Definition of Anthracycline Anthracycline: A member of a family
of chemotherapy drugs that are also antibiotics. The
anthracyclines act to prevent cell division by disrupting the
structure of the DNA and terminate its function. They do so in
two ways: (1) they intercalate into the base pairs in the DNA
minor grooves; and (2) they cause free radical damage of the
ribose in the DNA. The anthracyclines are frequently used in
leukemia therapy. The anthracyclines include daunorubicin
(Cerubidine), doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), epirubicin
(Ellence, Pharmorubicin), and idarubicin (Idamycin).Source:
MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
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