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Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. A colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the production of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). It is a cytokine that belongs to the family of drugs called hematopoietic (blood-forming) agents. Also called filgrastim. |
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A substance that is being studied as a treatment for relieving hot flashes in women with breast cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called anticonvulsants. |
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A computer program that uses personal and family history to estimate a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. |
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(GAWL-blad-er)
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The pear-shaped organ found below the liver. Bile is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder. |
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A drug that lowers blood calcium. Used as treatment for hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) and for cancer that has spread to the bone (bone metastases). |
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A procedure to detect areas of the body where cells are dividing rapidly. It is used to locate cancer cells or areas of inflammation. A very small amount of radioactive gallium is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. The gallium is taken up by rapidly dividing cells in the bones, tissues, and organs and is detected by a scanner. |
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Solid material that forms in the gallbladder or common bile duct. Gallstones are made of cholesterol or other substances found in the gallbladder. They may occur as one large stone or as many small ones, and vary from the size of a golf ball to a grain of sand. Also called cholelith. |
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A type of radiation therapy that uses gamma radiation. Gamma radiation is a type of high-energy radiation that is different from x-rays. |
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Radiation therapy in which high-energy rays are aimed at a tumor from many angles in a single treatment session. |
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A type of high-energy radiation that is different from an x-ray. |
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An antiviral agent used to prevent or treat cytomegalovirus infections that may occur when the body's immune system is suppressed. In gene therapy, ganciclovir is used with an altered herpes simplex virus-1 gene to kill advanced melanoma cells and brain tumor cells. |
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A complex molecule that contains both lipids (fats) and carbohydrates (sugars) and is found in the plasma (outer) membrane of many kinds of cells. Several different types of gangliosides have been identified. |
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Valeriana officinalis. A plant whose roots are used as a sedative and to treat certain medical conditions. It is being studied as a way to improve sleep in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Also called valerian, garden valerian, Indian valerian, Pacific valerian, Mexican valerian, and Valerianae radix. |
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Valeriana officinalis. A plant whose roots are used as a sedative and to treat certain medical conditions. It is being studied as a way to improve sleep in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Also called valerian, Indian valerian, Pacific valerian, Mexican valerian, garden heliotrope, and Valerianae radix. |
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(gas-TREK-tuh-mee)
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An operation to remove all or part of the stomach. |
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(GAS-trik)
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Having to do with the stomach. |
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(GAS-trik AT-ro-fee)
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A condition in which the stomach muscles shrink and become weak. The digestive (peptic) glands may also shrink, resulting in a lack of digestive juices. |
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(gas-tri-NO-ma)
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A tumor that causes overproduction of gastric acid. It usually occurs in the islet cells of the pancreas but may also occur in the esophagus, stomach, spleen, or lymph nodes. |
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Inflammation of the lining of the stomach. |
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(GAS-tro-en-ter-AHL-o-jist)
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A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the digestive system. |
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The place where the esophagus is connected to the stomach. |
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(GAS-tro-eh-sof-a-JEE-al REE-flux diz-EEZ)
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Also called GERD. A common disorder marked by frequent
or severe heartburn. The burning feeling occurs when stomach acid flows up
into the esophagus.
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(GAS-tro-in-TES-tih-nul)
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GI. Refers to the stomach and intestines. |
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GIST. A type of tumor that usually begins in cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be benign or malignant.
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(GAS-tro-in-TES-tih-nul)
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The stomach and intestines. |
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(GAS-tro-skope)
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A thin, lighted tube used to view the inside of the stomach. |
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(gas-TRAHS-ko-pee)
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An examination of the inside of the stomach using a thin, lighted tube (called a gastroscope) passed through the mouth and esophagus. |
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(geh-FIT-in-ib)
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A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Also called ZD 1839. |
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An antineoplastic antibiotic drug that belongs to the family of drugs called ansamycins. |
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A drug that may inhibit the growth of malignant tumors. |
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An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. |
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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. |
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The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. |
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The total loss or absence of a gene. |
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A research method that measures messenger RNA made from many different genes in various cell types. It is being used as a diagnostic test to help identify subgroups of tumor types, to help predict which patients may respond to treatment, and which patients may be at increased risk for cancer relapse. |
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Treatment that alters a gene. In studies of gene therapy for cancer, researchers are trying to improve the body's natural ability to fight the disease or to make the cancer cells more sensitive to other kinds of therapy. |
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The insertion of genetic material into a cell. |
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Cells that have been altered to contain different genetic material than they originally contained. |
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(an-es-THEE-zha)
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Drugs that cause loss of feeling or awareness and put the person to sleep. |
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Official nonbrand names by which medicines are known. Generic names usually refer to the chemical name of the drug. |
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Inherited; having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring through genes in sperm and egg cells. |
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The study of a sample of DNA to look for mutations (changes) that may increase risk of disease or affect the way a person responds to treatment. |
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A communication process between a specially trained health professional and a person concerned about the genetic risk of disease. The person's family and personal medical history may be discussed, and counseling may lead to genetic testing. |
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Alterations in DNA that may indicate an increased risk of developing a specific disease or disorder. |
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An inherited increase in the risk of developing a disease. |
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Analyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder. |
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An isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones are being studied to see if they help prevent cancer. |
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(GEN-ih-toe-YOO-rin-air-ee)
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The parts of the body that play a role in reproduction, getting rid of waste products in the form of urine, or both. |
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The complete genetic material of an organism. |
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A reproductive cell of the body. Germ cells are egg cells in females and sperm cells in males. |
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A type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. Germ cell tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant. |
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Free of bacteria, disease-causing viruses, and other organisms that can cause infection. |
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The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices Commission E. A committee made up of scientists, toxicologists, doctors, and pharmacists formed by the German government in 1978 to find out if herbs sold in Germany are safe and effective. The Commission has published information on the uses, side effects, and drug interactions of more than 300 herbs. |
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(jer-mih-NO-ma)
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The most common type of germ cell tumor in the brain. |
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A gene change in the body's reproductive cells (egg or sperm) that becomes incorporated into the DNA of every cell in the body of offspring; germline mutations are passed on from parents to offspring. Also called hereditary mutation. |
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A fibrous envelope of tissue that surrounds the kidney. Also called renal fascia and Gerota's fascia. |
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(Ga-RO-tahz FAYSH-ee-uh)
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A fibrous envelope of tissue that surrounds the kidney. Also called renal fascia and Gerota's capsule. |
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A rare cancer in women of childbearing age in which cancer cells grow in the tissues that are formed in the uterus after conception. Also called gestational trophoblastic tumor, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, molar pregnancy, or choriocarcinoma. |
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A rare cancer in women of childbearing age in which cancer cells grow in the tissues that are formed in the uterus after conception. Also called gestational trophoblastic disease, gestational trophoblastic tumor, molar pregnancy, or choriocarcinoma. |
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A rare cancer in women of childbearing age in which cancer cells grow in the tissues that are formed in the uterus after conception. Also called gestational trophoblastic disease, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, molar pregnancy, or choriocarcinoma. |
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An antitumor drug that belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. It is a camptothecin analog. |
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A rare type of soft tissue tumor marked by painless nodules in the dermis (the inner layer of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin) and subcutaneous (beneath the skin) tissue. These tumors may come back after surgery, but they do not spread to other parts of the body. They occur mostly in boys and are related to dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. |
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A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. Also called STI481. |
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Zingiber officianale. An herb with a root that has been used in cooking, and by some cultures to treat nausea, vomiting, and certain other medical conditions. It is being studied in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. |
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An herb with a root that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects. |
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumor. A type of tumor that usually begins in cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be benign or malignant.
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An organ that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk. Endocrine glands release the substances directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands release the substances into a duct or opening to the inside or outside of the body. |
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(GLEE-sun)
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A system of grading prostate cancer cells based on how they look under a microscope. Gleason scores range from 2 to 10 and indicate how likely it is that a tumor will spread. A low Gleason score means the cancer cells are similar to normal prostate cells and are less likely to spread; a high Gleason score means the cancer cells are very different from normal and are more likely to spread. |
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A drug that is being studied for its ability to inhibit the growth of certain cancers. It interferes with a portion of the protein produced by the bcr/abl oncogene. Also called imatinib mesylate and STI571. |
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A biodegradable wafer that is used to deliver the anticancer drug carmustine directly into a brain tumor site after the tumor has been removed by surgery. Also called polifeprosan 20 carmustine implant. |
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(GLEE-al)
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A type of cell that surrounds nerve cells and holds them in place. Glial cells also insulate nerve cells from each other. |
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A general term for tumors of the central nervous system, including astrocytomas, ependymal tumors, glioblastoma multiforme, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors. |
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(glee-o-blas-TOE-ma)
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A general term that refers to malignant astrocytoma, a type of brain tumor. |
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(glee-o-blas-TOE-ma mul-tih-FOR-may)
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A type of brain tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain. It grows very quickly and has cells that look very different from normal cells. Also called grade IV astrocytoma. |
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(glee-O-ma)
| |
A cancer of the brain that begins in glial cells (cells that surround and support nerve cells). |
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A type of glioma (cancer of the brain that comes from glial, or supportive, cells). |
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Surgical removal of all or part of the tongue. |
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(GLAH-tis)
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The middle part of the larynx; the area where the vocal cords are located. |
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A hormone produced by the pancreas that increases the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. |
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(GLOO-kuh-guh-NO-ma)
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A rare pancreatic tumor that produces a hormone called glucagon. Glucagonomas can produce symptoms similar to diabetes. |
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A compound that belongs to the family of compounds called corticosteroids (steroids). Glucocorticoids affect metabolism and have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. They may be naturally produced (hormones) or synthetic (drugs). |
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The process of making glucose (sugar) from its own breakdown products or from the breakdown products of lipids (fats) or proteins. Gluconeogenesis occurs mainly in cells of the liver or kidney. |
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A type of sugar; the chief source of energy for living organisms. |
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An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. |
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An amino acid used in nutrition therapy. It is also being studied for the treatment of diarrhea caused by radiation therapy to the pelvis. |
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A substance found in plant and animal tissues that has many functions in a cell. These include activating certain enzymes and destroying toxic compounds and chemicals that contain oxygen. |
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A family of enzymes involved in metabolism and in making toxic compounds less harmful to the body. |
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A drug that blocks DNA synthesis and may prevent tumor growth. It is being studied as a treatment for cancer. |
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A process in which glucose (sugar) is partially broken down by cells in enzyme reactions that do not need oxygen. Glycolysis is one method that cells use to produce energy. When glycolysis is linked with other enzyme reactions that use oxygen, more complete breakdown of glucose is possible and more energy is produced.
