Cytotoxic

Cytotoxic refers to a substance or process that results in cell damage or cell death. The term is often used to describe drugs and therapies used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, where the goal is to kill or damage cells that are growing or dividing too quickly.

Overview

Cytotoxic substances are often used in chemotherapy to treat cancer. These substances work by interrupting cell division, which can slow the growth of cancerous cells. However, they can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects.

Mechanism of Action

Cytotoxic drugs work by disrupting the cell cycle, preventing cells from dividing and growing. They do this by damaging the DNA or the cellular machinery used for cell division. Some cytotoxic drugs are cell cycle specific, meaning they target cells at a specific stage in the cell cycle, while others are cell cycle non-specific and can act at any stage of the cell cycle.

Types of Cytotoxic Drugs

There are several types of cytotoxic drugs, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, topoisomerase inhibitors, and mitotic inhibitors. Each of these types of drugs works in a different way to stop cell division and growth.

Side Effects

Because cytotoxic drugs can also affect healthy cells, they can cause a range of side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue. The severity of these side effects can vary depending on the specific drug and the dose used.

See Also

• Chemotherapy
• Cancer
• Cell cycle
• DNA

Cytotoxic Resources
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