antititumor

Antitumor refers to substances, strategies, or processes that inhibit the growth of tumors or destroy tumor cells. In clinical practice, antitumor activity is pursued using multiple modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgical intervention. Antitumor agents can be natural or synthetic and are selected to reduce tumor burden, slow progression, or achieve remission. Efficacy depends on tumor type, stage, and patient factors, and treatments are coordinated by multidisciplinary teams.

Mechanisms vary: many agents damage DNA or interfere with replication and cell division (for example platinum compounds and alkylating agents); others disrupt signaling pathways or epigenetic regulation, and some therapies enhance immune recognition of cancer cells. Radiation therapy directly damages tumor DNA and can be combined with systemic treatments to improve outcomes. Resistance and toxicity remain important clinical challenges.

Examples and sources: Traditional chemotherapy includes drugs like cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin; natural products such as paclitaxel and vincristine; targeted therapies such as imatinib; and immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors. Radiotherapy is a cornerstone non-surgical antitumor modality. Emerging approaches include oncolytic viruses, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapies.

Research and development focus on expanding efficacy while reducing adverse effects, overcoming resistance, and personalizing therapy with biomarkers. Preclinical models (cell lines and animal studies) inform early testing, while clinical trials evaluate safety and effectiveness across diverse patient populations.

Terminology often describes the overall aim as antitumor activity or antitumor treatment. The field encompasses cytotoxic cytostatic approaches, targeted agents, and immune-based strategies, reflecting ongoing advances in precision medicine and combination regimens that strive to improve survival and quality of life.