| |
A drug that is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, and is being studied in the treatment of cancer that has spread to the bones. It belongs to the family of drugs called bisphosphonates. |
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A drug that blocks estrogen activity in the body and is used in the therapy of estrogen-dependent tumors such as breast cancer. |
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An anticancer drug that stops tumor cells from growing by blocking the ability of cells to make DNA. Also called raltitrexed. It belongs to the family of drugs called thymidylate synthase inhibitors. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics. Also called 4-demethoxydaunorubicin. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that is a combination of a monoclonal antibody and a radioisotope (yttrium-90). Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells. Also called yttrium Y90 ibritumomab tiuxetan. |
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| |
Describes a disease of unknown cause. |
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| |
A progressive, chronic disease in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue and blood is made in organs such as the liver and the spleen, instead of in the bone marrow. This disease is marked by an enlarged spleen and progressive anemia. Also called chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis, agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, primary myelofibrosis, and myelosclerosis with myeloid metaplasia. |
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A drug that blocks the effects of estrogen. |
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| |
A drug that reduces the risk of cancer cell growth by interfering with the cells' DNA. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied for its ability to prevent damage to normal tissue caused by radiation therapy. It belongs to a family of compounds called antioxidants. |
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| |
interleukin-1. A type of biological response modifier that stimulates immune system cells that fight disease, and is involved in inflammatory responses. There are two forms of IL-1, IL-1 alfa and IL-1 beta. Both forms of IL-1 are produced by the body, and can also be made in the laboratory. |
|
| |
Interleukin-1-alfa. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's response to infection and disease). IL-1-alfa stimulates the growth and action of immune system cells that fight disease. IL-1-alfa is normally produced by the body, but it can also be made in the laboratory. Also called IL-1-alpha. |
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| |
Interleukin-11. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that stimulates immune response and may reduce toxicity to the gastrointestinal system resulting from cancer therapy. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. Also called oprelvekin. |
|
| |
Interleukin-12. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that enhances the ability of the immune system to kill tumor cells and may interfere with blood flow to the tumor. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
| |
Interleukin-2. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that enhances the ability of the immune system to kill tumor cells and may interfere with blood flow to the tumor. These substances are normally produced by the body. Aldesleukin is IL-2 that is made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
| |
Interleukin-3. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
| |
Interleukin-4. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease) that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
| |
Interleukin-6. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease). These substances are normally produced by the body, but they can also be made in the laboratory. |
|
(il-ee-AHS-toe-mee)
| |
An opening into the ileum, part of the small intestine, from the outside of the body. An ileostomy provides a new path for waste material to leave the body after part of the intestine has been removed. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied in the prevention of lung cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called prostaglandin analogs. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied as an anticancer drug. It belongs to the family of drugs called diarylsulfonylureas. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied as an anticancer drug. |
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| |
Intramuscular. Within or into muscle. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. |
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| |
A technique in which the person focuses on positive images in his or her mind. |
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| |
Tests that produce pictures of areas inside the body. |
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| |
A method of producing pictures of areas inside the body. |
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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 Gleevec and STI571. |
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| |
An antibiotic drug used to treat severe or very resistant infection. It belongs to the family of drugs called carbapenems. |
|
| |
A substance that improves the body's natural response to infection and disease. It is being studied as a topical agent (something used on the surface of the body) for the prevention of some types of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called biological response modifiers. |
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| |
A drug that stimulates the immune system to respond to disease. |
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| |
Production and action of cells that fight disease or infection. |
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| |
The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens). |
|
(im-YOON)
| |
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases. |
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| |
The failure of the immune system to respond to an antigen that previously caused an immune response. |
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| |
A technique used to cause an immune response that results in resistance to a specific disease, especially an infectious disease. |
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| |
A test that uses the binding of antibodies to antigens to identify and measure certain substances. Immunoassays may be used to diagnose disease. Also, test results can provide information about a disease that may help in planning treatment (for example, when estrogen receptors are measured in breast cancer). |
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| |
The ability to produce a normal immune response. |
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| |
Having the ability to produce a normal immune response. |
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| |
Having a weakened immune system caused by certain diseases or treatments. |
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| |
The decreased ability of the body to fight infection and disease. |
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| |
The inability of the body to produce an immune response. |
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| |
A protein that acts as an antibody. |
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| |
A substance used to help boost the immune response to a vaccine so that less vaccine is needed. |
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| |
The study of the body's immune system. |
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| |
Change in the body's immune system, caused by agents that activate or suppress its function. |
|
(IM-yoo-no-FEE-no-tie-ping)
| |
A process used to identify cells, based on the types of antigens or markers on the surface of the cell. This process is used to diagnose specific types of leukemia and lymphoma by comparing the cancer cells to normal cells of the immune system. |
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| |
An imaging procedure in which antibodies labeled with radioactive substances are given to the person. A picture is taken of sites in the body where the antibody localizes. |
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| |
A substance that increases the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. |
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| |
Suppression of the body's immune system and its ability to fight infections or disease. Immunosuppression may be deliberately induced with drugs, as in preparation for bone marrow or other organ transplantation to prevent rejection of the donor tissue. It may also result from certain diseases such as AIDS or lymphoma or from anticancer drugs. |
