A drug that belongs to the
family of drugs called sulfonamides. It is being studied
for its ability to treat cancer.
|
Epstein-Barr virus. A
common virus that remains dormant in most people. It has
been associated with certain cancers, including
Burkitt's lymphoma, immunoblastic lymphoma, and
nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
|
A procedure that uses
ultrasonic waves directed over the chest wall to obtain
a graphic record of the heart's position, motion of the
walls, or internal parts such as the valves.
|
An anticancer drug that
inhibits the growth of cancer cells by disrupting the
structure of tumor-cell DNA.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to a family of drugs called antimetabolites.
|
(eh-DEE-ma)
Swelling caused by excess
fluid in body tissues.
|
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.
|
A drug that is used to
plan cancer treatment by measuring oxygen levels in
tumor cells.
|
A cell that performs a
specific function in response to a stimulus; usually
used to describe cells in the immune system.
|
An antiprotozoal drug that
is being studied for cancer prevention.
|
Epidermal growth factor
receptor. The protein found on the surface of some cells
and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the
cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels
on the surface of many types of cancer cells, so these
cells may divide excessively in the presence of
epidermal growth factor. Also known as ErbB1 or HER1.
|
The release of semen
through the penis during orgasm.
|
(e-LEK-tro-des-ih-KAY-shun)
The drying of tissue by a
high-frequency electric current applied with a
needle-shaped electrode.
|
(e-LEK-tro-LAIR-inks)
A battery-operated
instrument that makes a humming sound. An electrolarynx
is used to help people whose voice boxes (larynxes) have
been removed.
|
(eh-LEK-tro-lites)
Substances that break up
into ions (electrically charged particles) when they are
dissolved in body fluids or water. Some examples are
sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. Electrolytes
are primarily responsible for the movement of nutrients
into cells and the movement of wastes out of cells.
|
A stream of electrons
(small negatively charged particles found in atoms) that
can be used for radiation therapy.
|
A microscope (device used
to magnify small objects) that uses electrons (instead
of light) to produce an enlarged image. An electron
microscope shows tiny details better than any other type
of microscope.
|
EPT. Treatment that
generates electrical pulses through an electrode placed
in a tumor to enhance the ability of anticancer drugs to
enter tumor cells.
|
(EM-bul-izm)
A block in an artery
caused by blood clots or other substances, such as fat
globules, infected tissue, or cancer cells.
|
(EM-bo-lih-ZAY-shun)
The blocking of an artery
by a clot or foreign material. Embolization can be done
as treatment to block the flow of blood to a tumor.
|
Early stage in the
development of a plant or an animal. In vertebrate
animals (have a backbone or spinal column), this stage
lasts from shortly after fertilization until all major
body parts appear. In particular, in humans, this stage
lasts from about 2 weeks after fertilization until the
end of the seventh or eighth week of pregnancy.
|
(EM-bree-on-al
RAB-do-MY-oh-sar-KO-ma)
A soft-tissue tumor that
affects children. It begins in muscle cells, and usually
occurs in the head, neck, arms, legs, or genitourinary
tract.
|
A substance that is being
studied as an anticancer and antiangiogenesis drug.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites.
|
Pulmonary emphysema is a
disorder affecting the alveoli (tiny air sacs) of the
lungs. The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the
lungs takes place in the walls of the alveoli. In
emphysema, the alveoli become abnormally inflated,
damaging their walls and making it harder to breathe.
People who smoke or have chronic bronchitis have an
increased risk of emphysema.
|
An antihypertensive agent
that can also be used to slow or prevent the progression
of heart disease in people with childhood cancer treated
with drugs that may be harmful to the heart.
|
(en-KAP-soo-lay-ted)
Confined to a specific,
localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue.
|
A disorder of the brain
that can be caused by disease, injury, drugs, or
chemicals.
|
(en-kon-DRO-ma)
A benign (noncancerous)
growth of cartilage in bones or in other areas where
cartilage is not normally found.
|
(en-do-SER-vih-kul
kyoo-reh-TAHZH)
The scraping of the mucous
membrane of the cervical canal using a spoon-shaped
instrument called a curette.
