STREPTOZOCIN Meaning and
Definition
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Streptozocin is a noun, referring to a powerful anticancer drug used in chemotherapy treatments. It is part of a class of medications known as alkylating agents. Initially discovered as a natural product from the bacterium Streptomyces achromogenes, Streptozocin is primarily used to treat pancreatic islet cell cancer, also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
The drug works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. This mechanism is accomplished through the formation of DNA cross-links, which interfere with the replication process. By targeting rapidly dividing cells, Streptozocin specifically focuses on cancer cells that multiply at a faster rate than normal cells.
Streptozocin is usually administered intravenously, allowing it to reach the cancer cells throughout the body. Careful monitoring is required during treatment due to potential side effects, such as lowered blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting, and kidney toxicity. Additionally, patients may experience temporary hair loss as a result of treatment. Dosage and treatment duration vary based on individual factors, including the type and stage of cancer.
While Streptozocin has shown effectiveness in treating pancreatic islet cell cancer, it may have limited efficacy in other cancer types. Medical professionals typically determine its use on a case-by-case basis and considering the potential risks and benefits for each patient.
Common Misspellings for STREPTOZOCIN
- atreptozocin
- ztreptozocin
- xtreptozocin
- dtreptozocin
- etreptozocin
- wtreptozocin
- srreptozocin
- sfreptozocin
- sgreptozocin
- syreptozocin
- s6reptozocin
- s5reptozocin
- steeptozocin
- stdeptozocin
- stfeptozocin
- stteptozocin
- st5eptozocin
- st4eptozocin
- strwptozocin
- strsptozocin
Etymology of STREPTOZOCIN
The word "Streptozocin" has a complex etymology that breaks down as follows:
1. "Strepto": This part of the word is derived from the Greek word "streptos" (στρεπτός), meaning "twisted" or "curved".
2. "Zo": This part of the word is derived from the Greek word "zoion" (ζώον), meaning "animal".
3. "Cin": This part of the word is derived from the root "cine", related to "kinesis" in Greek, meaning "movement".
When combined, "Streptozocin" can be interpreted as a compound word with the following implications:
- The "strepto" prefix suggests that the molecule may have a twisted or curved structure.
