NCIt definition : A water soluble, 5-nitroimidazole compound with antibacterial and potential radiosensitizing
activity. As an oxygen mimetic, nimorazole induces free radical formation and is able
to sensitize hypoxic cells to the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation. This prevents
DNA repair and thus enhances damage to DNA strands; eventually, leading to tumor cell
death. Nimorazole is less active but also less toxic than the 2-nitroimidazole compounds,
misonidazole and etanidazole.;