A drug which reduces the reproduction of cells, used to treat cancer.
Drug commonly used in chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer to inhibit the proliferation of cells.
A drug that damages or destroys cells and is used to treat various types of cancer, with or without the use of radiotherapy. Examples are cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, and mustine; they offer successful treatment in some conditions and help reduce symptoms and prolong life in others. Cytotoxic drugs destroy cancer cells by inhibiting cell division (i.e. they are antimitotic) but they also affect normal cells, particularly in bone marrow, skin, stomach lining, and fetal tissue, and dosage must be carefully controlled.
Cytotoxic drugs refer to a class of medications used in cancer treatment that are designed to destroy or impair abnormal cells. These drugs, while targeting cancerous cells, may also harm or destroy healthy cells, particularly those that undergo rapid multiplication, such as cells in hair follicles or the lining of the intestines. Consequently, side effects associated with cytotoxic drugs often include hair loss and gastrointestinal disturbances. Despite the potential impact on healthy cells, cytotoxic drugs remain a valuable tool in the fight against cancer, as they aim to selectively target and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The administration of these drugs requires careful consideration and monitoring to strike a balance between their therapeutic benefits and potential side effects.