doxorubicin

American  

[dok-suh-roo-buh-sin] / ˌdɒk səˈru bə sɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a cytotoxic antibiotic, C 27 H 29 NO 11 , derived from a variety of the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius and used in the treatment of sarcoma, malignant lymphoma, acute leukemia, and other cancers: administered intravenously, it is noted for its bright red color and potentially dangerous side effects.

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Etymology

Origin of doxorubicin

First recorded in 1970–75; d(e)ox(y)- + -o- + Latin rub(er) “red” (alluding to its color; rubric, red ¹ ) + -i- + -(my)cin

Example Sentences

When researchers created cancer cells that no longer responded to doxorubicin, the SFRP2 antibody still caused substantial cancer cell death.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

The mouse was destined for a study looking at whether vigorous exercise can limit heart problems caused by doxorubicin, which is also known as Adriamycin and is an anthracycline.

From Washington Post • Dec. 25, 2016

But in 1996, after Mary's experience with the highly toxic chemotherapy drug doxorubicin — dubbed the ‘red death’ — he heeded her plea and went to work.

From Scientific American • Jul. 1, 2014

But in 1996, after Mary's experience with the highly toxic chemotherapy drug doxorubicin — dubbed the 'red death' — he heeded her plea and went to work.

From Nature • May 27, 2014

The two drugs are doxorubicin and methotrexate, and in both cases supplies in the United States are being bolstered by shipments from abroad.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2012