Alkylating agents are a class of drugs used in chemotherapy to treat cancer. These drugs work by attaching an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and multiplying. In this article, we will discuss the definition and meaning of alkylating agents.
Definitions
Alkylating agents are a type of chemotherapy drug that works by attaching an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells. This prevents the cells from dividing and multiplying, ultimately leading to their death.
Origin
The term “alkylating agent” comes from the chemical process of alkylation, which involves adding an alkyl group to a molecule. The use of alkylating agents in chemotherapy dates back to the 1940s, when nitrogen mustard was first used to treat cancer.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, an alkylating agent is “a chemical agent used to introduce alkyl groups into a molecule, especially a drug used in chemotherapy to treat cancer.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a chemical agent that introduces an alkyl group into a molecule, used especially in the treatment of cancer.”
Associations
Alkylating agents are commonly associated with chemotherapy and cancer treatment. They are known for their ability to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA.
Synonyms
Synonyms for alkylating agent include chemotherapy drug, cancer drug, and DNA-damaging agent.
Antonyms
Antonyms for alkylating agent would be drugs that do not work by attaching an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells. These might include immunotherapy drugs or targeted therapy drugs.
The same root words
The root word of alkylating agent is “alkyl,” which refers to a type of hydrocarbon chain. Other words with the same root include alkyl group, alkyl halide, and alkylate.
Example Sentences
- The patient received an alkylating agent as part of their chemotherapy treatment.
- Alkylating agents are known for their ability to damage cancer cells’ DNA.
- The oncologist recommended an alkylating agent to treat the patient’s cancer.
- The side effects of alkylating agents can include nausea and hair loss.
- Alkylating agents are one of the main types of chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer.