Large-molecule anticancer agents

The large-molecule anticancer agents largely consist of cytokines, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and antibody-drug ctMijugates (ADCs) (Tables 1 and 2). 

The answer is c. (Hardman, pp 1260-1262.) Paclitaxel is a large structural molecule that contains a 15-membered taxane ring system. This anticancer agent is an alkaloid derived from the bark of the Pacific yew tree. Its chemotherapeutic action is related to the microtubules in the cell. Paclitaxel promotes microtubule assembly from dimers and causes microtubule stabilization by preventing depolymerization. As a consequence of these actions, the microtubules form disorganized bundles, which decreases... 

Polyketides (PKs) are synthesizedbyertzymatic polymerization of acetyl and propionyl subunits from animal, plant, bacterial, fungal, and marine sources. They constitute a very large number of secondary metabolites and natural products and have great structural diversity. Many polyketides are cyclic molecules, and many of them find use as antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anticancer agents (e.g., erythromycins and tetracyclines). An example of this class of compounds is illustrated in Figure 9.8. 

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