White blood cells that
make antibodies and are an important part of the immune
system. B cells come from bone marrow. Also called B
lymphocytes.
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White blood cells that
make antibodies and are an important part of the immune
system. B lymphocytes come from bone marrow. Also called
B cells.
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A protein found on some
tumor cells.
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A toxic substance linked
to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills
them.
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BCG. A type of bacteria
used in cancer treatment to stimulate the immune system.
It is also used to vaccinate against tuberculosis.
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A large group of
single-cell microorganisms. Some cause infections and
disease in animals and humans. The singular of bacteria
is bacterium.
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A toxic substance, made by
bacteria, that can be modified to kill specific tumor
cells without harming normal cells.
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A drug with sedative and
hypnotic effects. Barbiturates have been used as
sedatives and anesthetics, and they have been used to
treat the convulsions associated with epilepsy.
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A procedure in which a
liquid with barium in it is put into the rectum and
colon by way of the anus. Barium is a silver-white
metallic compound that helps to show the image of the
lower gastrointestinal tract on an x-ray.
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A liquid containing barium
sulfate that is used in x-rays to highlight parts of the
digestive system.
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A series of x-rays of the
esophagus. The x-ray pictures are taken after the person
drinks a solution that contains barium. The barium coats
and outlines the esophagus on the x-ray. Also called an
esophagram.
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A condition in which the
cells lining the lower part of the esophagus have
changed or been replaced with abnormal cells that could
lead to cancer of the esophagus. The backing up of
stomach contents (reflux) may irritate the esophagus
and, over time, cause Barrett's esophagus.
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(BAY-sal sel kar-sin-O-ma)
A type of skin cancer that
arises from the basal cells, small round cells found in
the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer
layer of the skin.
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(BAY-sal)
Small, round cells found
in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer
layer of the skin.
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A type of white blood
cell. Basophils are granulocytes.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis
inhibitors. Batimastat is a matrix metalloproteinase
inhibitor.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis
inhibitors.
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A substance that is being
studied as an anticancer drug. It belongs to the family
of platinum-based drugs.
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Bacillus Calmette Guerin.
A type of bacteria used in cancer treatment to stimulate
the immune system. It is also used to vaccinate against
tuberculosis.
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A form of biological
therapy for superficial bladder cancer. A catheter is
used to place the BCG solution into the bladder. The
solution contains live, weakened bacteria (bacille
Calmette-Guerin) that activate theimmune system. The BCG
solution used for bladder cancer is not the same thing
as BCG vaccine, a vaccine for tuberculosis.
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A drug that may kill
cancer cells by blocking the production of a protein
that makes cancer cells live longer. Also called
augmerosen.
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A drug being studied in
the treatment of graft-versus-host disease. It belongs
to a family of drugs called corticosteroids.
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BDC. A rare type of kidney
cancer that grows and spreads quickly. It begins in the
duct of Bellini in the kidney.
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(beh-NINE)
Not cancerous; does not
invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the
body.
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(hye-per-PLAY-zha)
BPH. A benign (noncancerous)
condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue
pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the
flow of urine. Also called benign prostatic hypertrophy.
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BPH. A benign (noncancerous)
condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue
pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the
flow of urine. Also called benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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(beh-NINE)
A noncancerous growth that
does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts
of the body.
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A colorless oily liquid
used as a flavoring agent and to make dyes, perfumes,
and pharmaceuticals. Benzaldehyde is chemically related
to benzene.
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BPU. A substance that is
being studied as an anticancer drug. It belongs to the
family of drugs called antitubulin agents.
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A substance used in
surgical wound healing to cause a blood clot to form. It
consists of blood-clotting factors found naturally in
human blood.
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A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to a
family of chemicals called disulfides.
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A vitamin A precursor.
Beta carotene belongs to the family of fat-soluble
vitamins called carotenoids.
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A type of bacteria often
found in the vagina. It can cause systemic infections in
people with suppressed immune systems.
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A neuropeptide that
mediates pain perception.
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Polysaccharides made by
several types of mushrooms. Beta-glucans have been used
to treat patients with gastric cancer and colorectal
cancer. They may be able to stimulate the immune system.
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A monoclonal antibody that
may prevent the growth of blood vessels from surrounding
tissue to a solid tumor.
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An anticancer drug used to
decrease the growth of some types of cancer cells. Also
called LGD1069.
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A topical preparation to
reduce the risk of, and treat skin reactions to,
radiation therapy.
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In a clinical trial, a
flaw in the study design or method of collecting or
interpreting information. Biases can lead to incorrect
conclusions about what the study or trial showed.
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A drug that may inhibit
tumor cells from multiplying. It is being studied for
its ability to treat cancer.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antiandrogens.
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Affecting both the right
and left sides of the body.
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Cancer that occurs in both
paired organs, such as both breasts or both ovaries.
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A fluid made by the liver
and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is excreted into the
small intestine, where it helps digest fat.
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A tube through which bile
passes in and out of the liver.
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Having to do with the
liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder.
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(bil-ih-ROO-bun)
Substance formed when red
blood cells are broken down. Bilirubin is part of the
bile, which is made in the liver and is stored in the
gallbladder. The abnormal buildup of bilirubin causes
jaundice.
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A substance that makes a
loose mixture stick together. For example, binding
agents can be used to make solid pills from loose
powders.
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The ability of a drug or
other substance to be absorbed and used by the body.
Orally bioavailable means that a drug or other substance
that is taken by mouth can be absorbed and used by the
body.
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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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In living cells, chemical
reactions that help sustain life and allow cells to
grow.
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A method of learning to
voluntarily control certain body functions such as
heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension with the
help of a special machine. This method can help control
pain.
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In medicine, a substance
made from living organisms or things they produce, such
as a vaccine. Some biologicals stimulate or restore the
ability of the immune system to fight infection and
disease.
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(by-o-LAHJ-i-kul)
BRM. A substance that can
improve the body's natural response to infection and
disease.
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(by-o-LAHJ-i-kul)
Treatment to stimulate or
restore the ability of the immune system to fight
infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects
that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also known
as immunotherapy, biotherapy, or biological response
modifier (BRM) therapy.
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A substance sometimes
found in an increased amount in the blood, other body
fluids, or tissues and which may mean that a certain
type of cancer is in the body. Examples of biomarkers
include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 15-3 (breast
cancer), CEA (ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, and
gastrointestinal tract cancers), and PSA (prostate
cancer). Also called tumor markers.
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A substance that is being
studied for its ability to decrease the side effects of
interleukin-2 (IL-2).
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(BY-op-see)
The removal of cells or
tissues for examination under a microscope. When only a
sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an
incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When an entire tumor
or lesion is removed, the procedure is called an
excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is
removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle
biopsy or fine-needle aspiration.
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Tissue removed from the
body and examined under a microscope to determine
whether disease is present.
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Treatment to stimulate or
restore the ability of the immune system to fight
infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects
that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also known
as immunotherapy, biological therapy, or biological
response modifier (BRM) therapy.
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Antibodies developed in
the laboratory to recognize more than one protein on the
surface of different cells. Examples include bispecific
antibodies 2B1, 520C9xH22, mDX-H210, and MDX447.
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A monoclonal antibody that
binds two different types of antigen. Bispecific
monoclonal antibodies do not occur naturally; they must
be made in the laboratory.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
It is also an antitumor antibiotic.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called bacterial
immunotoxins. BL22 is a bacterial toxic substance linked
to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills
them.
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The organ that stores
urine.
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The phase of chronic
myelogenous leukemia in which the number of immature,
abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood
is extremely high. Also called blast phase.
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The phase of chronic
myelogenous leukemia in which the number of immature,
abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood
is extremely high. Also called blast crisis.
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Immature blood cells.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor
antibiotics.
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A test to check the number
of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in
a sample of blood. Also called complete blood count (CBC).
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A drug that helps prevent
blood clots from forming. Also called an anticoagulant.
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The administration of
blood or blood products into a blood vessel.
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A tube through which the
blood circulates in the body. Blood vessels include a
network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules,
and veins.
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A network of blood vessels
with closely spaced cells that makes it difficult for
potentially toxic substances (such as anticancer drugs)
to penetrate the blood vessel walls and enter the brain.
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A platinum compound used
in chemotherapy.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called mitotic
inhibitors.
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A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer.
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A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer.
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A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer.
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A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the
family of drugs called matrix metalloproteinase
inhibitors (MMPIs).
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A single dose of drug
usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period
of time. Also called bolus infusion.
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A single dose of drug
usually injected into a blood vessel over a short period
of time. Also called bolus.
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The soft, sponge-like
tissue in the center of bones that produces white blood
cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
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The destruction of bone
marrow using radiation or drugs.
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(as-per-AY-shun)
The removal of a small
sample of bone marrow (usually from the hip) through a
needle for examination under a microscope.
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(BY-op-see)
The removal of a sample of
tissue from the bone marrow with a needle for
examination under a microscope.
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Cancer that has spread
from the original (primary) tumor to the bone marrow.
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(trans-plan-TAY-shun)
A procedure to replace
bone marrow destroyed by treatment with high doses of
anticancer drugs or radiation. Transplantation may be
autologous (an individual's own marrow saved before
treatment), allogeneic (marrow donated by someone else),
or syngeneic (marrow donated by an identical twin).
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Cancer that has spread
from the original (primary) tumor to the bone.