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| |
Describes the ability to lower immune system responses. |
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| |
Therapy used to decrease the body's immune response, such as drugs given to prevent transplant rejection. |
|
(IM-yoo-no-THER-a-pee)
| |
Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infections and other diseases. Also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also known as biological therapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy. |
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| |
An antibody linked to a toxic substance. Some immunotoxins can bind to cancer cells and kill them. |
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| |
A substance or object that is put in the body as a prosthesis, or for treatment or diagnosis. |
|
(ray-dee-AY-shun)
| |
A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called brachytherapy, internal radiation, or interstitial radiation. |
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| |
A small device installed under the skin to administer a steady dose of drugs. |
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| |
In medicine, refers to the inability to have an erection of the penis adequate for sexual intercourse. Also called erectile dysfunction. |
|
(IM-po-tent)
| |
In medicine, describes the inability to have an erection of the penis adequate for sexual intercourse. |
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| |
Early cancer that has not spread to neighboring tissue. |
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| |
In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body). |
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| |
In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory). |
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| |
The number of new cases of a disease diagnosed each year. |
|
(in-SIH-zhun)
| |
A cut made in the body to perform surgery. |
|
(in-SIH-zhun-al BY-op-see)
| |
A surgical procedure in which a portion of a lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope. |
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| |
A drug used in vaccine therapy to stimulate the immune system. |
|
(in-KAHN-tih-nens)
| |
Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or the escape of stool from the rectum (fecal incontinence). |
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| |
Grown in the laboratory under controlled conditions. (For instance, white blood cells can be grown in special conditions so that they attack specific cancer cells when returned to the body.) |
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| |
Nasturtium officinale. Parts of the flowering plant have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects. Also called watercress. |
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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, gray elm, red elm, and sweet elm. |
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| |
Rheum palmatum or Rheum officinale. The root of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Also called rhubarb, da-huang, Chinese rhubarb, and Turkish rhubarb. |
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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, Pacific valerian, Mexican valerian, garden heliotrope, and Valerianae radix. |
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| |
In medicine, a sign, symptom, or medical condition that leads
to the recommendation of a treatment, test, or procedure.
|
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| |
A drug that interferes with the ability of a virus to make copies of itself. |
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| |
A radiolabeled antibody that is being studied in cancer treatment. |
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| |
An anticancer drug belonging to a family of drugs called radiopharmaceuticals. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied as a cancer prevention drug. It is found in cruciferous vegetables. |
|
(IN-doe-lint)
| |
A type of cancer that grows slowly. |
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| |
A type of lymphoma that tends to grow and spread slowly, and has few symptoms. Also called low-grade lymphoma. |
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| |
A drug that belongs to the family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Indomethacin reduces pain, fever, swelling, and redness. It is also being used to reduce tumor-induced suppression of the immune system and to increase the effectiveness of anticancer drugs. |
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| |
Treatment designed to be used as a first step toward shrinking the cancer and in evaluating response to drugs and other agents. Induction therapy is followed by additional therapy to eliminate whatever cancer remains. |
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| |
Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. Infections can occur in any part of the body, and can be localized or systemic (spread throughout the body). The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on the site of the infection. When the body's natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Cancer treatment can weaken the natural defense system. |
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| |
A large vein that empties into the heart. It carries blood from the legs and feet and from organs in the abdomen and pelvis. |
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| |
Unable to produce children. |
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| |
The inability to produce children. |
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| |
Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues. Also called invasive cancer. |
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| |
The most common type of invasive breast cancer. It starts in the cells that line the milk ducts in the breast, grows outside the ducts, and often spreads to the lymph nodes. |
|
(in-fla-MAY-shun)
| |
Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues. |
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| |
Having to do with inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and a feeling of heat that helps protect tissues affected by injury or disease). |
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| |
A general term that refers to the inflammation of the colon and rectum. Inflammatory bowel disease includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. |
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| |
A type of breast cancer in which the breast looks red and swollen and feels warm. The skin of the breast may also show the pitted appearance called peau d'orange (like the skin of an orange). The redness and warmth occur because the cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin. |
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| |
A monoclonal antibody that blocks the action of a cytokine called tumor necrosis factor alfa. It is being studied in the treatment and prevention of weight loss and loss of appetite in patients with advanced cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. |
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| |
A process in which a person learns key facts about a clinical trial, including potential risks and benefits, before deciding whether or not to participate in a study. Informed consent continues throughout the trial. |
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| |
A technique in which abnormal tissue is exposed to a burst of infrared light (a type of radiation). This causes blood in veins in the tissue to coagulate (harden) and the abnormal tissue to shrink. It is being studied in the prevention of anal cancer in some patients with HIV. |
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| |
A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous infusion. |
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| |
Taking into the body by mouth. |
|
(IN-gwin-al or-kee-EK-toe-mee)
| |
An operation in which the testicle is removed through an incision in the groin. |
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| |
In medicine, refers to the act of taking a substance into the body by breathing. |
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| |
Transmitted through genes that have been passed from parents to their offspring (children). |
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| |
Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot." |
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| |
Describes a condition that cannot be treated by surgery. |
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| |
A type of sugar that differs from glucose (the chief source of energy for living organisms) in its chemical structure. Certain modified forms of inositol can be used by the body to transmit signals inside and between cells.
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| |
IP6. A substance that has been studied as a treatment for cancer. IP6 is found in large amounts in cereals and legumes. Also known as phytic acid. |
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| |
Difficulty in going to sleep or getting enough sleep. |
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| |
In medicine, a method used to put a liquid into the body slowly or drop by drop. |
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| |
IRB. A group of scientists, doctors, clergy, and consumers at each health care facility that participates in a clinical trial. IRBs are designed to protect study participants. They review and must approve the action plan for every clinical trial. They check to see that the trial is well designed, does not involve undue risks, and includes safeguards for patients. |
|
(IN-su-lin)
| |
A hormone made by the islet cells of the pancreas. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood by moving it into the cells, where it can be used by the body for energy. |
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| |
A type of high-dose chemotherapy often given as the second phase (after induction therapy) of a cancer treatment regimen for leukemia. Also called consolidation therapy. |
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| |
IMRT. A type of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor. |
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| |
In biochemistry, a type of molecule that binds to DNA and inserts itself into the DNA structure. Some intercalators are used as treatments for cancer. |
|
(in-ter-FEER-on)
| |
A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infections and other diseases). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma. The body normally produces these substances. They are also made in the laboratory to treat cancer and other diseases. |
|
(in-ter-LOO-kin)
| |
A biological response modifier (substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that helps the immune system fight infection and cancer. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
| |
IL-1. A type of biological response modifier that stimulates immune system cells that fight disease, and is involved in inflammatory responses. There are two forms of IL-1, IL-1 alfa and IL-1 beta. Both forms of IL-1 are produced by the body, and can also be made in the laboratory. |
|
| |
IL-1-alpha. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease). IL-1-alpha stimulates the growth and action of immune system cells that fight disease. IL-1-alpha is normally produced by the body, but it can also be made in the laboratory. Also called IL-1-alfa. |
|
(in-ter-LOO-kin)
| |
IL-11. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that stimulates immune response and may reduce toxicity to the gastrointestinal system resulting from cancer therapy. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. Also called oprelvekin. |
|
(in-ter-LOO-kin)
| |
IL-12. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that enhances the ability of the immune system to kill tumor cells and may interfere with blood flow to the tumor. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
(in-ter-LOO-kin)
| |
IL-2. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. These substances are normally produced by the body. Aldesleukin is IL-2 that is made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
(in-ter-LOO-kin)
| |
IL-3. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
(in-ter-LOO-kin)
| |
IL-4. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
| |
A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by
combining interleukin 4 with a bacterial toxin, and belongs to the family of
drugs called recombinant chimeric proteins. Also called NBI-3001 and
interleukin-4 PE38KDEL immunotoxin.
