A substance that is being
studied in the treatment of cancer.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called enzyme inhibitors.
It may inhibit the transformation of normal cells into
cancer cells.
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Research done in a
laboratory. These studies may use test tubes or animals
to find out if a drug, procedure, or treatment is likely
to be useful. Laboratory studies take place before any
testing is done in humans.
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A medical procedure that
involves testing a sample of blood, urine, or other
substance from the body. Tests can help determine a
diagnosis, plan treatment, check to see if treatment is
working, or monitor the disease over time.
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A type of sugar found in
milk and milk products.
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The inability to digest or
absorb lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and other
dairy products.
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White blood cells that are
stimulated in a laboratory to kill tumor cells. Also
called lymphokine-activated killer cells.
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A drug used to treat
infection caused by viruses.
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A thin, lighted tube used
to look at tissues and organs inside the abdomen.
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Surgery done with the aid
of a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube) to remove part
or all of the colon through small incisions made in the
wall of the abdomen.
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(lap-a-RAHS-ko-pee)
The insertion of a thin,
lighted tube (called a laparoscope) through the
abdominal wall to inspect the inside of the abdomen and
remove tissue samples.
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(lap-a-RAH-toe-mee)
A surgical incision made
in the wall of the abdomen.
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(kar-sin-O-mas)
A group of lung cancers in
which the cells are large and look abnormal when viewed
under a microscope.
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A type of white blood cell
that contains granules with enzymes that can kill tumor
cells or microbial cells. Also called natural killer
cells.
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The long, tube-like organ
that is connected to the small intestine and rectum. The
large intestine removes water and some nutrients and
electrolytes from digested food. The remaining material,
solid waste called stool, moves through the large
intestine to the rectum and leaves the body through the
anus. Also called the colon.
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(lair-IN-jee-al)
Having to do with the
larynx.
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(lair-in-JEK-toe-mee)
A person whose larynx
(voice box) has been removed.
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(lair-in-JEK-toe-mee)
An operation to remove all
or part of the larynx (voice box).
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Inflammation of the
larynx.
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(lair-IN-jo-skope)
A thin, lighted tube used
to examine the larynx (voice box).
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(lair-in-GOS-ko-pee)
Examination of the larynx
(voice box) with a mirror (indirect laryngoscopy) or
with a laryngoscope (direct laryngoscopy).
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(LAIR-inks)
The area of the throat
containing the vocal cords and used for breathing,
swallowing, and talking. Also called the voice box.
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(LAY-zer)
A device that concentrates
light into an intense, narrow beam used to cut or
destroy tissue. It is used in microsurgery, photodynamic
therapy, and for a variety of diagnostic purposes.
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The use of an intensely
powerful beam of light to kill cancer cells.
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Lobular carcinoma in situ.
Abnormal cells found in the lobules of the breast. This
condition seldom becomes invasive cancer; however,
having lobular carcinoma in situ increases one's risk of
developing breast cancer in either breast.
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A complex molecule that
has both protein and sugars. Lectins are able to bind to
the outside of a cell and cause biochemical changes in
it. Lectins are made by both animals and plants.
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An anticancer drug that
works by inhibiting a cancer cell growth factor. Also
called SU101.
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A benign smooth muscle
tumor, usually in the uterus or gastrointestinal tract.
Also called fibroid.
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A tumor of the muscles in
the uterus, abdomen, or pelvis.
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A beta-glucan (a type of
polysaccharide) from the mushroom Lentinus edodes
(shiitake mushroom). It has been studied in Japan as a
treatment for cancer.
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A drug that inhibits blood
clotting. It is being studied in cancer treatment.
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A tumor that involves the
tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord.
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Cancer that has spread
from the original (primary) tumor to the tissues that
cover the brain and spinal cord.
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A substance that is being
studied for its ability to increase numbers of white
blood cells in people undergoing chemotherapy. It
belongs to the family of drugs called colony-stimulating
factors.
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A drug that prevents or
reduces nausea and vomiting.
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(LEE-zhun)
An area of abnormal tissue
change.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called nonsteroidal
aromatase inhibitors. Letrozole is used to decrease
estrogen production and suppress the growth of
estrogen-dependent tumors.
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A drug used to protect
normal cells from high doses of the anticancer drug
methotrexate. It is also used to increase the antitumor
effects of fluorouracil and tegafur-uracil, an oral
treatment alternative to intravenous fluorouracil.
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Removal of the blood to
collect specific blood cells; the remaining blood is
returned to the body.
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(loo-KEE-mee-a)
Cancer of blood-forming
tissue.
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(LOO-ko-sites)
Cells that help the body
fight infections and other diseases. Also called white
blood cells (WBCs).
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(LOO-ko-PEE-nya)
A condition in which the
number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the blood is
reduced.
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(loo-ko-PLAY-kee-a)
A white patch that may
develop on mucous membranes such as the cheek, gums, or
tongue and may become cancerous.
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A drug that belongs to a
family of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone
analogues. It is used to block hormone production in the
ovaries or testicles.
