NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

The NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms features 8,333 terms related to cancer and medicine.

We offer a widget that you can add to your website to let users look up cancer-related terms. Get NCI’s Dictionary of Cancer Terms Widget.

Starts with Contains

Browse:

80 results found for: [0-9]

1-(2’-deoxy-2’-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl) uracil: listen (1-(2'-dee-OK-see-2'-FLOOR-oh-BAY-tuh-D-uh-RA-bih-noh-fyoor-A-noh-sil) YOOR-uh-sil); A substance being studied in the treatment of advanced solid tumors and lymphomas. It blocks the growth of cells and may cause cancer cells to die. It is a type of uracil analog. Also called FAU.
10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin: listen (10-proh-PAR-jil-10-dee-AY-zuh-a-mih-NOP-teh-rin); A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called folate analogs.
111In-ibritumomab tiuxetan: listen (... ih-brih-TOO-moh-mab ty-UK-seh-tan); A radiolabeled monoclonal antibody used to find certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also being studied in the diagnosis of other types of B-cell tumors. 111In-ibritumomab tiuxetan is made up of the monoclonal antibody ibritumomab plus the radioisotope indium In 111. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells. A machine is used to find which cells in the body have taken up 111In-ibritumomab tiuxetan. 111In-ibritumomab tiuxetan is a type of radioimmunoconjugate. Also called 111In-Zevalin and indium In 111-ibritumomab tiuxetan.
111In-Zevalin: listen (... ZEH-vuh-lin); A radiolabeled monoclonal antibody used to find certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also being studied in the diagnosis of other types of B-cell tumors. 111In-Zevalin is made up of the monoclonal antibody ibritumomab plus the radioisotope indium In 111. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells. A machine is used to find which cells in the body have taken up 111In-Zevalin. 111In-Zevalin is a type of radioimmunoconjugate. Also called 111In-ibritumomab tiuxetan and indium In 111-ibritumomab tiuxetan.
11C-acetate: listen (… A-seh-tayt); A radioactive substance being studied in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. 11C-acetate gets taken up by cells in the body, and a PET scanner is used to find which cells in the body have taken it up. Since more 11C-acetate is taken up by cancer cells than by normal cells, it can be used to help find cancer in the body and diagnose disease. Also called carbon C 11-acetate.
11C-choline: listen (… KOH-leen); A radioactive substance being studied in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to find certain types of cancer. 11C-choline gets taken up by cells in the body and more of it is taken up by cancer cells than by normal cells. A PET scanner is used to find which cells in the body have taken up 11C-choline. Also called carbon C 11-choline.
11C-choline PET-CT scan: listen (… KOH-leen … skan); A procedure in which a small amount of 11C-choline (a radioactive form of the vitamin choline) is injected into a vein. A scanner and a computer are used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body where the 11C-choline collects. Cancer cells take up more 11C-choline than normal cells, so the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. Also called carbon C 11-choline PET-CT scan.
123I-MIBG: A drug containing a form of radioactive iodine called I 123 that is used to find certain types of tumors, including pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas. Radiation from I 123 may help show where cancer cells are in the body. 123I-MIBG is a type of radioconjugate. Also called AdreView, iobenguane I 123, and iodine I 123-metaiodobenzylguanidine.
126–F: A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The ingredients thought to be in 126–F have been tested, and none of them have been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer. 126–F is not available in the United States. Also called Cancell, Cantron, Jim’s Juice, JS–101, JS–114, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate: listen (12-O-TEH-truh-DEH-kuh-noyl-FOR-bol-13-A-seh-tayt); A substance being studied in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate affects many cell actions and may cause tumor cells to die. It is a type of phorbol ester. Also called tetradecanoylphorbol acetate and TPA.