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A technique to create
images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small
amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood
vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects
in the bones and is detected by a scanner.
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In medicine, refers to a
vaccination given after a previous vaccination. A
booster helps maintain or increase a protective immune
response.
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A type of radiation
therapy. The person is given an intravenous infusion
containing the element boron, which concentrates in the
tumor cells. The person then receives radiation therapy
with atomic particles called neutrons from a small
research nuclear reactor. The radiation is absorbed by
the boron, killing the tumor cells without harming
normal cells.
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The long tube-shaped organ
in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion.
There is both a small and a large bowel. Also called the
intestine.
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(BO-uns disease)
A skin disease marked by
scaly or thickened patches on the skin and often caused
by prolonged exposure to arsenic. The patches often
occur on sun-exposed areas of the skin and in older,
white men. These patches may become malignant
(cancerous). Also called precancerous dermatosis or
precancerous dermatitis.
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Benign prostatic
hypertrophy. A benign (noncancerous) condition in which
an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the
urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.
Also called benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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A substance that is being
studied as an anticancer drug. It belongs to the family
of drugs called antitubulin agents. Also called
benzoylphenylurea.
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(BRAY-kee-ul
pleks-AH-pah-thee)
A condition marked by
numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or limited movement
in the arm or hand. It is caused by an impairment of the
brachial plexus, a network of nerves that affect the arm
and hand.
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(BRAY-kee-ul PLEKS-us)
A network of nerves that
sends signals from the spine to the arm and hand.
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(BRAKE-ih-THER-a-pee)
A procedure in which
radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or
catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also
called internal radiation, implant radiation, or
interstitial radiation therapy.
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Cancer that has spread
from the original (primary) tumor to the brain.
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The part of the brain that
is connected to the spinal cord.
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(glee-O-ma)
A tumor located in the
part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord (the
brain stem). It may grow rapidly or slowly, depending on
the grade of the tumor.
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A tumor in the part of the
brain that connects to the spinal cord (the brain stem).
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A gene on chromosome 17
that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person
who inherits an altered version of the BRCA1 gene has a
higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate
cancer.
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A gene on chromosome 13
that normally helps to suppress cell growth. A person
who inherits an altered version of the BRCA2 gene has a
higher risk of getting breast, ovarian, or prostate
cancer.
|
Intense increases in pain
that occur with rapid onset even when pain- control
medication is being used. Breakthrough pain can occur
spontaneously or in relation to a specific activity.
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Abnormal cells that are
confined to the ducts or lobules in the breast. There
are two forms, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).
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A silicone gel-filled or
saline-filled sac placed under the chest muscle to
restore breast shape.
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Surgery to rebuild a
breast's shape after a mastectomy.
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An operation to remove the
breast cancer but not the breast itself. Types of
breast-conserving surgery include lumpectomy (removal of
the lump), quadrantectomy (removal of one quarter of the
breast), and segmental mastectomy (removal of the cancer
as well as some of the breast tissue around the tumor
and the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor).
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A questionnaire used to
measure pain.
|
Biological response
modifier. A substance that stimulates the body's
response to infection and disease.
|
An enzyme found in
pineapples that breaks down other proteins, such as
collagen and muscle fiber, and has anti-inflammatory
properties. It is used as a meat tenderizer in the food
industry.
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(BRONK-eye)
The large air passages
that lead from the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs.
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(BRON-kee-olz)
The tiny branches of air
tubes in the lungs.
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(bron-KYE-tis)
Inflammation (swelling and
reddening) of the bronchi.
|
(BRON-ko-skope)
A thin, lighted tube used
to examine the inside of the trachea and bronchi, the
air passages that lead to the lungs.
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(bron-KOS-ko-pee)
A procedure in which a
thin, lighted tube is inserted through the nose or
mouth. This allows examination of the inside of the
trachea and bronchi (air passages that lead to the
lung), as well as the lung. Bronchoscopy may be used to
detect cancer or to perform some treatment procedures.
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A large air passage that
leads from the trachea (windpipe) to the lung.
|
A drug that makes cancer
cells more sensitive to radiation and is also used as a
diagnostic agent to determine how fast cancer cells
grow.
|
A drug used for its
antitumor activity.
|
(BUK-ul myoo-KO-sa)
The inner lining of the
cheeks and lips.
|
A steroid being studied as
an anticancer drug. Budesonide is commonly used to treat
asthma and rhinitis.
|
A type of non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma that most often occurs in young people aged
12-30 years. The disease usually causes a rapidly
growing tumor in the abdomen.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing
hormones. In prostate cancer therapy, buserelin blocks
the production of testosterone in the testicles.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
|
A drug that may help
prevent resistance to some anticancer drugs.
|
A surgical procedure in
which the doctor creates a new pathway for the flow of
body fluids.
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