughout the are not correct
pamphlet. pamphlet. throughout the
pamphlet.
Graphics The graphics go The graphics go The graphics go The graphics do
well with the well with the well with the not go with the
text, and there text, but there text, but there accompanying
is a good mix of are so many are too few. text or appear to
text and that they be randomly
graphics. distract from the chosen.
text.

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 24
What I Know Independent Activity 2
1. a 6. d 11. b 1. antitumor antibiotic
2. c 7. c 12. d 2. platinum compound
3. b 8. c 13. d 3. alkylating agent
4. c 9. b 14. a 4. antimetabolite (explanations
5. a 10. c 15. c 5. hormonal agent to the answers
6. microtubule inhibitor may vary)
What’s In Independent Activity 3
1. cancer 1. alopecia
2. carcinogens 2. stomatitis
3. treatment 3. congested heart failure
4. medicine 4. nausea and vomiting
5. chemotherapy 5., 6., 7., mucositis, diarrhea, constipation
8. myelotoxicity
What’s New 9. pulmonary fibrosis
CCS Drugs 10. neuropathy
 focuses on fast-growing tumors Independent Assessment 3
 targets a particular cell phase 1. f 6. k
 antimetabolite 2. b 7. j
 hormonal agent 3. h 8. i
CCNS Drugs 4. c 9. a
 targets any cell phase 5. d 10. g
 focuses on slow-growing tumors
 antitumor antibiotic Assessment
 works during resting phase 1. c 6. b 11. d
Similarities 2. b 7. a 12. b
 anticancer drugs 3. d 8. c 13. a
 chemotherapy 4. c 9. d 14. c
5. c 10. c 15. a
What’s More
Independent Activity 1 Additional Activities
1. antimetabolite, microtubule inhibitor, hormonal agent
2. answers may vary
3. alkylating agent, antitumor antibiotic, platinum
compound
4. microtubule inhibitor and antitumor antibiotic
5. answers may vary
Independent Assessment 1
1. FACT 4. FACT
2. BLUFF 5.BLUFF
3.BLUFF
Answer Key
 25
Independent Assessment 2
ANTICANCER EXAMPLE CCS/ CCNS MODE OF ACTION
DRUG
It competes to the binding site of the
antimetabolite methotrexate cell cycle metabolite in the cancer cell that
specific result to the inhibition of nucleic
S phase acid synthesis.
It inhibits DNA synthesis and impair
antitumor mitomycin C cell cycle RNA and protein production by
antibiotic bleomycin non-specific releasing free radicals that inserts
between the base pairs.
It floods the cell with artificial
hormonal agent cell-cycle hormones that interrupt natural
abiraterone
specific hormones binding to the receptors
anastrozole
gap phase 1 in the cell that results to inhibition of
tumor growth.
It attaches its alkyl group to the
mechlorethamine cell cycle DNA, particularly the guanine base
alkylating agent
melphalan non-specific causing intrastrand cross-link that
cyclophosphamide inhibits DNA replication.
It binds to the N7 guanine base of
platinum the DNA causing cross-linkages
cell-cycle
compound cisplatin that inhibits DNA synthesis.
non-specific
It causes cellular arrest by inhibiting
microtubule cell cycle mitotic spindle formation.
vinka alkaloids
inhibitor specific
M phase
 References

Electronic Sources

American Cancer Society. 2020. Chemotherapy Side Effects. May 1. Accessed January 2021.
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/chemo
therapy/chemotherapy-side-effects.html.
Avendano, C. and Menendez, C. Medicinal Chemistry of Anticancer Drugs, Second Edition.
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. ISBN 13: 9780444626493

Gill, J.H., Groundwater, P.W., and Todd, A. Anticancer Therapeutics: from drug discovery to
clinical applications. John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2018. ISBN 13: 9781118696194

Karnofsky, David A. 1968. "Mechanism of Action of Anticancer Drugs at a Cellular Level." CA

- A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 18 (4): 232-234. Accessed January 2021.
https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.3322/canjclin.18.4.232.
Krans, Brian. 2021. Chemotherapy. January 5. Accessed January 2021. https://www.
healthline.com/health/chemotherapy.
Meegan, M.J. and O’Boyle, N.H. Anticancer Drugs.MDPI,2019. ISBN 13: 978-3-03921-587-4

National Cancer Institute. n.d. Types of Cancer Treatment. Accessed January 2021. https://
www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types.
“Cisplatin Part 1.” YouTube Video, 13:48. “Elliot Nicholson,” December 4, 2014. https://www.
youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v= 9mRo5TpJuCo.
“Methotrexate Part 1.” YouTube Video, 15:13. “Elliot Nicholson,” December 7, 2014. https://
www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v= 9qPUUN8ePJc.
“The Nitrogen Mustards Part 2.” YouTube Video, 8:58. “Elliot Nicholson,” November 28, 2014.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app= desktop&v=3hoJzKfastg.
Ogawa, M. 1997. "Anticancer drugs and pharmacologic actions." Japanese journal of clinical
medicine (Nihon Rinsho) 55 (5): 1017-1023. Accessed January 2021.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9155146/#:~:text=Anticancer%20drugs%20are%20tr
aditionally%20classified,DNA%20and%20transcription%20of%20RNA.
OncoLink Team. 2020. Chemotherapy: The Basics. February 21. Accessed January 2021.
https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/cancer-medications/overview/chemothera
py-the-basics#:~:text=They%20are%20called%20cell%2Dcycle,called%20cell%2Dcy
cle%20specific%20agents.
Stringer, Janet L., and Irvin S. Snyder. 2018. Anticancer drug. November 15. Accessed
January 2021. https://www.britannica.com/science/anticancer-drug.
WebMD Medical Team. 2020. Antimetabolites for Cancer: Effects, Benefits, Risks. Edited by
Sabrina Felson. May 19. Accessed January 2021. https://www.webmd.com/
cancer/antimetabolite-medications-overview.
WebMD Medical Team. n.d. Cancer Health Center. Accessed January 2021.
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/default.htm.

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write:

Department of Education, Schools Division of Bulacan

Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
Capitol Compound, Guinhawa St., City of Malolos, Bulacan
Email Address: [email protected]

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