CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC DRUG Meaning and
Definition
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A chemotherapeutic drug is a type of medication that is used in the treatment of cancer and other related diseases. It refers to a class of drugs that are specifically designed to inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells, thereby preventing the spread of the disease. Chemotherapeutic drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which cancer cells tend to be.
These drugs are often administered via various routes such as intravenous infusion, oral ingestion, or injection, depending on the specific medication. Chemotherapeutic drugs can be categorized into different classes, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites, hormonal agents, immunomodulatory agents, and targeted therapies.
The primary goal of chemotherapeutic drugs is to destroy cancer cells or slow down their growth, ultimately leading to the regression or elimination of the tumor. They achieve this by interfering with the cell cycle, DNA synthesis, or cell signaling pathways that are essential for the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Although chemotherapeutic drugs primarily target cancer cells, they can also affect normal cells, leading to various side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and immunosuppression.
The choice of chemotherapeutic drug and the treatment regimen depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and the desired outcome. Chemotherapeutic drugs are often used alongside other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy to maximize their effectiveness. Extensive research and development in this field continue to expand the range of available chemotherapeutic drugs and improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Common Misspellings for CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC DRUG
- xhemotherapeutic drug
- vhemotherapeutic drug
- fhemotherapeutic drug
- dhemotherapeutic drug
- cgemotherapeutic drug
- cbemotherapeutic drug
- cnemotherapeutic drug
- cjemotherapeutic drug
- cuemotherapeutic drug
- cyemotherapeutic drug
- chwmotherapeutic drug
- chsmotherapeutic drug
- chdmotherapeutic drug
- chrmotherapeutic drug
- ch4motherapeutic drug
- ch3motherapeutic drug
- chenotherapeutic drug
- chekotherapeutic drug
- chejotherapeutic drug
- chemitherapeutic drug
Etymology of CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC DRUG
The word "chemotherapeutic" is derived from two main roots: "chemo-" and "therapeutic".
- "Chem(o)-": This prefix comes from the Greek word "khemeia", meaning "art of metalworking" or "alchemy". It later evolved in Latin as "chema", referring to chemical substances. In the context of medicine, "chemo-" signifies the use of chemicals or drugs for therapeutic purposes.
- "Therapeutic": This word comes from the Greek root "therapeutikos", which means "pertaining to healing or treatment". The term emphasizes the purpose or intent of a substance or procedure to treat or cure a disease.
Therefore, when combined, "chemotherapeutic" means "pertaining to the treatment of disease using chemicals or drugs". In the case of "chemotherapeutic drug", it refers specifically to medications used in cancer treatment that aim to destroy or inhibit the growth of malignant cells.
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