131I-MIBG: A drug containing a form of radioactive iodine called I 131 that is used to treat malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. It is used in patients who need treatment with systemic anticancer therapy and whose tumor cells take up radioactive iobenguane and are detected by a scanner. 131I-MIBG is used to treat pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma that cannot be removed by surgery, are locally advanced, or have spread to other parts of the body. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. 131I-MIBG builds up in tumor cells and gives off radiation that may kill the tumor cells. It is a type of radioconjugate. Also called Azedra, iobenguane I 131, and iodine I 131-metaiodobenzylguanidine.
13-cis retinoic acid: listen (... REH-tih-NOH-ik A-sid); A drug that is used in the treatment of acne and psoriasis and is being studied in cancer prevention. It is a type of retinoid. Also called isotretinoin.
1572 form: listen (… form); A form that must be filed by an investigator running a clinical trial to study a new drug or agent. The investigator agrees to follow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations for the clinical trial. The investigator verifies that he or she has the experience and background needed to conduct the trial and that it will be done in a way that is ethical and scientifically sound. Also called Form FDA 1572-Statement of Investigator.
17-AAG: A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made from an antibiotic called geldanamycin. 17-AAG helps cause the breakdown of certain proteins in the cell, and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antineoplastic antibiotic and a type of HSP90 inhibitor. Also called 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and tanespimycin.
17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin: listen (17-dy-MEH-thul-uh-MEE-noh-EH-thul-uh-MEE-noh-17-dee-meh-THOK-see-gel-DA-nuh-MY-sin); 17-DMAG. A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called geldanamycin analogs.
17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin: listen (17-N-A-lul-uh-MEE-noh-17-DEE-meh-THOK-see-gel-DA-nuh-MY-sin); A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made from an antibiotic called geldanamycin. 17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin helps cause the breakdown of certain proteins in the cell, and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antineoplastic antibiotic and a type of HSP90 inhibitor. Also called 17-AAG and tanespimycin.
18F-16 alpha-fluoroestradiol: listen (… AL-fuh-FLOOR-oh-es-truh-DY-ol); A radiolabeled substance being studied as an imaging agent in breast cancer. 18F-16 alpha-fluoroestradiol binds to estrogen receptors and gives off radiation that can be detected by a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The PET scan forms an image that shows where cancer cells with estrogen receptors can be found in the body. Also called 18F-FES and fluorine F 18-16 alpha-fluoroestradiol.
18F-choline: listen (... KOH-leen); A radioactive substance being studied in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to find certain types of cancer. 18F-choline gets taken up by cells in the body and more of it is taken up by cancer cells than by normal cells. A PET scanner is used to find which cells in the body have taken up 18F-choline. Also called 18F-fluoromethylcholine, 18F-FMCH, and fluorine F 18-fluoromethylcholine.
18F-EF5: A radioactive substance being studied in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to find cancer cells that have a low level of oxygen. This may help predict how well the cancer will respond to treatment. Also called fluorine F 18-EF5.
18F-FES: A radiolabeled substance being studied as an imaging agent in breast cancer. 18F-FES binds to estrogen receptors and gives off radiation that can be detected by a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The PET scan forms an image that shows where cancer cells with estrogen receptors can be found in the body. Also called 18F-16 alpha-fluoroestradiol and fluorine F 18-16 alpha-fluoroestradiol.
18F-FLT: A radioactive substance being studied in the diagnosis of cancer. 18F-FLT is injected into the blood and builds up in cells that are dividing, including cancer cells. The radiation that it gives off as it decays (breaks down) helps make clear pictures of tumors during a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Also called 18F-fluorothymidine, 3’-deoxy-3’-(18F) fluorothymidine, and fluorine F 18-fluorothymidine.
18F-fludeoxyglucose: listen (... FLOO-dee-OK-see-GLOO-kose); A radioactive form of glucose used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. 18F-fludeoxyglucose gets taken up by cells in the body, and a PET scanner is used to find which cells in the body have taken it up. Since more 18F-fludeoxyglucose is taken up by abnormal cells, including cancer cells, than by normal cells, it can be used to find cancer cells in the body and to diagnose cancer and other conditions. Also called fluorine F 18-fludeoxyglucose.
