Actinomycin

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Actinomycin

Actinomycin (pronounced as ak-ti-no-my-sin) is a type of antibiotic that is also used as a chemotherapy drug in the treatment of various types of cancer. It is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces.

Etymology

The term "Actinomycin" is derived from the Greek words aktis meaning ray and mykes meaning fungus, referring to the radiate appearance of the producing organism in culture.

Usage

Actinomycin works by binding to the DNA of cancer cells and interfering with their growth and multiplication. It is used in the treatment of a variety of cancers, including Wilm's tumor, Ewing's sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and gestational trophoblastic disease.

Related Terms

  • Antibiotic: A type of drug used to prevent or treat bacterial infections.
  • Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
  • DNA: The molecule that carries genetic information in all living organisms.
  • Wilm's tumor: A rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children.
  • Ewing's sarcoma: A rare type of cancer that occurs in the bones or in the soft tissue around the bones.
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma: A type of cancer that begins in the muscles that are attached to the bones.
  • Gestational trophoblastic disease: A group of rare tumors that involve abnormal growth of cells inside a woman's uterus.

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