ANTHRACYCLINES Meaning and
Definition
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Anthracyclines are a class of chemotherapeutic drugs used in the treatment of various types of cancers. They are derived from a natural compound produced by certain species of Streptomyces bacteria and are characterized by their distinctive red color. Anthracyclines are classified as cytotoxic agents and work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
These drugs exert their therapeutic effects by intercalating DNA, which means that they insert themselves between the base pairs of the DNA molecule, disrupting the normal structure and preventing replication. Anthracyclines also inhibit a key enzyme called topoisomerase II, which is involved in DNA repair processes. By interfering with DNA replication and repair, anthracyclines ultimately lead to the death of cancer cells.
Anthracyclines have been proven to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and sarcoma. Some commonly used anthracycline drugs include doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and epirubicin.
However, anthracyclines are associated with significant side effects, particularly cardiotoxicity. Prolonged use or high doses of these drugs can damage the heart muscle and may lead to heart failure or other cardiovascular complications. To minimize these risks, careful monitoring of cardiac function is necessary during anthracycline therapy, and alternative treatments may be considered for patients with pre-existing heart conditions.
In conclusion, anthracyclines are a class of chemotherapeutic drugs that inhibit the growth of cancer cells by interfering with DNA replication and repair. While they have been proven effective in treating various types of cancers, they also carry the risk of cardiotoxicity as a major side effect.
Common Misspellings for ANTHRACYCLINES
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Etymology of ANTHRACYCLINES
The word "Anthracyclines" is derived from the Greek words "anthrakis" (meaning "coal" or "charcoal") and "kyklos" (meaning "circle" or "cycle"). This combination is based on the chemical structure of anthracyclines, which consists of a planar, cyclic ring structure resembling a coal or charcoal circle. The term "anthra" refers to the presence of an anthracene nucleus, which is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and "cycline" denotes the cyclic nature of the compound. Anthracyclines are a class of compounds that include various antibiotic and antitumor agents, such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin.
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