What Does It Mean If Someone Is Cytotoxic?

Cytotoxic refers to a substance or process which results in cell damage or cell death. The prefix "cyto" refers to cell and "toxic" to poison. The term is often used to describe chemotherapy drugs that kill cancer cells, but it may also be used to describe toxins, such as venom.

What is a cytotoxic patient?

Your cancer treatment

You are being treated with a drug(s) called. This cancer treatment is cytotoxic. This means it can kill cancer cells and can harm healthy cells. Your treatment container will have a sticker that says “chemotherapy” or “cytotoxic” to warn people that it could be harmful.

Is cytotoxic dangerous?

Cytotoxic drugs are hazardous substances, as defined by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). Under COSHH, employers must assess the risks from handling cytotoxic drugs for employees and anyone else affected by this type of work, and take suitable precautions to protect them.