The active ingredient in a drug that is used to treat hairy cell leukemia and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Pentostatin blocks a protein needed for cell growth and may kill cancer cells. It is made by a bacterium. It is a type of adenosine deaminase inhibitor. Also called Nipent.
( PEN-toh-STA-tin )
Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Search the Glossary of Medical Terms
Newsletter
Sign up for the QuackTrack.org newsletter below!