|
|
| |
A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by
combining interleukin 4 with a bacterial toxin, and belongs to the family of
drugs called recombinant chimeric proteins. Also called NBI-3001 and
interleukin-4 PE38KDEL cytotoxin. |
|
(in-ter-LOO-kin)
| |
IL-6. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease). These substances are normally produced by the body, but they can also be made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
(in-ter-LOO-kin)
| |
IL-7. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that enhances the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. IL-7 is made by cells in the bone marrow, and can stimulate T cells and B cells to grow. IL-7 can also be made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. |
|
| |
A type of lymphoma that grows and spreads quickly, and has severe symptoms. It is seen frequently in patients who are HIV-positive (AIDS-related lymphoma). Also called aggressive or high-grade lymphoma. |
|
(ray-dee-AY-shun)
| |
A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called brachytherapy, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy. |
|
| |
A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called brachytherapy, internal radiation, or implant radiation. |
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| |
The group receiving the study agent that is being tested in a clinical trial or clinical study. |
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| |
Having to do with the intestines. |
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| |
Tiny hair-like projections that line the inside of the small intestine. They contain blood vessels and help absorb nutrients. |
|
(in-TES-tin)
| |
The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. There is both a large intestine and a small intestine. Also called the bowel. |
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| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. |
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| |
The introduction of fluids and drugs directly into the carotid artery, the main artery in the neck that carries blood from the heart to the brain. |
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| |
Within a cavity or space, such as the abdomen, pelvis, or chest. |
|
| |
A radioactive source (implant) placed in a body cavity such as the chest cavity or the vagina. |
|
|
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| |
A tumor that occurs in the brain. |
|
| |
Within the dermis, which is the layer of skin below the epidermis (outermost layer). |
|
(in-tra-DUK-tal KAR-si-NO-ma)
| |
A noninvasive, precancerous condition in
which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal
cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In
some cases, intraductal carcinoma may become invasive cancer and spread to other tissues,
although it is not known at this time how to predict which lesions will
become invasive. Also called ductal carcinoma in situ. |
|
(in-tra-eh-pih-THEEL-ee-ul)
| |
Within the layer of cells that form the surface or lining of an organ. |
|
(in-tra-hep-AT-ik)
|
| |
A bile duct that passes through and drains bile from the liver. |
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| |
The delivery of anticancer drugs directly to the blood vessels of the liver. |
|
| |
Within a cancerous area, for example, within a tumor in the skin. |
|
| |
A procedure in which a plastic or metal tube is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach) to keep it open. This procedure may be used during radiation therapy for esophageal cancer. |
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| |
IM. Within or into muscle. |
|
|
|
| |
A rare cancer of melanocytes (cells that produce the
pigment melanin) found in the eye. Also called ocular melanoma. |
|
| |
IORT. Radiation treatment aimed directly at a tumor during surgery. |
|
(IN-tra-per-ih-toe-NEE-al)
| |
IP. Within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs). |
|
(IN-tra-per-ih-toe-NEE-al KEE-mo-THER-a-pee)
| |
Treatment in which anticancer drugs are put directly into the abdominal cavity through a thin tube. |
|
| |
A method of delivering fluids and drugs directly into the abdominal cavity through a thin tube. Also called peritoneal infusion. |
|
(in-tra-per-ih-toe-NEE-al ray-dee-A-shun)
| |
Treatment in which a radioactive liquid is put directly into the abdomen through a thin tube. |
|
| |
Within the pleural cavity. |
|
(in-tra-THEE-kal)
| |
Describes the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Drugs can be injected into the fluid or a sample of the fluid can be removed for testing.
|
|
(in-tra-THEE-kal KEE-mo-THER-a-pee)
| |
Anticancer drugs that are injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.
|
|
|
(in-tra-VEE-nus)
| |
IV. Within a blood vessel. |
|
| |
IV. Injection into a vein. |
|
(in-tra-VEE-nus PYE-el-o-gram)
| |
IVP. A series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The x-rays are taken after a dye is injected into a blood vessel. The dye is concentrated in the urine, which outlines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder on the x-rays. |
|
(in-tra-VEE-nus pye-LAH-gra-fee)
| |
IVP. X-ray study of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The x-rays are taken after a dye is injected into a blood vessel. The dye is concentrated in the urine, which outlines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder on the x-rays. |
|
| |
The delivery of a drug into a fluid-filled cavity within the heart or brain. |
|
(in-tra-VES-ih-kal)
|
| |
Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues. Also called infiltrating cancer. |
|
| |
Cancer that has spread from the surface of the cervix to tissue deeper in the cervix or to other parts of the body. |
|
| |
A medical procedure that invades (enters) the body, usually by cutting or puncturing the skin or by inserting instruments into the body. |
|
| |
A type of tumor in which surface epithelial cells grow downward into the underlying supportive tissue. It may occur in the nose and/or sinuses or in the urinary tract (bladder, renal pelvis, ureter, urethra). When it occurs in the nose or sinuses, it may cause symptoms similar to those caused by sinusitis, such as nasal congestion. When it occurs in the urinary tract, it may cause blood in the urine. |
|
| |
In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug,
dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has
undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or
procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition,
but be considered investigational in other diseases or conditions. Also called
experimental. |
|
| |
A researcher in a clinical trial or clinical study. |
|
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| |
An element that is necessary for the body to make thyroid hormone. It is found in shellfish and iodized salt. |
|
| |
