Definition

Noun: 1. A substance promoted as an anticancer drug: Laetrile is a compound chemically derived from amygdalin, a substance found in the pits of some fruits. It was widely publicized as an alternative treatment for cancer, but scientific evidence does not support its effectiveness or safety for this purpose.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The clinic offered controversial treatments, including laetrile.
  • Despite the lack of evidence, some patients sought laetrile as a last resort.
  • Regulatory agencies have warned that laetrile is not a proven anticancer drug.

Advanced Usage

• "Laetrile therapy": Refers to the use of laetrile as a purported treatment for cancer.
  • He traveled abroad to undergo laetrile therapy.

Variants and Related Words

• Amygdalin (n): The natural chemical compound from which laetrile is semi-synthetically derived. It is found in apricot kernels and bitter almonds.

Synonyms

• Vitamin B17 (n): A misleading alternative name used by proponents to market laetrile, suggesting it is a nutrient. This term is not recognized by nutritional science.

Notes on Meaning

This word is primarily used in a medical or public health context to discuss a historical and controversial substance. Its use is almost always qualified by statements noting the absence of scientific proof for its efficacy and concerns about its potential toxicity.

Noun

1. a substance derived from amygdalin; publicized as an antineoplastic drug although there is no supporting evidence