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An agent that delivers the
gene for interleukin-2 (IL-2) into cells to increase
production of IL-2 by the cells.
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An antiparasitic drug that
is also being studied in cancer therapy with
fluorouracil.
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A substance used to treat
bacterial infections. It belongs to the family of drugs
called quinolone antibiotics.
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An anticancer drug used to
decrease the growth of some types of cancer cells. Also
called bexarotene.
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Luteinizing
hormone-releasing hormone. A hormone that stimulates the
production of sex hormones in men and women.
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(lair-MEETS sign)
A sensation similar to an
electrical shock radiating from the back of the head
down the spine as the neck is bent forward.
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A rare, inherited
predisposition to multiple cancers, caused by an
alteration in the p53 tumor suppressor gene.
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An anticancer drug that
promotes differentiation by increasing the levels of
retinoic acid within the tumor.
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(lye-GAY-shun)
The process of tying off
blood vessels so that blood cannot flow to a part of the
body or to a tumor.
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A microscope (device to
magnify small objects) in which objects are lit directly
by white light.
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(per-FYOO-zhun)
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 isolated
limb perfusion.
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Cancer found in one lung
and in nearby lymph nodes.
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A machine that creates
high-energy radiation to treat cancer, using electricity
to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles.
Also called mega-voltage (MeV) linear accelerator or a
linear accelerator.
|
A machine that creates
high-energy radiation to treat cancer, using electricity
to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles.
Also called mega-voltage (MeV) linear accelerator or a
linac.
|
A thyroid hormone. Also
called triiodothyronine or T-3.
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Fat.
|
A rare cancer of the fat
cells.
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A drug preparation that
contains the active drug in very tiny fat particles.
This fat-encapsulated drug is absorbed better, and its
distribution to the tumor site is improved.
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A drug that may protect
healthy cells from chemotherapy and radiation without
inhibiting the effects of these therapies on tumor
cells.
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A large organ located in
the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids
in digestion by secreting bile.
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A disease in which
malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the
liver.
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Cancer that has spread
from the original (primary) tumor to the liver.
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An image of the liver
created on a computer screen or on film. A radioactive
substance is injected into a blood vessel and travels
through the bloodstream. It collects in the liver,
especially in abnormal areas, and can be detected by the
scanner.
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A toxic substance linked
to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills
them.
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A toxic substance linked
to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills
them.
|
A toxic substance linked
to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills
them.
|
A toxic substance linked
to an antibody that attaches to tumor cells and kills
them.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called platinum
compounds.
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A portion of an organ,
such as the liver, lung, breast, thyroid, or brain.
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(lo-BEK-toe-mee)
The removal of a lobe.
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A substance that is being
studied for its ability to help other drugs reach the
brain. It belongs to the family of drugs called
bradykinin agonists. Also called RMP-7.
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(LOB-yoo-lar kar-sin-O-ma
in SYE-too)
LCIS. Abnormal cells found
in the lobules of the breast. This condition seldom
becomes invasive cancer; however, having lobular
carcinoma in situ increases one's risk of developing
breast cancer in either breast.
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(LOB-yule)
A small lobe or
subdivision of a lobe.
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(an-es-THEE-zha)
Drugs that cause a
temporary loss of feeling in one part of the body. The
patient remains awake but cannot feel the part of the
body treated with the anesthetic.
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An invasive malignant
cancer confined entirely to the organ where the cancer
began.
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Treatment that affects
cells in the tumor and the area close to it.
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(LO-kal-ih-ZAY-shun)
The process of determining
or marking the location or site of a lesion or disease.
May also refer to the process of keeping a lesion or
disease in a specific location or site.
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Restricted to the site of
origin, without evidence of spread.
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Cancer found only in the
tissues that make up the wall of the gallbladder.
Localized gallbladder cancer can be removed completely
in an operation.
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Cancer that has spread
only to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
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A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the
family of drugs called antifolates.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
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An antidiarrheal drug.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antipyrazoles.
|
Lymphomas that tend to
grow and spread slowly, including chronic lymphocytic
lymphoma and follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma.
Also called indolent lymphomas.
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X-rays of the colon and
rectum (lower gastrointestinal tract) that are taken
after a person is given a barium enema.
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An anticancer drug that
kills cancer cells by affecting DNA synthesis.
|
An anticancer drug that
reduces the risk of tumor cell growth and reproduction.
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(LOO-brih-kants)
Oily or slippery
substances.
|
A procedure in which a
needle is put into the lower part of the spinal column
to collect cerebrospinal fluid or to give anticancer
drugs intrathecally. Also called a spinal tap.
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The cavity or channel
within a tube or tubular organ such as a blood vessel or
the intestine.
|
(lump-EK-toe-mee)
Surgery to remove the
tumor and a small amount of normal tissue around it.
|
Cancer that has spread
from the original (primary) tumor to the lung.
