What is methotrexate primarily used for?

Methotrexate is primarily used as a chemotherapy agent and is particularly effective in the treatment of certain types of cancer, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It works by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid, which is crucial for the synthesis of DNA and RNA in rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. By interfering with these processes, methotrexate helps to slow down or stop the growth of tumors, making it a vital component of various cancer treatment protocols.

In addition to its oncological applications, methotrexate is also utilized in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, due to its ability to modulate immune system activity. Nevertheless, its primary recognition in the medical field is as a chemotherapy agent for specific malignancies.