Cytostatic

Cytostatic is a term used to describe a drug or other agent that inhibits or stops the growth of cells, typically by blocking the cell cycle. Cytostatic agents can be used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions where the uncontrolled growth of cells is a problem. These agents act by preventing cells from undergoing mitosis or meiosis, or by disrupting the cell cycle at a specific point. They can also interfere with the synthesis of proteins and other components required for cell division. Examples of cytostatic agents include chemotherapeutic drugs, antibiotics, hormones, and radiation. Cytostatic agents have primarily been used to treat cancer, as they have the ability to stop cancer cells from replicating and spreading to other parts of the body. In some cases, they can also induce cell death. In addition to treating cancer, cytostatic agents can also be used to treat autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and some types of inflammation.