A monoclonal antibody (tositumomab) that has been chemically changed by adding radioactive iodine, and that is used in the treatment of certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It belongs to the family of drugs called radioconjugated monoclonal antibodies. When iodine I 131 tositumomab and tositumomab are given together, the combination is called the Bexxar regimen. |
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| |
A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer, and for primary systemic amyloidosis (a disease in which proteins are deposited in specific organs). It belongs to the family of drugs called anthracycline analogs. |
|
| |
An antibiotic drug used to treat infection. |
|
| |
Intraoperative radiation therapy. Radiation treatment aimed directly at a tumor during surgery. |
|
| |
Intraperitoneal. Within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs). |
|
| |
Inositol hexaphosphate. A substance that has been studied as a treatment for cancer. IP6 is found in large amounts in cereals and legumes. Also known as phytic acid. |
|
| |
Having to do with the same side of the body. |
|
| |
Institutional Review Board. A group of scientists, doctors, clergy, and consumers at each health care facility that participates in a clinical trial. IRBs are designed to protect study participants. They review and must approve the action plan for every clinical trial. They check to see that the trial is well designed, does not involve undue risks, and includes safeguards for patients. |
|
| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. It is a camptothecin analog. Also called CPT 11. |
|
| |
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. Also called 6-hydroxymethylacylfulvene. |
|
|
(ih-RAY-dee-AY-shun)
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The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy) or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. This type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, interstitial radiation, or brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Irradiation is also called radiation therapy, radiotherapy, and x-ray therapy. |
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Side effects that are caused by toxic substances or something harmful to the body and do not go away. |
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A substance that is being studied as a treatment for oral mucositis (painful mouth sores) caused by cancer therapy. It belongs to the family of drugs called synthetic protegrin analogs. |
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A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. |
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A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. |
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A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. |
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A pancreatic cell that produces hormones (e.g., insulin and glucagon) that are secreted into the bloodstream. These hormones help control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Also called an endocrine pancreas cell and an islet of Langerhans cell. |
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(EYE-let)
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Cancer arising from cells in the islets of Langerhans, which are found in the pancreas. Also called endocrine cancer. |
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(EYE-lets of LANG-er-hanz)
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A pancreatic cell that produces hormones (e.g., insulin and glucagon) that are secreted into the bloodstream. These hormones help control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Also called an endocrine pancreas cell and an islet cell. |
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An estrogen-like substance (phytoestrogen) made by some plants. Soy isoflavones are being studied in the prevention of cancer. |
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Having the same intensity as another object. Used to describe the results of imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. |
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A procedure in which a catheter is placed into the artery that provides blood to the liver; another catheter is placed into the vein that takes blood away from the liver. This temporarily separates the liver's blood supply from blood circulating throughout the rest of the body and allows high doses of anticancer drugs to be directed to the liver only. |
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A technique that may be used to deliver anticancer drugs directly to an arm or leg. The flow of blood to and from the limb is temporarily stopped with a tourniquet, and anticancer drugs are put directly into the blood of the limb. This allows the person to receive a high dose of drugs in the area where the cancer occurred. Also called limb perfusion. |
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A surgical procedure during which the circulation of blood to the lungs is separated from the circulation of blood through the rest of the body, and a drug is delivered directly into the lung circulation. This allows a higher concentration of chemotherapy to reach tumors in the lungs. |
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One of two or more compounds that have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of the atoms within the molecules and that may have different physical/chemical properties. |
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A drug that belongs to the family of drugs called retinoids. It is used in the treatment of acne and psoriasis and is being studied in cancer prevention. Also called 13-cis retinoic acid. |
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(iz-muhs)
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A narrow part inside the body that connects two larger structures. |
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A drug used to prevent or treat fungal infections. It belongs to the family of drugs called antifungal agents. |
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International unit. A unit of measurement based on the International System of Units. This system defines units to measure length, time, mass, electric current, temperature, light intensity, and the amount of a substance. It can be used to express measurements of fat-soluble vitamins and some hormones, enzymes, and drugs. |
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Intravenous (in-tra-VEE-nus). Injected into a blood vessel. |
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Intravenous pyelogram or intravenous pyelography (in-tra-VEE-nus PYE-el-o-gram or pye-LAH-gra-fee). A series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The x-rays are taken after a dye is injected into a blood vessel. The dye is concentrated in the urine, which outlines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder on the x-rays. |
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A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the
family of drugs called epothilone analogs. Also called BMS-247550. |
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