A drug that blocks
estrogen activity in the body and is used in the therapy
of estrogen-dependent tumors such as breast cancer.
|
An anticancer drug that
inhibits tumor cells from multiplying by interfering
with cells' ability to make DNA. Also called raltitrexed.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor
antibiotics. Also called 4-demethoxydaunorubicin.
|
A radiolabeled antibody
that is being studied in cancer treatment.
|
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.
|
Describes a disease of
unknown cause.
|
A progressive disease in
which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue and
is unable to produce red blood cells; the cause is
unknown.
|
A drug that blocks the
effects of estrogen.
|
A drug that reduces the
risk of cancer cell growth by interfering with the
cells' DNA.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
|
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.
|
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.
|
A substance that is being
studied as an anticancer drug. It belongs to the family
of drugs called diarylsulfonylureas.
|
A substance that is being
studied as an anticancer drug.
|
Intramuscular. Within or
into muscle.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis
inhibitors.
|
A technique in which the
person focuses on positive images in his or her mind.
|
Tests that produce
pictures of areas inside the body.
|
Methods of producing
pictures of areas inside the body.
|
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 STI571.
|
An antibiotic drug used to
treat severe or very resistant infection. It belongs to
the family of drugs called carbapenems.
|
A drug that stimulates the
immune system to respond to disease.
|
Production and action of
cells that fight disease or infection.
|
The activity of the immune
system against foreign substances (antigens).
|
(im-YOON)
The complex group of
organs and cells that defends the body against infection
or disease.
|
The failure of the immune
system to respond to an antigen that previously caused
an immune response.
|
A technique used to cause
an immune response that results in resistance to a
specific disease, especially an infectious disease.
|
The ability to produce a
normal immune response.
|
Having a weakened immune
system caused by certain diseases or treatments.
|
The decreased ability of
the body to fight infection and disease.
|
The inability of the body
to produce an immune response.
|
A protein that acts as an
antibody.
|
A substance used to help
boost the immune response to a vaccine so that less
vaccine is needed.
|
The study of the body's
immune system.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Describes the ability to
lower immune system responses.
|
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
infection and disease. Also used to lessen side effects
that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Also
called biological therapy, biotherapy, or biological
response modifier (BRM) therapy.
|
An antibody linked to a
toxic substance. Some immunotoxins can bind to cancer
cells and kill them.
|
(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.
|
A small device installed
under the skin to administer a steady dose of drugs.
|
(IM-po-tent)
Unable to have an erection
adequate for sexual intercourse.
|
Early cancer that has not
spread to neighboring tissue.
|
In the laboratory (outside
the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).
|
In the body. The opposite
of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory).
|
The number of new cases of
a disease diagnosed each year.
|
(in-SIH-zhun)
A cut made in the body to
perform surgery.
|
(in-SI-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.
|
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).
|
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.)
|
A drug that interferes
with the ability of a virus to make copies of itself.
|
An anticancer drug
belonging to a family of drugs called
radiopharmaceuticals.
|
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.
|
Lymphomas that tend to
grow and spread slowly, including chronic lymphocytic
lymphoma and follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma.
Also called low-grade lymphomas.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
A large vein that empties
into the heart. It carries blood from the legs and feet
and from organs in the abdomen and pelvis.
|
The inability to produce
children.
|
Cancer that has spread
beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is
growing into surrounding, healthy tissues. Also called
invasive cancer.
|
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.
|
A response of redness,
swelling, pain, and a feeling of heat in certain areas
that is meant to protect tissues affected by injury or
disease.
|
A general term that refers
to the inflammation of the colon and rectum.
Inflammatory bowel disease includes ulcerative colitis
and Crohn's disease.
|
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.
|
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.
|
A method of putting
fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also
called intravenous infusion.
|
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.
|
In medicine, refers to the
act of taking a substance into the body by breathing.
|
Transmitted through genes
that have been passed from parents to their offspring
(children).
|
Use of a syringe and
needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often
called a "shot."
|
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.
|
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.
|
Difficulty in going to
sleep or getting enough sleep.
|
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.
|
(in-ter-FEER-on)
A biological response
modifier (a substance that can improve the body's
natural response to infection and disease). 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. 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-alfa. A type of
biological response modifier (a substance that can
improve the body's natural 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.
|
(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 as an anticancer drug. It belongs to the family
of drugs called recombinant chimeric proteins. Also
called NBI-3001.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called immunotoxins.
|
(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-kins)
Biological response
modifiers (substances that can improve the body's
natural response to infection and disease) that help 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.
|
Includes diffuse, small,
cleaved cell lymphoma and diffuse, large, noncleaved
cell lymphoma. These are more aggressive than low-grade
lymphomas, but they respond better to anticancer drugs.
|
(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.
|
The group receiving the
study agent that is being tested in a clinical trial or
clinical study.
|
Having to do with the
intestines.
|
(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.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase
inhibitors.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Inside a cell.
|
Within the colon.
|
Tumors that occur in the
brain.
|
Within the dermis, which
is the layer of skin below the epidermis (outermost
layer).
|
(in-tra-DUK-tal kar-sin-O-ma)
Abnormal cells that
involve only the lining of a duct. The cells have not
spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast.
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)
Within the liver.
|
The bile ducts that pass
through and drain bile from the liver.
|
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.
|
IM. Within or into muscle.
|
Injection into muscle.
|
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.
|
(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.
|
(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.
|
Within a tumor.
|
(in-tra-VEE-nus)
IV. Within a blood vessel.
|
(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 space within an organ.
|
(in-tra-VES-ih-kal)
Within the bladder.
|
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.
|
Being studied;
experimental.
|
A researcher in a clinical
trial or clinical study.
|
Not able to survive.
|
An element that is
necessary for the body to make thyroid hormone. It is
found in shellfish and iodized salt.
|
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 analogue. 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)
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.
|
Side effects that are
caused by toxic substances or something harmful to the
body and do not go away.
|
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.
|
A substance that is being
studied in the treatment of cancer.
|
A substance that is being
studied in the treatment of cancer.
|
A substance that is being
studied in the treatment of cancer.
|
(EYE-let)
Cancer arising from cells
in the islets of Langerhans, which are found in the
pancreas. Also called endocrine cancer.
|
(EYE-lets of LANG-er-hanz)
Cells in the pancreas that
produce hormones (including insulin).
|
Plant compounds that are
found in soy products. Soy isoflavones are being studied
to see if they help prevent cancer.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
(iz-muhs)
A narrow part inside the
body that connects two larger structures.
|
A drug used to prevent or
treat fungal infections. It belongs to the family of
drugs called antifungal agents.
|
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.
|
Intravenous
(in-tra-VEE-nus). Injected into a blood vessel.
|
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.
|
