antitumor
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Used against tumors; having the effect of inhibiting or destroying tumor cells: Describes substances, agents, or effects that are active against cancerous growths. * The study focused on the plant's antitumor properties. * This compound has demonstrated significant antitumor activity in laboratory tests.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Researchers are developing a new antitumor vaccine.
- The antitumor effect of the medication was measured by the reduction in tumor size.
- Many chemotherapy drugs are antitumor agents.
Advanced Usage
- "antitumor immunity": Refers to the body's immune response specifically targeting and destroying tumor cells.
- The therapy aims to boost the patient's antitumor immunity.
Variants and Related Words
- Antitumor (adjective): The primary form, as defined above.
- Antineoplastic (adjective): A more formal or clinical synonym, meaning "inhibiting or preventing the growth and spread of malignant cells."
- Anticancer (adjective): A common synonym meaning "used against cancer." While very similar, "anticancer" is a broader term, and "antitumor" is often used when specifically discussing the effect on the tumor mass itself.
Synonyms
- Anticancer
- Antineoplastic
- Cytotoxic (when referring to agents that kill cells, often cancer cells)
Notes on Different Meanings
The word "antitumor" is highly specialized and is used almost exclusively in medical, pharmacological, and biological contexts. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative meanings. Its meaning is consistently related to combating neoplastic (tumor) growth.
Adjective
- used in the treatment of cancer
- anticancer drug
- an antineoplastic effect