doxorubicin

noun

doxo·​ru·​bi·​cin ˌdäk-sə-ˈrü-bə-sən 

: an antibiotic with broad antineoplastic activity that is obtained from a bacterium (Streptomyces peucetius) and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₇H₂₉NO₁₁·HCl

Examples of doxorubicin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the concerns, another FDA group — tasked with preventing drug shortages — reached out to Sun after the inspection to make sure that the factory would continue to produce the cancer drug doxorubicin. —Megan Rose, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2025

Preliminary results show that the drug is indeed being activated at the tumor — and is tolerated at almost nine times the normal amount of doxorubicin per cycle. —Sarah Anderson, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2022

The greatest risk is from the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, an anthracyclin. —NBC News, 2 Feb. 2018

The chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, damaged Shae's heart, but her cancer required the most aggressive treatment possible to stop the tumors from spreading. —David Haugh, chicagotribune.com, 29 Sep. 2017

Cheresh added that doxorubicin, which has already been approved for human use, is merely one example of what could be achieved through the nanotherapeutic use of other, highly toxic drugs. —Brandon Keim, WIRED, 7 July 2008

Word History

Etymology

deoxy- + -orubicin (as in daunorubicin)

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for doxorubicin

• daunorubicin
• oleoresin
• gleason
• salicin

Medical Definition

doxorubicin

noun

doxo·​ru·​bi·​cin ˌdäk-sə-ˈrü-bə-sən 

: an anthracycline antibiotic with broad antineoplastic activity that is obtained from a bacterium of the genus Streptomyces (S. peucetius) and is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₇H₂₉NO₁₁·HCl

Note: Doxorubicin is marketed under the trademark Adriamycin and is used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (see abvd).