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A short chain of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) that has sugar molecules attached to it. Some glycopeptides have been studied for their ability to stimulate the immune system. |
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A protein that has sugar molecules attached to it. |
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gp100. A tumor-specific antigen used in the development of cancer vaccines. |
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A type of long, unbranched polysaccharide molecule. Glycosaminoglycans are major structural components of cartilage and are also found in the cornea of the eye. |
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Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. A colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the production of white blood cells, especially granulocytes and macrophages, and cells (in the bone marrow) that are precursors of platelets. It is a cytokine that belongs to the family of drugs called hematopoietic (blood-forming) agents. Also called sargramostim. |
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A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies that fight certain cancer cells. |
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone. A hormone made by the hypothalamus (part of the brain). GnRH causes the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones are involved in reproduction. |
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| |
An enlarged thyroid. It may be caused by too little iodine in the diet or by other conditions. Most goiters are not cancer. |
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The part of the reproductive system that produces and releases eggs (ovary) or sperm (testicle/testis). |
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GnRH. A hormone made by the hypothalamus (part of the brain). GnRH causes the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones are involved in reproduction. |
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| |
A hormone made in the laboratory that has the same effect as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) produced naturally by the body. |
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An alternative therapy that is being studied as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. It includes a special diet, nutritional supplements, pancreatic enzymes, and coffee enemas. |
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An inherited condition that causes unusual facial features and disorders of the skin, bone, nervous system, eyes, and endocrine glands. People with this syndrome have an increased chance of developing basal cell carcinoma. Also called basal cell nevus syndrome. |
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(go-SAIR-uh-lin)
| |
A drug that belongs to the family of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. Goserelin is used to block hormone production in the ovaries or testicles. |
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An anticancer drug extracted from the cotton plant. |
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Glycoprotein 100. A tumor-specific antigen used in the development of cancer vaccines. |
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| |
A peptide (short piece of protein) made from the tumor-specific antigen gp100, and used to make vaccines being studied in the treatment of melanoma. |
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An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics. It is an anthracycline. |
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| |
The grade of a tumor depends on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Grading systems are different for each type of cancer.
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A type of brain tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain. It grows very quickly and has cells that look very different from normal cells. Also called glioblastoma multiforme. |
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| |
A system for classifying cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they appear when examined under a microscope. The objective of a grading system is to provide information about the probable growth rate of the tumor and its tendency to spread. The systems used to grade tumors vary with each type of cancer. Grading plays a role in treatment decisions. |
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| |
Healthy skin, bone, or other tissue taken from one part of the body and used to replace diseased or injured tissue removed from another part of the body. |
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| |
GVHD. A reaction of donated bone marrow or peripheral stem cells against the recipient's tissue. |
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| |
An immune response to a person's tumor cells by immune cells present in a donor's transplanted tissue, such as bone marrow or peripheral blood. |
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A unit of weight in the metric system. One gram is equal to one thousandth of a kilogram and is approximately 30-times less than an ounce. |
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A drug that prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting. It belongs to the family of drugs called antiemetics. |
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(GRAN-yoo-lo-site)
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A type of white blood cell that fights bacterial infection. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are granulocytes. |
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| |
G-CSF. A colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the production of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). It is a cytokine that belongs to the family of drugs called hematopoietic (blood-forming) agents. Also called filgrastim.
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| |
A malignant, green-colored tumor of myeloid cells (a type of immature white blood cell). This tumor is usually associated with myelogenous leukemia. Also called chloroma. |
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| |
A deficiency in the number of granulocytes, a type of white blood cell. |
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A type of slow-growing, malignant tumor that usually affects the ovary. |
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Ulmus fulva or Ulmus rubra. The inner bark of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have antioxidant effects. Also called slippery elm, Indian elm, red elm, and sweet elm. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied in the prevention of cancer. It is made from decaffeinated green tea, and contains chemicals called catechins, which are antioxidants. Also called Polyphenon® E. |
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| |
The area where the thigh meets the abdomen. |
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| |
A substance made by the body that functions to regulate cell division and cell survival. Some growth factors are also produced in the laboratory and used in biological therapy. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antisense oligonucleotides. |
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| |
Graft-versus-host disease. A reaction of donated bone marrow or peripheral stem cells against a person's tissue. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called ErbB-2 and EGFR dual kinase inhibitors. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors and angiogenesis inhibitors. |
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Having to do with the female reproductive tract (including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina). |
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(guy-neh-ko-LAH-jik)
| |
Cancer of the female reproductive tract, including the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina. |
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(guy-neh-ko-LAH-jik on-KOL-o-jist)
| |
A doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs. |
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(guy-neh-KAH-lo-jist)
| |
A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive organs. |
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