|
Cancer that occurs in
endocrine tissue, the tissue in the body that secretes
hormones.
|
Treatment that adds,
blocks, or removes hormones. For certain conditions
(such as diabetes or menopause), hormones are given to
adjust low hormone levels. To slow or stop the growth of
certain cancers (such as prostate and breast cancer),
hormones may be given to block the body's natural
hormones. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the
source of hormones. Also called hormone therapy,
hormonal therapy, and hormone treatment.
|
(en-do-krih-NAH-lo-jist)
A doctor who specializes
in diagnosing and treating hormone disorders.
|
Produced inside an
organism or cell. The opposite is external (exogenous)
production.
|
Having to do with the
endometrium (the layer of tissue that lines the uterus).
|
Abnormal cell growth in
the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).
|
(en-do-mee-tree-O-sis)
A benign condition in
which tissue that looks like endometrial tissue grows in
abnormal places in the abdomen.
|
(en-do-MEE-tree-um)
The layer of tissue that
lines the uterus.
|
(EN-dah-skope)
A thin, lighted tube used
to look at tissues inside the body.
|
(en-dah-SKAH-pik
RET-ro-grade ko-LAN-jee-o-PAN-kree-a-TOG-ra-fee)
ERCP. A procedure to x-ray
the pancreatic duct, hepatic duct, common bile duct,
duodenal papilla, and gallbladder. In this procedure, a
thin, lighted tube (endoscope) is passed through the
mouth and down into the first part of the small
intestine (duodenum). A smaller tube (catheter) is then
inserted through the endoscope into the bile and
pancreatic ducts. A dye is injected through the catheter
into the ducts, and an x-ray is taken.
|
(en-do-SKAH-pik...)
A test that uses an
endoscope (a flexible tube inserted into the body) to
bounce high-energy sound waves off internal tissues and
organs and change the echoes into pictures (sonograms).
Also called endosonography.
|
(en-DAHS-ko-pee)
The use of a thin, lighted
tube (called an endoscope) to examine the inside of the
body.
|
A drug that is being
studied for its ability to prevent the growth of new
blood vessels into a solid tumor. Endostatin belongs to
the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors.
|
The main type of cell
found in the inside lining of blood vessels, lymph
vessels, and the heart.
|
The injection of a liquid
through the anus into the large bowel.
|
An anticancer drug that
increases the effectiveness of fluorouracil. Also called
ethynyluracil.
|
A drug used to prevent
blood clots. It belongs to the family of drugs called
anticoagulants.
|
A doctor who specializes
in treating diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. Also
called an otolaryngologist.
|
(en-ter-o-STO-mul)
A health professional
trained in the care of persons with urostomies and other
stomas.
|
A virus that has an outer
wrapping or envelope. This envelope comes from the
infected cell, or host, in a process called
"budding off." During the budding process,
newly formed virus particles become
"enveloped" or wrapped in an outer coat that
is made from a small piece of the cell's plasma
membrane. The envelope may play a role in helping a
virus survive and infect other cells.
|
ETS. Smoke that comes from
the burning of a tobacco product and smoke that is
exhaled by smokers (second-hand smoke). Inhaling ETS is
called involuntary or passive smoking.
|
A protein that speeds up
chemical reactions in the body.
|
A condition in which the
number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in
the blood is greatly increased. Eosinophilia is often a
response to infection or allergens (substances that
cause an allergic response).
|
A type of brain tumor that
usually begins in the central canal of the spinal cord.
Ependymal tumors may also develop in the cells lining
the ventricles of the brain, which produce and store the
special fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that protects the
brain and spinal cord. Also called ependymomas.
|
Brain tumors that usually
begin in the central canal of the spinal cord.