18F-fluoromethylcholine: listen (… FLOOR-oh-MEH-thul-KOH-leen); A radioactive substance being studied in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to find certain types of cancer. 18F-fluoromethylcholine gets taken up by cells in the body and more of it is taken up by cancer cells than by normal cells. A PET scanner is used to find which cells in the body have taken up 18F-fluoromethylcholine. Also called 18F-choline, 18F-FMCH, and fluorine F 18-fluoromethylcholine.
18F-fluoromisonidazole: listen (… FLOOR-oh-MY-soh-NIH-duh-zole); A radioactive substance being studied as an imaging agent in head and neck cancer and other types of cancer. It binds to large molecules in cancer cells that have a low level of oxygen. Radiation given off by 18F-fluoromisonidazole is detected by a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Knowing the amount of 18F-fluoromisonidazole in the cancer cells may help plan the best treatment and help predict whether the cancer will come back after treatment. Also called 18F-MISO, fluorine F 18-fluoromisonidazole, and FMISO.
18F-fluorothymidine: listen (... FLOOR-oh-THY-mih-deen); A radioactive substance being studied in the diagnosis of cancer. 18F-fluorothymidine is injected into the blood and builds up in cells that are dividing, including cancer cells. The radiation that it gives off as it decays (breaks down) helps make clear pictures of tumors during a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Also called 18F-FLT, 3’-deoxy-3’-(18F) fluorothymidine, and fluorine F 18-fluorothymidine.
18F-FMCH: A radioactive substance being studied in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to find certain types of cancer. 18F-FMCH gets taken up by cells in the body and more of it is taken up by cancer cells than by normal cells. A PET scanner is used to find which cells in the body have taken up 18F-FMCH. Also called 18F-choline, 18F-fluoromethylcholine, and fluorine F 18-fluoromethylcholine.
18F-MISO: A radioactive substance being studied as an imaging agent in head and neck cancer and other types of cancer. It binds to large molecules in cancer cells that have a low level of oxygen. Radiation given off by 18F-MISO is detected by a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Knowing the amount of 18F-MISO in the cancer cells may help plan the best treatment and help predict whether the cancer will come back after treatment. Also called 18F-fluoromisonidazole, fluorine F 18-fluoromisonidazole, and FMISO.
18F-NaF PET: A procedure used to find out if cancer has spread to the bone. A small amount of a radioactive substance called 18F-NaF is injected into a vein. A PET scan is then used to make detailed pictures of the bones. Bones with cancer in them take up more 18F-NaF than normal bones do. Also called 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography and fluorine F 18-sodium fluoride PET.
18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography: listen (… SOH-dee-um FLOOR-ide PAH-zih-tron ee-MIH-shun toh-MAH-gruh-fee); A procedure used to find out if cancer has spread to the bone. A small amount of a radioactive substance called 18F-sodium fluoride is injected into a vein. A PET scan is then used to make detailed pictures of the bones. Bones with cancer in them take up more 18F-sodium fluoride than normal bones do. Also called 18F-NaF PET and fluorine F 18-sodium fluoride PET.
1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging: listen (... NOO-klee-er mag-NEH-tik REH-zuh-nunts SPEK-troh-SKAH-pik IH-muh-jing); A noninvasive imaging method that provides information about cellular activity (metabolic information). It is used along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which provides information about the shape and size of the tumor (spatial information). Also called magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, MRSI, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging.
1-methyl-d-tryptophan: listen (1-MEH-thul-d-TRIP-toh-fan); A substance being studied in the treatment of melanoma and many other types of cancer. 1-methyl-d-tryptophan blocks the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan, which is needed for T cells (a type of immune system cell) to kill tumor cells. Giving 1-methyl-d-tryptophan to patients who have received chemotherapy for cancer may help kill more tumor cells. It is a type of enzyme inhibitor and immunosuppressant. Also called D-1MT.
