methotrexate

noun

meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌme-thə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt 

: a toxic folic acid analog C₂₀H₂₂N₈O₅ that is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

Examples of methotrexate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The most widely used of them is injectable methotrexate sodium, a chemotherapeutic often used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and osteosarcoma, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024

Taking quercetin along with methotrexate, a common medication for treating rheumatoid arthritis, may improve the anti-inflammatory effects of the medication while reducing its toxic effects. —Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Health, 10 Aug. 2024

Treatment Prevents Progression Traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), especially methotrexate, and biologics are considered the best options for slowing down disease progression. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 June 2024

In the 1950s, for instance, researchers linked a drug named methotrexate to an antibody that targets carcinoembryonic antigen, a common tumor marker, and tested whether the construct could treat advanced colorectal and ovarian cancers in people. —Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

meth- + -trexate, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

methotrexate

noun

meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌmeth-ə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt 

: a toxic drug C₂₀H₂₂N₈O₅ that is an analog of folic acid and is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

called also amethopterin