Ependymomas may also develop in the cells lining the
ventricles of the brain, which produce and store the
special fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) that protects the
brain and spinal cord. Also called ependymal tumors.
|
EGFR. The protein found on
the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth
factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found
at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types
of cancer cells, so these cells may divide excessively
in the presence of epidermal growth factor. Also known
as ErbB1 or HER1.
|
(ep-i-DER-mis)
The upper or outer layer
of the two main layers of tissue that make up the skin.
|
(ep-i-DER-moyd kar-sin-O-ma)
A type of cancer in which
the cells are flat and look like fish scales. Also
called squamous cell carcinoma.
|
Having to do with the
space between the wall of the spinal canal and the
covering of the spinal cord. An epidural injection is
given into this space.
|
An injection of an
anesthetic drug into the space between the wall of the
spinal canal and the covering of the spinal cord.
|
Having to do with the
upper middle area of the abdomen.
|
(ep-ih-GLAH-tis)
The flap that covers the
trachea during swallowing so that food does not enter
the lungs.
|
A group of disorders
marked by problems in the normal functioning of the
brain. These problems can produce seizures, unusual body
movements, a loss of consciousness or changes in
consciousness, as well as mental problems or problems
with the senses.
|
A hormone and
neurotransmitter. Also called adrenaline.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor
antibiotics.
|
(ep-ih-THEE-lee-ul)
Refers to the cells that
line the internal and external surfaces of the body.
|
(ep-ih-THEE-lee-ul kar-sin-O-ma)
Cancer that begins in the
cells that line an organ.
|
(ep-ih-THEE-lee-ul)
Cancer that occurs in the
cells lining the ovaries.
|
(EP-ih-THEE-lee-um)
A thin layer of tissue
that covers organs, glands, and other structures within
the body.
|
(EP-i-tope)
A part of a molecule that
an antibody will recognize and bind to.
|
A colony-stimulating
factor that is made in the laboratory. It increases the
production of red blood cells.
|
A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the
family of drugs called radiolabeled monoclonal
antibodies.
|
EBV. A common virus that
remains dormant in most people. It has been associated
with certain cancers, including Burkitt's lymphoma,
immunoblastic lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
|
Electroporation therapy.
Treatment that generates electrical pulses through an
electrode placed in a tumor to enhance the ability of
anticancer drugs to enter tumor cells.
|
Estrogen receptor. Protein
found on some cancer cells to which estrogen will
attach.
|
Estrogen receptor
positive. Breast cancer cells that have a protein
(receptor molecule) to which estrogen will attach.
Breast cancer cells that are ER+ need the hormone
estrogen to grow and will usually respond to hormone (antiestrogen)
therapy that blocks these receptor sites.
|
Estrogen receptor
negative. Breast cancer cells that do not have a protein
(receptor molecule) to which estrogen will attach.
Breast cancer cells that are ER- do not need the hormone
estrogen to grow and usually do not respond to hormone (antiestrogen)
therapy that blocks these receptor sites.
|
A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to a
family of drugs called antiestrogens.
|
A toxic substance linked
to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills
them.
|
Epidermal growth factor
receptor. The protein found on the surface of some cells
and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the
cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels
on the surface of many types of cancer cells, so these
cells may divide excessively in the presence of
epidermal growth factor. Also known as EGFR or HER1.
|
Endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography (en-do-SKAH-pik RET-ro-grade
ko-LAN-jee-o-PAN-kree-a-TAW-gra-fee). A procedure to
x-ray the pancreatic duct, hepatic duct, common bile
duct, duodenal papilla, and gallbladder. In this
procedure, a thin, lighted tube (endoscope) is passed
through the mouth and down into the first part of the
small intestine (duodenum). A smaller tube (catheter) is
then inserted through the endoscope into the bile and
pancreatic ducts. A dye is injected through the catheter
into the ducts, and an x-ray is taken.
|
Estrogen replacement
therapy. Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, or both)
given to postmenopausal women or to women who have had
their ovaries surgically removed. Hormones are given to
replace the estrogen no longer produced by the ovaries.
|
Redness of the skin.
|
(eh-RITH-ro-sites)
Cells that carry oxygen to
all parts of the body. Also called red blood cells (RBCs).
|
(eh-RITH-ro-loo-KEE-mee-a)
Cancer of the
blood-forming tissues in which large numbers of
immature, abnormal red blood cells are found in the
blood and bone marrow.
|
(eh-RITH-ro-PLAY-kee-a)
A reddened patch with a
velvety surface found in the mouth.
|
Produced in the adult
kidney, a colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the
production of red blood cells.
|
(eh-SOF-a-JEE-al)
Having to do with the
esophagus, the muscular tube through which food passes
from the throat to the stomach.
|
(eh-SOF-a-JEE-al)
Speech produced by
trapping air in the esophagus and forcing it out again.
