Chemoresistance is a term used to describe the ability of cancer cells to resist chemotherapy drugs. The spelling of the word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as kɛmoʊrɪzɪstəns. The first syllable is pronounced with the "ke" sound, followed by "moh" and "ri" with the stress on the second syllable. The word ends with "zistəns" with the "z" and "s" sounds combined. Understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is crucial for proper communication among healthcare professionals.
Chemoresistance refers to the ability of certain cells, tissues, or organisms to withstand the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat cancer or other diseases. It is a phenomenon where cancer cells develop a decreased sensitivity or resistance to the drugs that are intended to kill them or inhibit their growth.
Chemotherapy is a commonly utilized treatment approach for various forms of cancer. However, not all patients respond equally to these medications. Some cancer cells have the ability to adapt and develop mechanisms to counteract the effects of chemotherapy drugs, leading to reduced effectiveness of the treatment. This resistance can occur through different mechanisms, such as increased drug efflux, enhanced DNA damage repair, altered drug metabolism, or acquired mutations.
Chemoresistance can occur both before treatment (intrinsic or primary resistance) or during treatment (acquired or secondary resistance). In some cases, chemoresistance may limit the effectiveness of chemotherapy and contribute to treatment failure or disease recurrence.
The development of chemoresistance poses a significant challenge in cancer treatment, as it reduces the efficacy of drugs that were once effective against the disease. Overcoming chemoresistance is an active area of research, with scientists exploring various strategies to enhance drug delivery, develop new drugs, or combine different treatment modalities to improve outcomes for patients.
Immunity to the action of chemical poisons.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chemoresistance" is derived from the combination of two roots: "chemo-" and "-resistance".
1. "Chemo-" is derived from the Greek word "khemeía" (χημεία) meaning "chemical", which in turn comes from "khēmía" (χημία) meaning "art of transmutation" or "alchemy". In modern usage, "chemo-" is a prefix indicating a relationship with chemicals or chemistry.
2. "-Resistance" is a suffix derived from the Latin word "resistentia", from "resistere" meaning "to resist". It suggests the ability or capacity to withstand or oppose something.
Combining these two roots, "chemoresistance" refers to the ability of cells or organisms to resist the effects of chemical substances or chemotherapy drugs.