Misonidazole
Misonidazole
Misonidazole (pronounced: mi-so-ni-da-zole) is a radiosensitizer used in the treatment of cancer. It is a synthetic, nitroimidazole-derived radiosensitizing agent that enhances the effect of radiation therapy by inhibiting the repair of damaged DNA in hypoxic cells.
Etymology
The term "Misonidazole" is derived from its chemical structure, which includes a nitroimidazole ring. The prefix "miso-" is derived from the Greek word 'mison' meaning 'hate', indicating its destructive effect on cancer cells.
Usage
Misonidazole is used in conjunction with radiation therapy to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. It is particularly useful in treating hypoxic cells, which are often resistant to radiation therapy. By inhibiting the repair of damaged DNA in these cells, misonidazole increases their sensitivity to radiation, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Related Terms
- Radiosensitizer: A substance that makes tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
- Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- DNA: The molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms.
- Hypoxic cells: Cells that are deprived of adequate oxygen.
See Also
- Nitroimidazole: A class of drugs that contain a nitroimidazole ring and have been used as antiprotozoal agents.
- Radiobiology: The study of the action of ionizing radiation on living things.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Misonidazole
- Wikipedia's article - Misonidazole
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski