mitomycin
Meaning of mitomycin: Mitomycin is an antitumor antibiotic that damages DNA to treat certain cancers and is also applied topically during some eye surgeries.
Definition of mitomycin
Mitomycin, also called mitomycin C, is a chemotherapy drug that belongs to a group known as antitumor antibiotics, natural compounds originally isolated from soil bacteria that damage DNA within rapidly dividing cells rather than working through the mechanisms used by typical infection-fighting antibiotics. It cross-links strands of DNA, interfering with a cell's ability to copy its genetic material and divide.
Mitomycin is used intravenously to treat certain cancers, including cancers of the bladder, stomach, and anal canal, and it can also be instilled directly into the bladder after certain bladder tumors are removed to help reduce recurrence in that location.
Beyond cancer treatment, mitomycin is applied topically in some eye surgeries, such as procedures for glaucoma or pterygium, where it helps limit excess scarring at the surgical site. Its effect on rapidly dividing cells can also affect normal tissue, including bone marrow, when given systemically.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
Mitomycin was instilled into the bladder following removal of the patient's bladder tumor.
Good to know
Mitomycin's use is not limited to cancer treatment, since the same drug is also applied topically during certain eye surgeries specifically to reduce postoperative scarring.