CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENT Meaning and
Definition
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A chemotherapeutic agent, also known as an anticancer drug or antineoplastic drug, refers to any medication or substance that is used in the treatment of cancer. It is specifically designed to target and destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth, often by disrupting their ability to multiply and divide. Chemotherapeutic agents are commonly used along with other treatment modalities, such as surgery or radiation therapy, to increase the chances of successful cancer treatment.
These agents work by interfering with specific cellular processes that are necessary for cancer cell survival and proliferation. They can act through various mechanisms, such as damaging DNA, preventing DNA replication, disrupting protein synthesis, or inhibiting specific enzymes involved in cell cycle regulation or metabolism.
Typically administered in a systematic manner, chemotherapeutic agents can be ingested orally, injected intravenously, or applied topically, depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. They are usually prescribed by oncologists or other specialized healthcare professionals who consider factors such as the type and extent of the cancer, patient's overall health, and potential side effects.
While chemotherapeutic agents mainly target cancer cells, some healthy cells in the body can also be affected, leading to side effects. These can include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, bone marrow suppression, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Researchers continuously strive to develop novel chemotherapeutic agents that are more selective and less toxic to normal cells, thereby improving efficacy and reducing side effects in cancer treatment.
Common Misspellings for CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENT
- xhemotherapeutic agent
- vhemotherapeutic agent
- fhemotherapeutic agent
- dhemotherapeutic agent
- cgemotherapeutic agent
- cbemotherapeutic agent
- cnemotherapeutic agent
- cjemotherapeutic agent
- cuemotherapeutic agent
- cyemotherapeutic agent
- chwmotherapeutic agent
- chsmotherapeutic agent
- chdmotherapeutic agent
- chrmotherapeutic agent
- ch4motherapeutic agent
- ch3motherapeutic agent
- chenotherapeutic agent
- chekotherapeutic agent
- chejotherapeutic agent
- chemitherapeutic agent
Etymology of CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENT
The term "chemotherapeutic agent" originated from the combination of two words: "chemotherapy" and "therapeutic".
1. Chemotherapy: The word "chemotherapy" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "chemeia" meaning "chemical" and "therapia" meaning "treatment" or "cure". It was first used in the late 19th century to refer to the use of chemical substances to treat diseases, particularly cancer.
2. Therapeutic: The term "therapeutic" is derived from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "healing" or "curing". It refers to any substance or treatment that aims to alleviate or cure a disease or condition.
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