antineoplastic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. 'Antineoplastic' is a broader adjective/noun describing anything that fights cancer. Chemotherapy uses chemical antineoplastic agents, but other treatments (like some immunotherapies or radiotherapies) can also be described as having antineoplastic effects.

It is almost exclusively used as an adjective or noun in standard medical English. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to antineoplast') is highly unconventional and would not be found in professional literature.

All cytotoxic drugs (which kill cells) used in cancer treatment are antineoplastic. However, not all antineoplastic agents are broadly cytotoxic; some are 'cytostatic' (halt cell division) or work through targeted biological mechanisms without directly causing rapid cell death.

Typically, no. A GP or oncologist would more likely use simpler terms like 'cancer drug', 'chemotherapy', or 'cancer treatment'. 'Antineoplastic' is more common in written reports, research, and communication between specialists.

A substance or treatment that inhibits or prevents the growth and development of malignant tumours or cancer cells.

Antineoplastic is usually formal, technical, medical in register.

Antineoplastic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌantɪnɪə(ʊ)ˈplastɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæntiˌnioʊˈplæstɪk/ˌæntaɪ-/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.