A type of cell in the
thyroid. C cells make calcitonin, a hormone that helps
control the calcium level in the blood.
|
The gene that controls
cell growth by making the human epidermal growth factor
receptor 2. Also called HER2/neu.
|
A protein on the surface
of some cells that binds to stem cell factor (a
substance that causes certain types of cells to grow).
Altered forms of this receptor may be associated with
some types of cancer.
|
A substance sometimes
found in an increased amount in the blood, other body
fluids, or tissues and that may suggest the presence of
some types of cancer.
|
The loss of body weight
and muscle mass frequently seen in patients with cancer,
AIDS, or other diseases.
|
Deposits of calcium in the
tissues. Calcification in the breast can be seen on a
mammogram, but cannot be detected by touch. There are
two types of breast calcification, macrocalcification
and microcalcification. Macrocalcifications are large
deposits and are usually not related to cancer.
Microcalcifications are specks of calcium that may be
found in an area of rapidly dividing cells. Many
microcalcifications clustered together may be a sign of
cancer.
|
A hormone formed by the C
cells of the thyroid gland. It helps maintain a healthy
level of calcium in the blood. When the calcium level is
too high, calcitonin lowers it.
|
(kal-sih-TREE-ol)
The active form of vitamin
D. Calcitriol is formed in the kidneys or made in the
laboratory. It is used as a drug to increase calcium
levels in the body in order to treat skeletal and
tissue-related calcium deficiencies caused by kidney or
thyroid disorders.
|
(KAL-see-um)
A mineral found in teeth,
bones, and other body tissues.
|
A mineral taken primarily
as a supplement to prevent osteoporosis. It is also
being studied for cancer prevention.
|
Refers to the number of
calories (energy content) consumed.
|
A measurement of the
energy content of food. The body needs calories as
"fuel" to perform all of its functions, such
as breathing, circulating the blood, and physical
activity. When a person is sick, their body may need
extra calories to fight fever or other problems.
|
Complementary and
alternative medicine. Forms of treatment that are used
in addition to (complementary) or instead of
(alternative) standard treatments. These practices are
not considered standard medical approaches. CAM includes
dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal
preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet
therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.
|
A monoclonal antibody used
to treat leukemia. Monoclonal antibodies are made in the
laboratory. They can find cancer cells and bind to them.
Also called alemtuzumab.
|
A substance that comes
from the wood and bark of the camphor tree or is made in
the laboratory. It has a very unique smell and taste and
is used in commercial products (for example, mothballs).
Camphor is used in topical anti-infective and anti-pruritic
(anti-itching) agents.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase
inhibitors.
|
An anticancer drug related
in structure to camptothecin, a topoisomerase inhibitor.
One such drug is aminocamptothecin.
|
A term for diseases in
which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer
cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through
the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of
the body.
|
CIS. The Cancer
Information Service is the National Cancer Institute's
(NCI) link to the public, interpreting and explaining
research findings in a clear and understandable manner
and providing personalized responses to specific
questions about cancer. Access the CIS by calling
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or by using the Web site
at http://cis.nci.nih.gov.
|
A case in which cancer
cells are found in the body, but the place where the
cells first started growing (the origin or primary site)
cannot be determined.
|
A vaccine designed to
prevent or treat cancer.
|
A Web site providing
cancer information from the National Cancer Institute
(NCI), the Federal Government's principal agency for
cancer research. Cancer.gov offers a wide range of
cancer information, including information on treatment
options, clinical trials, ways to reduce cancer risk,
and ways to cope with cancer. Resources on support
groups, financial assistance, educational materials, and
information about the NCI are also available. Access
Cancer.gov at http://cancer.gov/.
|
A Web site providing
cancer information from the National Cancer Institute,
the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer
research. CancerNet offers a wide range of cancer
information, including information on treatment options,
clinical trials, ways to reduce cancer risk, and ways to
cope with cancer. Resources on support groups, financial
assistance, educational materials, and more are also
available. Access CancerNet at http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov.
