Oncology medicines

Cancer: medicines & conditions

Cancer treatment uses medicines to kill or control cancer cells or to support people through treatment. These are specialist treatments, always prescribed and supervised by cancer teams — this page is general reference only.

Education and reference only. This hub explains which medicines relate to the cancer and why — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.

About the cancer

Cancer medicines include traditional chemotherapy, which targets rapidly-dividing cells, alongside supportive treatments that protect the body during therapy. Modern cancer care increasingly adds targeted and immune-based treatments, all delivered under close specialist supervision with careful monitoring for side effects. The themes that matter at this overview level are that these drugs are powerful and individualised, that supportive care is a major part of treatment, and that anything specific should come from your own oncology team. Nothing here is a substitute for that advice.

What this covers

Chemotherapy (cytotoxic medicines)
Supportive treatment during cancer therapy
How cancer medicines are supervised
Where to get specialist advice

Conditions in this area

Cancer conditions (16)

Each links to a dose-free guide showing which medicine classes are used and how treatment is approached.

Cancer Bladder cancer A cancer starting in the lining of the bladder, most often signalled by blood in the urine — treatable, especially when … Cancer Brain tumour A growth of abnormal cells in the brain, which may be non-cancerous or cancerous — symptoms depend on its location, and … Cancer Cervical cancer A cancer of the cervix (neck of the womb) caused by persistent HPV infection — largely preventable through the HPV vacci… Cancer Endometrial cancer A cancer of the lining of the womb, most often signalled by bleeding after the menopause — frequently found early and ve… Cancer Hodgkin lymphoma A cancer of the lymphatic system, often in younger adults, usually starting as a painless swollen gland — one of the mos… Cancer Kidney cancer A cancer of the kidney, often found by chance on a scan, sometimes causing blood in the urine or a lump — frequently cur… Cancer Liver cancer A cancer arising in the liver, often on a background of long-term liver damage — best prevented and detected by managing… Cancer Mesothelioma A cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen, almost always caused by past asbestos exposure — often appearing decades… Cancer Mouth cancer A cancer that can develop on the lips, tongue, gums or lining of the mouth, often as a persistent ulcer or patch — more … Cancer Non-Hodgkin lymphoma A cancer of the lymphatic (immune) system that often shows as painless swollen glands — a diverse group of conditions, m… Cancer Oesophageal cancer A cancer of the food pipe whose main warning sign is difficulty swallowing — best treated when found early, so new swall… Cancer Ovarian cancer A cancer of the ovaries whose symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked — so persistent bloating, tummy pain or fee… Cancer Penile cancer A rare cancer usually appearing as a change or growth on the penis — highly treatable when found early, so any persisten… Cancer Stomach cancer A cancer of the stomach lining that often causes vague digestive symptoms early on — treatable when caught early, so per… Cancer Testicular cancer A cancer that usually appears as a painless lump or swelling in a testicle, mainly affecting younger men — one of the mo… Cancer Thyroid cancer A cancer of the thyroid gland in the neck, often appearing as a painless lump — usually very treatable, with most types …

Medicine classes

Medicines for the cancer (3)

Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.

Aromatase inhibitors Oncology Hormone treatment for breast cancer after the menopause — with attention to bone and joints.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Oncology Powerful drugs that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells — given in carefully planned cycles with supportive car… Tamoxifen Oncology A long-term hormone treatment that reduces the risk of breast-cancer recurrence.…

By active ingredient

Common cancer medicines by name

Individual, dose-free guides to specific active ingredients (and their brands) in this area:

Answers

Cancer: frequently asked questions

What medicines are used for the cancer?

This system includes 3 medicine classes — such as aromatase inhibitors, cytotoxic chemotherapy, tamoxifen. Each links to a full, dose-free guide covering what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects and interactions.

Which conditions affect the cancer?

Common conditions in this area include Bladder cancer, Brain tumour, Cervical cancer, Endometrial cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma and more. Each condition page shows the medicine classes used to treat it and why.

Do these pages give doses?

No. Every page on this site is dose-free. We explain which medicines are used and why, but doses depend on the individual and the exact product — always confirm with your prescriber, the BNF and the product labelling.

Is this a substitute for medical advice?

No — it is education and reference only. It helps you understand this body system and its treatments, but decisions about your own care should always be made with a qualified clinician.

Keep exploring

Other body systems

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