Word parts
What it means
A cancer drug, also called chemotherapy. Many work by damaging cells that divide quickly, so they also harm fast-growing healthy cells in the bone marrowbone MAIR-ohThe soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes blood cells.Full entry , the mouth and gut lining, and the hair. That causes the common side effects: low blood counts with a higher risk of infection, bleeding and anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry ; nausea, vomiting and mouth sores; and hair loss. Some newer drugs target only certain features of cancer cells.
For the nurse
These are hazardous drugs: follow agency rules for handling, giving and disposing of them, and wear the gloves and gown required. Check blood counts before doses, watch the IV site closely because some drugs badly injure tissue if they leak, and teach infection prevention, mouth care and when to call with a fever.
In a chart
"Chemotherapy held per protocol; absolute neutrophil count below parameter, oncologist notified."
At a glance
| Spanish | antineoplásico, quimioterapia |
|---|---|
| Also written | chemotherapy, antineoplastics, anticancer drug, chemotherapeutic agent, cytotoxic drug, chemotherapeutic agents, chemotherapies, chemo |
Related terms
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
platelet
A tiny cell fragment in the blood that sticks together at a wound to help form a clot.
anti-
A word beginning that means against or opposing.
thrombocytopenia
A blood platelet count below normal, under 150,000/mm3.
bone marrow
The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes blood cells.