21-gene signature: listen (… jeen SIG-nuh-cher); A test that is used to help predict whether breast cancer will spread to other parts of the body or come back. The test looks at the activity of 21 different genes in breast cancer tissue of women who have early-stage breast cancer that is estrogen receptor positive and has not spread to the lymph nodes. If there is a high risk that the cancer will spread or come back, it may be used to help plan treatment with anticancer drugs. Also called Oncotype DX breast cancer assay.
2-D mammography: listen (… ma-MAH-gruh-fee); A procedure that uses x-rays to take pictures of the inside of the breast. The pictures are usually taken from two different angles, and a computer or x-ray film is used to make 2-D pictures of the breast. 2-D mammography is used to check for breast cancer and other changes in the breast, such as abnormal lumps, cysts, or calcifications (calcium deposits). Also called 2-dimensional mammography.
2-dimensional mammography: listen (2-dih-MEN-shuh-nul ma-MAH-gruh-fee); A procedure that uses x-rays to take pictures of the inside of the breast. The pictures are usually taken from two different angles, and a computer or x-ray film is used to make 2-D pictures of the breast. 2-dimensional mammography is used to check for breast cancer and other changes in the breast, such as abnormal lumps, cysts, or calcifications (calcium deposits). Also called 2-D mammography.
2IT-BAD monoclonal antibody 170: listen (… MAH-noh-KLOH-nul AN-tee-BAH-dee …); A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by linking a monoclonal antibody called 170, which binds to a protein called MUC-1, to a substance called 2IT-BAD, which binds radioactive substances. 2IT-BAD monoclonal antibody 170 may be used to detect cancer cells and kill them. It is a type of immunoconjugate.
2-methoxyestradiol: listen (2-meh-THOK-see-es-truh-DY-ol); 2ME2. A drug that prevents the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need in order to grow. It is derived from estrogen and belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors.
3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging: listen (3 TES-luh mag-NEH-tik REH-zuh-nunts IH-muh-jing); A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and abnormal tissue. 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging has a stronger magnet and makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other types of MRI do. It is used to make images of the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones and blood vessels. Also called 3 Tesla MRI and 3T MRI.
3 Tesla MRI: listen (3 TES-luh …); A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and abnormal tissue. 3 Tesla MRI has a stronger magnet and makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other types of MRI do. It is used to make images of the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones and blood vessels. Also called 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and 3T MRI.
3,4-benzpyrene: listen (... benz-PY-reen); A chemical that comes from certain substances when they are not burned completely. It is found in car exhaust, smoke from wood fires, tobacco, oil and gas products, charred or grilled foods, and other sources. It may also be found in water and soil. 3,4-Benzpyrene can cause a skin rash, a burning feeling, skin color changes, warts, and bronchitis. It may also cause cancer. It is a type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Also called benzo(a)pyrene.
3’-deoxy-3’-(18F) fluorothymidine: listen (… dee-OK-see … FLOOR-oh-THY-mih-deen); A radioactive substance being studied in the diagnosis of cancer. 3’-deoxy-3’-(18F) fluorothymidine is injected into the blood and builds up in cells that are dividing, including cancer cells. The radiation that it gives off as it decays (breaks down) helps make clear pictures of tumors during a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. Also called 18F-FLT, 18F-fluorothymidine, and fluorine F 18-fluorothymidine.
3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone: listen (3-uh-MEE-noh-PEER-ih-deen-2-KAR-bok-SAL-deh-hide THY-oh-SEH-mee KAR-buh-ZONE); A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor. Also called 3-AP and Triapine.
3-AP: A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor. Also called 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone and Triapine.
3-D: A graphic display of depth, width, and height. Also called 3-dimensional.
