CYTOTOXIC DRUG Meaning and
Definition
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A cytotoxic drug refers to a pharmaceutical agent or medication that has the ability to destroy or inhibit the growth of cells, particularly those that are rapidly dividing. These drugs are designed to specifically target and attack cancerous cells, as well as other rapidly proliferating cells in the body. Cytotoxic drugs work by disrupting the process of cell division, which is crucial for cancerous cells to grow and spread.
These drugs are commonly used in chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients, where they are administered either orally or intravenously. Once in the bloodstream, cytotoxic drugs circulate throughout the body, selectively targeting and attacking cancer cells. They can destroy cancerous cells by interfering with critical cellular functions, such as DNA replication, protein synthesis, or cellular metabolism. By inhibiting these processes, cytotoxic drugs induce cell death or prevent the cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Although cytotoxic drugs primarily target cancer cells, they can also affect normal, healthy cells in the body that divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles. This can lead to various side effects, including bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and immune system suppression.
Due to their potent effects on cells, cytotoxic drugs require careful administration and monitoring by medical professionals. They are an essential component in cancer treatment regimens and are often used in combination with other therapies, such as surgery and radiation, to maximize the chances of eradicating cancer cells and achieving remission.
Common Misspellings for CYTOTOXIC DRUG
- xytotoxic drug
- vytotoxic drug
- fytotoxic drug
- dytotoxic drug
- cttotoxic drug
- cgtotoxic drug
- chtotoxic drug
- cutotoxic drug
- c7totoxic drug
- c6totoxic drug
- cyrotoxic drug
- cyfotoxic drug
- cygotoxic drug
- cyyotoxic drug
- cy6otoxic drug
- cy5otoxic drug
- cytitoxic drug
- cytktoxic drug
- cytltoxic drug
Etymology of CYTOTOXIC DRUG
The term "cytotoxic" is derived from two Greek words: "cyto" meaning cell and "toxikon" meaning poison. "Cyto-" is a combining form that pertains to cells, while "toxin" refers to a poisonous substance. Hence, a "cytotoxic drug" is a medication or chemical compound that is toxic or destructive to cells. These drugs are commonly used in chemotherapy to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Similar spelling words for CYTOTOXIC DRUG
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