anticancer

American

[an-tee-kan-ser, an-tahy-] / ˌæn tiˈkæn sər, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

for or used in the prevention or treatment of cancer.

an anticancer drug.

Etymology

Origin of anticancer

First recorded in 1925–30; anti- + cancer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The newly formed "enhanced CAR-macrophages" showed much stronger cancer-killing activity and stimulated surrounding immune cells, leading to a powerful anticancer response.

From Science Daily • Jan. 28, 2026

They also activate nearby immune cells, strengthening the overall anticancer response.

From Science Daily • Jan. 28, 2026

As a result, CAR-macrophages were generated by "directly converting the body's own macrophages into anticancer cell therapies inside the body."

From Science Daily • Jan. 28, 2026

In lab experiments, Sayour's team combined their experimental "nonspecific" mRNA vaccine with a class of anticancer drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors.

From Science Daily • Oct. 28, 2025

Each time someone discussed anticancer diets or snorting ground-up shark fin or whatever, he’d glance over at me and sigh ever so slightly.

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023