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

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

The ability to localize doxorubicin at the tumor could reduce its dangerous cardiovascular side effects. — Sarah Anderson, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2022

Treatment included four rounds of doxorubicin, four rounds of paclitaxel, and 21 radiation treatments. — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026

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

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).