Cytotoksisten

Cytotoksisten is a term used in some languages to denote substances that are cytotoxic, i.e., toxic to cells. In pharmacology and medicine, cytotoxic drugs are agents that kill or inhibit the growth of cells, most notably cancer cells, but they can also affect healthy cells. Cytotoksisten can be chemical compounds, natural products, or biological molecules, and they act through a variety of mechanisms.

Common mechanisms of cytotoxicity include damage to cellular DNA, interference with DNA replication or repair, disruption of microtubule function to halt mitosis, and generation of reactive oxygen species that trigger cell death. Other agents may disrupt cell membranes or mitochondrial function. The specific mechanism often influences the drug’s efficacy and side-effect profile.

Applications and safety: The principal use of cytotoxic drugs is cancer chemotherapy, frequently in combination regimens designed to increase tumor kill while managing resistance and toxicity. They are also employed in some autoimmune and hematologic conditions. Because they can damage normal proliferating cells, cytotoksisten therapy is associated with significant adverse effects such as bone marrow suppression, mucositis, alopecia, neuropathy, and organ toxicity. Safe handling, precise dosing, and monitoring are essential in clinical settings.

Assessment and research: Cytotoxicity is evaluated in vitro using viability and death assays (for example, MTT/XTT, resazurin, or LDH release) to compare effects on different cell types. In clinical contexts, therapeutic index, scheduling, and supportive care determine treatment feasibility. See also cytotoxicity, chemotherapy, and antineoplastic agents.