3-D mammography: listen (… ma-MAH-gruh-fee); A procedure that uses x-rays to take a series of pictures of the inside of the breast from many different angles. A computer is used to make 3-D pictures of the breast from these x-rays. 3-D mammography is used to check for breast cancer and other changes in the breast, such as abnormal lumps, cysts, or calcifications (calcium deposits). It may allow doctors to see breast tissue, including dense breast tissue, more clearly than with 2-D mammography. This may make breast tumors or other changes in the breast easier to find. Also called 3-dimensional mammography and breast tomosynthesis.
3D-CRT: A procedure that uses a computer to create a 3-dimensional picture of the tumor. This allows doctors to give the highest possible dose of radiation to the tumor, while sparing the normal tissue as much as possible. Also called 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and 3-dimensional radiation therapy.
3-dimensional: listen (3-dih-MEN-shuh-nul); A graphic display of depth, width, and height. Also called 3-D.
3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy: listen (3-dih-MEN-shuh-nul kun-FOR-mul RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee); A procedure that uses a computer to create a 3-dimensional picture of the tumor. This allows doctors to give the highest possible dose of radiation to the tumor, while sparing the normal tissue as much as possible. Also called 3-dimensional radiation therapy and 3D-CRT.
3-dimensional mammography: listen (3-dih-MEN-shuh-nul ma-MAH-gruh-fee); A procedure that uses x-rays to take a series of pictures of the inside of the breast from many different angles. A computer is used to make 3-D pictures of the breast from these x-rays. 3-dimensional mammography is used to check for breast cancer and other changes in the breast, such as abnormal lumps, cysts, or calcifications (calcium deposits). It may allow doctors to see breast tissue, including dense breast tissue, more clearly than with 2-D mammography. This may make breast tumors or other changes in the breast easier to find. Also called 3-D mammography and breast tomosynthesis.
3-dimensional radiation therapy: listen (3-dih-MEN-shuh-nul RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee); A procedure that uses a computer to create a 3-dimensional picture of the tumor. This allows doctors to give the highest possible dose of radiation to the tumor, while sparing the normal tissue as much as possible. Also called 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy and 3D-CRT.
3F8: A type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells.
3T MRI: A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and abnormal tissue. 3T MRI has a stronger magnet and makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other types of MRI do. It is used to make images of the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones and blood vessels. Also called 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and 3 Tesla MRI.
45 CFR 46: Laws set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to protect a person from risks in research studies that any federal agency or department has a part in. Also called 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 46, human participant protection regulations, and Protection of Human Subjects.
45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 46: listen (... FEH-drul REH-gyoo-LAY-shunz ...); Laws set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to protect a person from risks in research studies that any federal agency or department has a part in. Also called 45 CFR 46, human participant protection regulations, and Protection of Human Subjects.
4-demethoxydaunorubicin: listen (4-DEE-meh-THOK-see-DAW-noh-ROO-bih-sin); A drug used with other drugs to treat acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. 4-demethoxydaunorubicin blocks a certain enzyme needed for cell division and DNA repair, and it may kill cancer cells. It is a type of anthracycline antibiotic and a type of topoisomerase inhibitor. Also called Idamycin PFS and idarubicin hydrochloride.
4-hydroxytamoxifen: listen (4-hy-DROK-see-tuh-MOK-sih-FEN); A form of the drug tamoxifen that is made by the body after taking tamoxifen. It can also be made in the laboratory, and may help decrease breast density. A topical form of 4-hydroxytamoxifen is being studied in breast cancer screening.
4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide: listen (4-NY-troh-KWIH-noh-leen 1-OK-side); A substance that is used in cancer research to cause tumors in laboratory animals. This is done to test new diets, drugs, and procedures for use in cancer prevention and treatment. Also called 4-NQO.
4-NQO: A substance that is used in cancer research to cause tumors in laboratory animals. This is done to test new diets, drugs, and procedures for use in cancer prevention and treatment. Also called 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide.
