Term: chemoprotective agent

Pronunciation: (KEE-moh-proh-TEK-tiv AY-jent)

Description:

A type of drug that helps protect healthy tissue from some of the side effects caused by certain anticancer drugs. For example, in patients receiving certain anticancer drugs, amifostine helps protect the kidneys, mesna helps protect the bladder, and dexrazoxane (Zinecard) helps reduce heart damage.