What are alkylating agents primarily used for in chemotherapy?

Alkylating agents are primarily used in chemotherapy to damage DNA, which is central to their mechanism of action. These agents work by adding alkyl groups to the DNA molecule, particularly at the guanine base. This alteration causes cross-linking of DNA strands, which interferes with DNA replication and transcription. As a result, cancer cells, which are typically more sensitive to DNA damage due to their rapid division, are hampered in their ability to proliferate. This makes alkylating agents effective in treating various types of cancers.

By targeting the DNA directly, these agents induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. The ability to disrupt DNA function is crucial because it helps overcome the uncontrolled growth characteristic of malignant tumors. This DNA damage approach is a cornerstone in the treatment of many cancers and highlights the role of alkylating agents as essential tools in chemotherapy regimens.