What class of drugs is used for the treatment of cancer?

Antineoplastics are the class of drugs specifically designed to combat cancer by targeting and inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. They achieve this through various mechanisms, such as disrupting DNA synthesis, inhibiting cell division, or interfering with the cancer cell's ability to grow and survive. This targeted approach is essential for treating different types of cancer effectively by either shrinking tumors or stopping cancer from spreading.

In contrast, antibiotics are primarily used to treat bacterial infections and do not have efficacy against cancer cells. Antivirals are focused on treating viral infections, while analgesics are pain-relieving medications that do not address the underlying factors of cancer. Each of these other classes serves distinct therapeutic purposes, which highlights the specialized role of antineoplastics in oncology.