Antitumor

Antitumor refers to any substance, treatment, or process that inhibits or prevents the growth and spread of tumors, which are abnormal masses of tissue that can be cancerous or benign. It encompasses a broad range of therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgical interventions. antitumor agents work through various mechanisms, such as disrupting tumor cell division, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), or inhibiting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors). Research efforts continuously seek to develop new and more effective antitumor strategies with fewer side effects.

Antitumor meaning with examples

• The oncologist prescribed an antitumor medication to shrink the patient's cancerous tumor. This medication was specifically chosen for its ability to target and destroy the rapidly dividing cancer cells without causing excessive harm to healthy tissues. Regular monitoring was scheduled to assess the medication's effectiveness and manage any potential side effects, and the plan aimed at slowing tumor growth and improve the patient's chances of survival.
• Scientists are actively researching novel antitumor compounds derived from natural sources like certain plants and marine organisms. These compounds are screened for their ability to selectively kill cancer cells or block the growth of tumors. The goal is to discover less toxic and more effective treatments for various types of cancer, and researchers are exploring diverse mechanisms of action to achieve this.
• Radiation therapy is a common antitumor treatment that uses high-energy rays to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. The treatment is carefully planned to target the tumor while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues. The effectiveness depends on the type and location of the tumor, and patients often experience side effects such as fatigue and skin irritation.
• Immunotherapy represents a promising approach to antitumor therapy by harnessing the body's own immune system to fight cancer. These therapies work by stimulating or enhancing the immune response against cancer cells. Examples include checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy and are proving effective in some cancers. Researchers continue to explore and refine immunotherapy strategies for a broader range of cancers.
• Surgical resection is a direct antitumor intervention where the tumor is physically removed from the body. It is often the primary treatment option for solid tumors that haven't spread extensively and it's often combined with other antitumor treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Post-surgery, patients are closely monitored for any signs of recurrence and also to assess the effectiveness of the process.