|
A National Cancer
Institute Web site that provides information and news
about cancer research studies. The primary mission of
cancerTrials is to help people consider clinical trials
as an option when making cancer care decisions. Access
cancerTrials at http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov.
|
A condition in which
Candida albicans, a type of yeast, grows out of control
in moist skin areas of the body. It is usually a result
of a weakened immune system, but can be a side effect of
chemotherapy or treatment with antibiotics. Thrush
usually affects the mouth (oral thrush); however,
rarely, it spreads throughout the entire body. Also
called Candidosis or thrush.
|
A condition in which
Candida albicans, a type of yeast, grows out of control
in moist skin areas of the body. It is usually a result
of a weakened immune system, but can be a side effect of
chemotherapy or treatment with antibiotics. Thrush
usually affects the mouth (oral thrush); however,
rarely, it spreads throughout the entire body. Also
called Candidiasis or thrush.
|
Carcinoembryonic antigen
peptide-1. A protein that can stimulate an immune
response.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites.
|
A component of certain
plants, including cayenne and red pepper, used topically
for peripheral nerve pain. Also being studied for
controlling mucositis pain after chemotherapy and
radiation therapy.
|
A drug used to lower high
blood pressure. It belongs to the family of drugs called
ACE inhibitors.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antifungal agents.
|
An inhalant of oxygen and
carbon dioxide that increases the sensitivity of tumor
cells to the effects of radiation therapy.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called platinum
compounds.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis
inhibitors.
|
A bacterial enzyme that
belongs to the family of drugs called chemoprotective
agents. It is used to neutralize the toxic effects of
methotrexate.
|
CAP-1. A protein that can
stimulate an immune response to certain tumors.
|
(kar-SIN-o-jin)
Any substance that causes
cancer.
|
The process by which
normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.
|
(KAR-sin-oyd)
A type of tumor usually
found in the gastrointestinal system (most often in the
appendix), and sometimes in the lungs or other sites.
Carcinoid tumors are usually benign.
|
(kar-sin-O-ma)
Cancer that begins in the
skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
|
(kar-sin-O-ma in SYE-too)
Cancer that involves only
the cells in which it began and that has not spread to
neighboring tissues.
|
A malignant tumor that is
a mixture of carcinoma (cancer of epithelial tissue,
which is skin and tissue that lines or covers the
internal organs) and sarcoma (cancer of connective
tissue, such as bone, cartilage, and fat).
|
(KAR-sin-o-STAT-ik)
Pertaining to slowing or
stopping the growth of cancer.
|
Having to do with the
heart.
|
Having to do with the
heart and lungs.
|
Toxicity that affects the
heart.
|
Having to do with the
heart and blood vessels.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
|
Substance found in yellow
and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green,
leafy vegetables. May reduce the risk of developing
cancer.
|
(KAR-tih-lij)
A type of connective
tissue that contains cells (chondrocytes) surrounded by
a tough but flexible matrix. The cartilage matrix is
made of several types of the protein collagen and
several types of proteoglycans, which are combinations
of protein and long sugar molecules called
glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin sulfate is the major
glycosaminoglycan in cartilage.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
|
A detailed report of the
diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual
patient. Case reports also contain some demographic
information about the patient (for example, age, gender,
ethnic origin).
|
A group or series of case
reports involving patients who were given similar
treatment. Reports of case series usually contain
detailed information about the individual patients. This
includes demographic information (for example, age,
gender, ethnic origin) and information on diagnosis,
treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after
treatment.
|
A drug used to prevent or
treat infections caused by a fungus (a type of
microorganism). It belongs to the family of drugs called
antifungal agents.
|
A rare disorder in which
noncancerous growths develop in lymph node tissue.
|
Removal or destruction of
the testicles or ovaries using radiation, surgery, or
drugs. Medical castration refers to the use of drugs to
suppress the function of the ovaries or testicles.
|
A series of detailed
pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different
angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to
an x-ray machine. Also called computerized axial
tomography, computed tomography (CT scan), or
computerized tomography.
|
A chemical originally
isolated from a type of mimosa tree. Catechol is used as
an astringent, an antiseptic, and in photography,
electroplating, and making other chemicals. It can also
be man-made.
|
(KATH-i-ter)
A flexible tube used to
deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.
|
(KAW-ter-ih-ZAY-shun)
The destruction of tissue
with a hot instrument, an electrical current, or a
caustic substance.
|
Complete blood count. A
test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood
cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called
blood cell count.
|
A drug that is similar but
not identical to thalidomide and is being studied as an
anticancer drug. It belongs to the family of drugs
called angiogenesis inhibitors.
|
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.
|
An anticancer drug that
inhibits the growth of cancer cells by preventing cell
division.
|
A protein found on the
surface of some bone marrow and blood cells.
|
A substance that is being
studied in the treatment of cancer. It binds to certain
immune cells and may suppress cancer growth.
|
Carcinoembryonic antigen.
A substance that is sometimes found in an increased
amount in the blood of people with certain cancers.
|
A laboratory test to
measure carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a substance that
is sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood
of people who have certain cancers.
|
A drug used to treat
infection. It belongs to the family of drugs called
cephalosporin antibiotics.
|
An antibiotic drug used to
treat infection. It belongs to the family of drugs
called cephalosporin antibiotics.
|
A drug that reduces pain.
Celecoxib belongs to the family of drugs called
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. It is being
studied for cancer prevention.
|
The individual unit that
makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living
things are made up of one or more cells.
|
The process during which
young, immature (unspecialized) cells take on individual
characteristics and reach their mature (specialized)
form and function.
|
The ability of a cell to
move.
|
An increase in the number
of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division.
|
A chemical process in
which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates
(sugars). Also called oxidative metabolism, aerobic
metabolism, or aerobic respiration.
|
The close adherence
(bonding) to adjoining cell surfaces.
|
The sum of all chemical
changes that take place in a cell through which energy
and basic components are provided for essential
processes, including the synthesis of new molecules and
the breakdown and removal of others.
|
CNS. The brain and spinal
cord.
|
A tube surgically placed
into a blood vessel for the purpose of giving
intravenous fluid and drugs. It also can be used to
obtain blood samples. This device avoids the need for
separate needle insertions for each infusion.
|
A growth factor antagonist
that may stop tumor cells from growing.
|
An antibiotic drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called cephalosporins.
|
A family of antibiotic
drugs that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial
infections.
|
A type of fat produced in
the body. It may cause some types of cells to die and is
being studied in cancer treatment.
|
(SER-ah-BELL-o-PON-teen)
Going from the cerebellum
(the part of the brain responsible for coordinating
movement) to the pons (part of the central nervous
system located near the base of the brain).
|
(sair-uh-BELL-um)
The portion of the brain
in the back of the head between the cerebrum and the
brain stem. The cerebellum controls balance for walking
and standing, and other complex motor functions.
|
(seh-REE-bral HEM-iss-feerz)
The two halves of the
cerebrum, the part of the brain that controls muscle
functions of the body and also controls speech,
emotions, reading, writing, and learning. The right
hemisphere controls muscle movement on the left side of
the body, and the left hemisphere controls muscle
movement on the right side of the body.
|
(seh-REE-bro-SPY-nal)
CSF. The fluid flowing
around the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is
produced in the ventricles in the brain.
|
(seh-REE-brum)
The largest part of the
brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves,
called the cerebral hemispheres. The cerebrum controls
muscle functions of the body and also controls speech,
emotions, reading, writing, and learning.
|
Relating to the neck, or
to the neck of any organ or structure. Cervical lymph
nodes are located in the neck; cervical cancer refers to
cancer of the uterine cervix, which is the lower, narrow
end (the "neck") of the uterus.
|
(SER-vih-kul
in-tra-eh-pih-THEEL-ee-ul NEE-o-play-zha)
CIN. A general term for
the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the
cervix. Numbers from 1 to 3 may be used to describe how
much of the cervix contains abnormal cells.
|
(SER-viks)
The lower, narrow end of
the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and
vagina.
|
A type of monoclonal
antibody being studied as an anticancer drug. Monoclonal
antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can
locate and bind to cancer cells.
|
A substance that increases
production of saliva and tears. It is being studied as a
treatment for dry mouth caused by radiation therapy to
the head and neck. It belongs to the family of drugs
called cholinergic enhancers.
|
An anticancer drug that
may inhibit the growth of some tumors.
|
A procedure in which a
tube is inserted into the chest to view the tissues and
organs in the area between the lungs and between the
breastbone and heart. The tube is inserted through an
incision next to the breastbone. This procedure is
usually used to get a tissue sample from the lymph nodes
on the left side of the chest. Also called anterior
mediastinotomy.
|
A procedure in which the
blood supply to the tumor is blocked surgically or
mechanically and anticancer drugs are administered
directly into the tumor. This permits a higher
concentration of drug to be in contact with the tumor
for a longer period of time.
|
(KEE-mo-pre-VEN-shun)
The use of drugs,
vitamins, or other agents to try to reduce the risk of,
or delay the development or recurrence of, cancer.
|
In cancer prevention
clinical trials, studies test whether taking certain
medicines, vitamins, minerals, or food supplements can
prevent cancer. Also called agent studies.
|
A quality of some drugs
used in cancer treatment. Chemoprotective agents protect
healthy tissue from the toxic effects of anticancer
drugs.
|
A laboratory test to
analyze the responsiveness of a tumor to a specific
drug.
|
A drug that makes tumor
cells more sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy.
|
A drug used to treat
cancer.
|
(kee-mo-THER-a-pee)
Treatment with anticancer
drugs.
|
The muscles, bones, and
joints that make up the area of the body between the
neck and the abdomen.
|
(ki-AZ-ma)
An anatomy term for an
X-shaped crossing (for example, of nerves or tendons).
|
A professional who is
responsible for making a child's hospital and treatment
experience less scary.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
|
A chemical used to
disinfect water and as a bleach.
|
CQS. A substance that is
being studied as an anticancer drug.
|
(ko-LAN-jee-o-sar-KO-ma)
A tumor of the connective
tissues of the bile ducts.
|
Cartilage cells. They make
the structural components of cartilage.
|
The major
glycosaminoglycan (a type of sugar molecule) in
cartilage.
|
(KAHN-dro-sar-KO-ma)
A type of cancer that
forms in cartilage.
|
(kor-DO-ma)
A type of bone cancer that
usually starts in the lower spinal cord.
|
The membrane in hen's eggs
that helps chicken embryos get enough oxygen and calcium
for development. The calcium comes from the egg shell.
|
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, gestational
trophoblastic tumor, or molar pregnancy.
|
A rare type of cancer that
occurs in the ventricles of the brain. It usually occurs
in children younger than 2 years.
|
Continuous hyperthermic
peritoneal perfusion. A procedure that bathes the
abdominal cavity in fluid that contains anticancer
drugs. This fluid is warmer than body temperature. This
procedure appears to kill cancer cells without harming
normal cells.
|
(KRO-mo-some)
Part of a cell that
contains genetic information. Except for sperm and eggs,
all human cells contain 46 chromosomes.
|
A disease or condition
that persists or progresses over a long period of time.
|
A slowly progressing
disease in which too many white blood cells are made in
the bone marrow. Also called chronic myelogenous
leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia.
|
(KRAHN-ik)
A slowly progressing
cancer of the blood-forming tissues.
|
A slowly progressing
disease in which too many immature white blood cells
(called lymphoblasts) are found in the body.
|
A slowly progressing
disease in which too many white blood cells (called
lymphocytes) are found in the body.
|
CML. A slowly progressing
disease in which too many white blood cells are made in
the bone marrow. Also called chronic myeloid leukemia or
chronic granulocytic leukemia.
|
CML. A slowly progressing
disease in which too many white blood cells are made in
the bone marrow. Also called chronic myelogenous
leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia.
|
Pain that can range from
mild to severe, and persists or progresses over a long
period of time.
|
(KRAHN-ik)
Refers to the early stages
of chronic myelogenous leukemia or chronic lymphocytic
leukemia. The number of mature and immature abnormal
white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is higher
than normal, but lower than in the accelerated or blast
phase.
|
A phase of chronic
myelogenous leukemia that may last from several months
to several years. Although there may be no symptoms of
leukemia, there are too many white blood cells.
|
A drug that is being
studied as a treatment for solid tumors.
|
A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the
family of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
|
A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the
family of drugs called DNA-intercalating compounds.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called mitotic
inhibitors. Also called mivobulin isethionate.
|
A substance that is being
studied as an anticancer drug in the treatment of
non-small cell lung cancer. Also called
N-acetyldinaline.
|
A drug used to treat
infection caused by viruses.
|
A drug usually used to
treat stomach ulcers and heartburn. It is also commonly
used in a regimen to prevent allergic reactions.
|
An anti-infection drug
that is also being studied in bladder cancer
chemotherapy.
|
The system that contains
the heart and the blood vessels and moves blood
throughout the body. This system helps tissues get
enough oxygen and nutrients, and it helps them get rid
of waste products. The lymph system, which connects with
the blood system, is often considered part of the
circulatory system.
|
A type of chronic,
progressive liver disease in which liver cells are
replaced by scar tissue.
|
Cancer Information
Service. The CIS is the National Cancer Institute's link
to the public, interpreting and explaining research
findings in a clear and understandable manner, and
providing personalized responses to specific questions
about cancer. Access the CIS by calling 1-800-4-CANCER
(1-800-422-6237), or by using the Web site at
http://cis.nci.nih.gov.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called platinum
compounds.
|
A family of drugs used in
the treatment of metabolic acidosis (a disorder in which
the blood is too acidic).
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites.
|
An antibiotic drug used to
treat infection. It belongs to the family of drugs
called macrolides.
|
Collar bone.
|
(kar-sin-O-ma)
A rare type of tumor of
the female genital tract in which the inside of the
cells looks clear when viewed under a microscope.
|
A rare type of kidney
cancer. Clear cell sarcoma can spread from the kidney to
other organs, most commonly the bone, but also including
the lungs, brain, and soft tissues of the body.
|
Having to do with the
appearance of cells when viewed under a microscope. The
nucleus of cleaved cells appears divided or segmented.
|
Having to do with the
examination and treatment of patients.
|
The failure of a cancer to
shrink after treatment.
|
A case series in which the
patients receive treatment in a clinic or other medical
facility.
|
A research study in which
patients receive treatment in a clinic or other medical
facility. Reports of clinical studies can contain
results for single patients (case reports) or many
patients (case series or clinical trials).
|
A research study that
tests how well new medical treatments or other
interventions work in people. The study tests new
methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or
treatment of a disease.
|
A drug used as treatment
for hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in
the blood) and for cancer that has spread to the bone
(bone metastases). It may decrease pain, the risk of
fractures, and the development of new bone metastases.
|
An anticancer drug used in
the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia.
|
Chronic myelogenous
leukemia. A slowly progressing disease in which too many
white blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Also
called chronic granulocytic leukemia.
|
Cytomegalovirus. A virus
that may be carried in an inactive state for life by
healthy individuals. It is a cause of severe pneumonia
in people with a suppressed immune system, such as those
undergoing bone marrow transplantation or those with
leukemia or lymphoma.
|
Central nervous system.
The brain and spinal cord.
|
Cancer that has spread
from the original (primary) tumor to the central nervous
system.
|
(pro-fih-LAK-sis)
Chemotherapy or radiation
therapy given to the central nervous system (CNS) as a
preventive treatment. It is given to kill cancer cells
that may be in the brain and spinal cord, even though no
cancer has been detected there.
|
Tumors of the central
nervous system, including brain stem glioma,
craniopharyngioma, medulloblastoma, and meningioma.
|
A mixture of two or more
different kinds of cells that are grown together.
|
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