doxorubicin

noun

doxo·​ru·​bi·​cin ˌdäk-sə-ˈrü-bə-sən How to pronounce doxorubicin (audio)
: an antibiotic with broad antineoplastic activity that is obtained from a bacterium (Streptomyces peucetius) and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C27H29NO11·HCl

Examples of doxorubicin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The ability to localize doxorubicin at the tumor could reduce its dangerous cardiovascular side effects. Sarah Anderson, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2022 The cluster of breast cancer cells, colored blue, has been treated with the anticancer drug doxorubicin. Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2014 For the drug, the team chose doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic that’s effective against 14 types of cancer, according to the FDA. Sarah Anderson, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2022 Preliminary results show that the drug is indeed being activated at the tumor — and is tolerated at almost nine times the normal amount of doxorubicin per cycle. Sarah Anderson, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2022 The greatest risk is from the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, an anthracyclin. NBC News, 2 Feb. 2018 The chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, damaged Shae's heart, but her cancer required the most aggressive treatment possible to stop the tumors from spreading. David Haugh, chicagotribune.com, 29 Sep. 2017 Cheresh added that doxorubicin, which has already been approved for human use, is merely one example of what could be achieved through the nanotherapeutic use of other, highly toxic drugs. Brandon Keim, WIRED, 7 July 2008

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'doxorubicin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

deoxy- + -orubicin (as in daunorubicin)

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of doxorubicin was in 1971

Dictionary Entries Near doxorubicin

Cite this Entry

“Doxorubicin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doxorubicin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

doxorubicin

noun
doxo·​ru·​bi·​cin ˌdäk-sə-ˈrü-bə-sən How to pronounce doxorubicin (audio)
: an anthracycline antibiotic with broad antineoplastic activity that is obtained from a bacterium of the genus Streptomyces (S. peucetius) and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C27H29NO11·HCl

Note: Doxorubicin is marketed under the trademark Adriamycin and is used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (see abvd).

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