Britannica AI Icon

chemotherapeutant

chemistry
Also known as: systemic fungicide

Quick Summary

Chemotherapeutants, also known as anticancer drugs, are chemical agents used to treat malignant diseases. These drugs work by disrupting cancer cell division or damaging their DNA. They can be broadly categorized into cytotoxic drugs, which kill rapidly dividing cells, and non-cytotoxic drugs, which target specific molecular pathways or the cancer's environment.1

The term "chemotherapy" often refers to the use of anticancer drugs, though it technically means using chemicals to treat any disease. Early chemotherapeutic drugs included alkylating agents like mechlorethamine and antimetabolites such as methotrexate. Modern approaches include targeted therapies that act on specific molecular anomalies driving cancer growth. While effective, these drugs can have side effects as they may also affect healthy cells.12345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.