504 plan: listen (… plan); An education plan for students with disabilities or certain health conditions, such as cancer. By law, these students must have the same access to school programs and activities as students without disabilities. A 504 plan may include extra help in the classroom, such as allowing the student more time to take a test or finish an assignment, or to use a computer or tape recorder. It may also include tutoring and other services, such as speech therapy and physical therapy. It is covered under the U.S. law, Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
506U78: A drug used to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. It is used in patients whose cancer has not gotten better or has recurred (come back) after treatment with other anticancer drugs. 506U78 stops cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite. Also called Arranon and nelarabine.
5-alpha reductase inhibitor: listen (5-AL-fuh ree-DUK-tays in-HIH-bih-ter); A substance that blocks an enzyme needed by the body to make dihydrotestosterone (a male sex hormone made from testosterone). Dihydrotestosterone can cause the prostate to grow. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are used to shrink an enlarged prostate gland and to improve the flow of urine in a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor is a type of enzyme inhibitor.
5-fluoro-2-deoxycytidine: listen (5-FLOOR-oh-2-dee-OK-see-SY-tih-deen); A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It may prevent the growth of tumors by stopping cancer cells from dividing and by killing them. It is a type of antimetabolite. Also called FdCyd.
5-fluorouracil: listen (5-FLOOR-oh-YOOR-uh-sil); A drug used to treat cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, stomach, and pancreas. It is used under the brand names Carac, Tolak, Efudex, and Fluoroplex as a cream to treat actinic keratosis (a skin condition that may become cancer). It is also used under the brand name Efudex as a cream to treat basal cell skin cancer that is superficial (not invasive) and cannot be treated with other therapy. 5-fluorouracil is being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer. It stops cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. 5-fluorouracil is a type of antimetabolite. Also called 5-FU and fluorouracil.
5-FU: A drug used to treat cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, stomach, and pancreas. It is used under the brand names Carac, Tolak, Efudex, and Fluoroplex as a cream to treat actinic keratosis (a skin condition that may become cancer). It is also used under the brand name Efudex as a cream to treat basal cell skin cancer that is superficial (not invasive) and cannot be treated with other therapy. 5-FU is being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer. It stops cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. 5-FU is a type of antimetabolite. Also called 5-fluorouracil and fluorouracil.
5-FU/LV: An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat colorectal cancer. It is also used with radiation therapy to treat esophageal cancer and stomach cancer. It includes the drugs fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium. Also called FU-LV and FU-LV regimen.
5-HT3 receptor antagonist: listen (… reh-SEP-ter an-TA-guh-nist); A type of drug used to treat certain types of irritable bowel syndrome and relieve nausea and vomiting. It is a type of antiemetic. Also called 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor antagonist and type 3 serotonin receptor antagonist.
5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid: listen (5-hy-DROK-see-IN-dole-uh-SEE-tik A-sid); 5HIAA. A breakdown product of serotonin that is excreted in the urine. Serotonin is a hormone found at high levels in many body tissues. Serotonin and 5HIAA are produced in excess amounts by carcinoid tumors, and levels of these substances may be measured in the urine to test for carcinoid tumors.
5-hydroxytryptamine: listen (5-hy-DROK-see-TRIP-tuh-meen); A hormone found in the brain, platelets, digestive tract, and pineal gland. It acts both as a neurotransmitter (a substance that nerves use to send messages to one another) and a vasoconstrictor (a substance that causes blood vessels to narrow). A lack of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the brain is thought to be a cause of depression. Also called serotonin.
5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor antagonist: listen (5-hy-DROK-see-TRIP-tuh-meen 3 reh-SEP-ter an-TA-guh-nist); A type of drug used to treat certain types of irritable bowel syndrome and relieve nausea and vomiting. It is a type of antiemetic. Also called 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and type 3 serotonin receptor antagonist.