It is used by people whose voice boxes (larynxes) have
been removed.
|
(eh-sof-a-JEK-toe-mee)
An operation to remove a
portion of the esophagus.
|
Inflammation of the
esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to
the stomach).
|
(eh-sof-a-GAHS-ko-pee)
Examination of the
esophagus using a thin, lighted tube.
|
(eh-SOF-a-gram)
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 a
barium swallow.
|
(eh-SOF-a-gus)
The muscular tube through
which food passes from the throat to the stomach.
|
A combination of the
hormone estradiol (an estrogen) and nitrogen mustard (an
anticancer drug). Used in the palliative therapy of
prostate cancer.
|
ER. Protein found on some
cancer cells to which estrogen will attach.
|
ER-. Breast cancer cells
that do not have a protein (receptor molecule) to which
estrogen will attach. Breast cancer cells that are ER-
do not need the hormone estrogen to grow and usually do
not respond to hormone (antiestrogen) therapy that
blocks these receptor sites.
|
ER+. Breast cancer cells
that have a protein (receptor molecule) to which
estrogen will attach. Breast cancer cells that are ER+
need the hormone estrogen to grow and will usually
respond to hormone (antiestrogen) therapy that blocks
these receptor sites.
|
A lab test to determine if
breast cancer cells have estrogen receptors. If the
cells have estrogen receptors, they may depend on
estrogen for growth. This information may influence how
the breast cancer is treated.
|
ERT. Hormones (estrogen,
progesterone, or both) given to postmenopausal women or
to women who have had their ovaries surgically removed.
Hormones are given to replace the estrogen no longer
produced by the ovaries.
|
(ES-tro-jins)
A family of hormones that
promote the development and maintenance of female sex
characteristics.
|
A drug that increases the
effectiveness of radiation therapy.
|
An anticancer drug that
increases the effectiveness of fluorouracil. Also called
eniluracil.
|
A drug that belongs to the
family of drugs called bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates
are used as treatment for hypercalcemia (abnormally high
levels of calcium in the blood) and for cancer that has
spread to the bone (bone metastases).
|
The cause or origin of
disease.
|
An anticancer drug that is
a podophyllotoxin derivative and belongs to the family
of drugs called mitotic inhibitors.
|
Environmental tobacco
smoke. Smoke that comes from the burning of a tobacco
product and smoke that is exhaled by smokers
(second-hand smoke). Inhaling ETS is called involuntary
or passive smoking.
|
Disease that cannot be
measured directly by the size of the tumor but can be
evaluated by other methods specific to a particular
clinical trial.
|
Patients whose response to
a treatment can be measured because enough information
has been collected.
|
(YOO-ingz sar-KO-ma)
A type of bone cancer that
usually forms in the middle (shaft) of large bones. Also
called Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor
(PNET).
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase
inhibitors. Also called DX-8951f.
|
(ek-SI-zhun-al BY-op-see)
A surgical procedure in
which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed for
diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a
microscope.
|
An anticancer drug used to
decrease estrogen production and suppress the growth of
estrogen-dependent tumors.
|
A drug that is being
studied in the treatment and prevention of cancer. It
has been shown to cause apoptosis (cell death) in
cancerous and precancerous cells by acting through a
group of cellular enzymes called cGMP
phosphodiesterases.
|
Being studied;
investigational.
|
Cancer that has spread
outside the lung to other tissues in the chest or to
other parts of the body.
|
(ray-dee-AY-shun)
Radiation therapy that
uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer.
Also called external-beam radiation.
|
(ray-dee-AY-shun)
Radiation therapy that
uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer.
Also called external radiation.
|
(extra-heh-PAT-ik)
Located or occurring
outside the liver.
|
