Anthracyclines
Anthracyclines
Anthracyclines (pronunciation: an-thra-sye-kleens) are a class of drugs used in cancer treatment. They are derived from the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius.
Etymology
The term "Anthracyclines" is derived from the Greek words "anthrakikos" meaning "coal-like" and "kuklos" meaning "circle". This is in reference to the drug's chemical structure which consists of a planar aromatic chromophore and a sugar moiety.
Usage
Anthracyclines are used to treat many types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. They work by intercalating DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, leading to DNA damage and cell death.
Related Terms
- Doxorubicin: A type of anthracycline drug.
- Daunorubicin: Another type of anthracycline drug.
- Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to treat diseases such as cancer.
- Topoisomerase inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit the function of topoisomerase enzymes, which are needed for DNA replication.
Side Effects
Like all chemotherapy drugs, anthracyclines have side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. A serious side effect of anthracyclines is cardiotoxicity, which can lead to heart failure.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anthracyclines
- Wikipedia's article - Anthracyclines
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