5q minus syndrome: listen (... MY-nus SIN-drome); A rare disorder caused by loss of part of the long arm (q arm) of human chromosome 5. This syndrome affects myeloid (bone marrow) cells, causing treatment-resistant anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes that may lead to acute myelogenous leukemia. Also called 5q- syndrome.
5q- syndrome: listen (... SIN-drome); A rare disorder caused by loss of part of the long arm (q arm) of human chromosome 5. This syndrome affects myeloid (bone marrow) cells, causing treatment-resistant anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes that may lead to acute myelogenous leukemia. Also called 5q minus syndrome.
6-hydroxymethylacylfulvene: listen (6-hy-DROK-see-MEH-thul-AY-sel-FUL-veen); A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. 6-hydroxymethylacylfulvene attaches to the cell's DNA and may block cancer cell growth. It is a type of alkylating agent. Also called irofulven.
70-gene signature: listen (… jeen SIG-nuh-cher); A test that is used to help predict whether breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body or come back. The test looks at the activity of 70 different genes in breast cancer tissue of women who have early-stage breast cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes. If there is a high risk that the cancer will spread or come back, it may be used to help plan treatment with anticancer drugs. Also called MammaPrint.
852A: A substance being studied in the treatment of certain adult and childhood blood cancers and other types of cancer. 852A may help the patient's immune system block tumor growth. It is a type of immune system modulator.
90Y-DOTA-biotin: listen (… BY-oh-tin); A compound that contains the radioisotope yttrium Y 90 linked to the chemical biotin. Biotin is a molecule that binds strongly to the chemical streptavidin. 90Y-DOTA-biotin will find tumor cells in the body that have been targeted by an antibody linked to streptavidin and kill them. It is being studied together with CC49-streptavidin in the treatment of cancer. Also called yttrium Y 90-DOTA-biotin.
90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan: listen (... ih-brih-TOO-moh-mab ty-UK-seh-tan); A drug used with the drug rituximab to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of B-cell tumors. 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan contains a monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells. It also contains a radioactive substance called yttrium Y 90, which may help kill cancer cells. 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan is a type of radioimmunoconjugate. Also called 90Y-Zevalin, IDEC-Y2B8, and yttrium Y 90-ibritumomab tiuxetan.
90Y-Zevalin: listen (... ZEH-vuh-lin); A drug used with the drug rituximab to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of B-cell tumors. 90Y-Zevalin contains a monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells. It also contains a radioactive substance called yttrium Y 90, which may help kill cancer cells. 90Y-Zevalin is a type of radioimmunoconjugate. Also called 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, IDEC-Y2B8, and yttrium Y 90-ibritumomab tiuxetan.
99m-Tc-Dx: A substance being studied as a way to find sentinel lymph nodes in some types of skin cancer and breast cancer. It contains a radioactive substance called technetium linked to a substance called dextran. Dextran helps technetium stay in blood and lymph vessels after it is injected. A machine or probe that detects radioactivity shows which lymph nodes near the tumor have 99m-Tc-Dx in them. Also called Tc-99m Dextran and technetium Tc 99m-dextran.
9-cis retinoic acid: listen (... REH-tih-NOH-ik A-sid); A substance being studied in the prevention of cancer. It is a type of retinoid.
9cUAB30: A substance being studied in the treatment and prevention of cancer. It blocks an enzyme that keeps cells alive by adding material to the ends of chromosomes. Blocking this enzyme may cause the cancer cells to die. 9cUAB30 is a type of retinoic acid and a type of telomerase inhibitor.
9p21: A specific part of chromosome 9 called p21, which has a gene that may be involved in stopping tumor cell growth. In some types of cancer cells, including bladder cancer cells, this small part of chromosome 9 may be missing. This may cause cancer cell growth. Checking for 9p21 may help diagnose cancer or find out if cancer has come back. 9p21 is a type of tumor marker.