Cyclophosphamide

/ˌsaɪ.kloʊˈfɑː.sfə.maɪd/ noun

Definition

A powerful cancer-fighting drug that also reduces the immune system's activity, used to treat various cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Etymology

From 'cyclo-' (ring structure) + 'phosph-' (phosphorus-containing) + 'amide' (chemical group), describing the molecule's structure. Developed in the 1950s-60s as cancer chemotherapy.

Kelly Says

Cyclophosphamide is one of the most successful cancer drugs ever made—it's been treating patients for over 60 years and is still on the WHO's list of essential medicines, despite its serious side effects that doctors carefully manage.

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