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A chronic inflammatory
connective tissue disease marked by skin rashes, joint
pain and swelling, inflammation of the kidneys,
inflammation of the fibrous tissue surrounding the heart
(i.e., the pericardium), as well as other problems. Not
all affected individuals display all of these problems.
Also called systemic lupus erythematosus.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase
inhibitors.
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LH-RH. A hormone that
stimulates the production of sex hormones in men and
women.
|
(LOO-tin-eye-zing.
. .AG-o-nist)
LH-RH agonist. A drug that
inhibits the secretion of sex hormones. In men, LH-RH
agonist causes testosterone levels to fall. In women,
LH-RH agonist causes the levels of estrogen and other
sex hormones to fall.
|
A substance that is being
studied in photodynamic therapy. It belongs to the
family of drugs called metallotexaphyrins.
|
An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called enzyme inhibitors.
Also called pemetrexed disodium.
|
A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the
family of drugs called leukotriene B4 receptor
antagonists.
|
A substance that is being
studied for its ability to reverse resistance to
chemotherapy.
|
A hormone substance used
in the treatment of some types of cancer.
|
A red pigment found in
tomatoes and some fruits.
|
(limf)
The almost colorless fluid
that travels through the lymphatic system and carries
cells that help fight infection and disease. Also called
lymphatic fluid.
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A rounded mass of
lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of
connective tissue. Also known as a lymph node. Lymph
glands are spread out along lymphatic vessels and
contain many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic
fluid (lymph).
|
A rounded mass of
lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of
connective tissue. Also known as a lymph gland. Lymph
nodes are spread out along lymphatic vessels and contain
many lymphocytes, which filter the lymphatic fluid
(lymph).
|
A surgical procedure in
which the lymph nodes are removed and examined to see
whether they contain cancer. Also called lymphadenectomy.
|
The flow of lymph from an
area of tissue into a particular lymph node.
|
The use of dyes and
radioactive substances to identify lymph nodes that
contain tumor cells.
|
A surgical procedure in
which the lymph nodes are removed and examined to see
whether they contain cancer. Also called lymph node
dissection.
|
Disease or swelling of the
lymph nodes.
|
(lim-FAN-jee-o-gram)
An x-ray of the lymphatic
system. A dye is injected into a lymphatic vessel and
travels throughout the lymphatic system. The dye
outlines the lymphatic vessels and organs on the x-ray.
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(lim-FAN-jee-AH-gra-fee)
An x-ray study of the
lymphatic system. A dye is injected into a lymphatic
vessel and travels throughout the lymphatic system. The
dye outlines the lymphatic vessels and organs on the
x-ray.
|
(lim-FAT-ik)
The almost colorless fluid
that travels through the lymphatic system and carries
cells that help fight infection and disease. Also called
lymph.
|
(lim-FAT-ik)
The tissues and organs
that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that
fight infection and other diseases. This system includes
the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and
network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood
cells. These tubes branch, like blood vessels, into all
the tissues of the body.
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(LIMF-eh-DEE-ma)
A condition in which
excess fluid collects in tissue and causes swelling. It
may occur in the arm or leg after lymph vessels or lymph
nodes in the underarm or groin are removed or treated
with radiation.
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(LIM-fo-site)
A type of white blood
cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune
system, including the production of antibodies and other
substances that fight infection and diseases.
|
(lim-fo-SIT-ik)
Referring to lymphocytes,
a type of white blood cell.
|
(LIM-fo-EP-ih-THEE-lee-O-ma)
A type of cancer that
begins in the tissues covering the nasopharynx (the
upper part of the throat behind the nose).
|
An x-ray study of lymph
nodes and lymphatic vessels made visible by the
injection of a special dye.
|
(LIM-foyd)
Referring to lymphocytes,
a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in
which lymphocytes develop.
|
White blood cells that are
stimulated in a laboratory to kill tumor cells. Also
called LAK cells.
|
(lim-FO-ma)
Cancer that arises in
cells of the lymphatic system.
|
Destructive growth of
lymph cells, usually involving the lungs, skin, kidneys,
and central nervous system. Grades I and II are not
considered cancerous, but grade III is considered a
lymphoma.
|
Diseases in which cells of
the lymphatic system grow excessively. These disorders
are often treated like cancer.
|
An obsolete term for a
malignant tumor of lymphatic tissue.
|
(lim-fo-sin-TIG-ruh-fee)
A method used to identify
the sentinel lymph node (the first draining lymph node
near a tumor). A radioactive substance that can be taken
up by lymph nodes is injected at the site of the tumor,
and a doctor follows the movement of this substance on a
computer screen. Once the lymph nodes that have taken up
the substance are identified, they can be removed and
examined to see if they contain tumor cells.
|
An inherited disorder in
which affected individuals have a higher-than-normal
chance of developing colon cancer and certain other
types of cancer, usually before the age of 60. Also
called hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.
|
In biology, lysis refers
to the breakdown of a cell caused by damage to its
plasma (outer) membrane. Lysis can be caused by chemical
or physical means (for example, strong detergents or
high-energy sound waves) or by an infection.
|
A sac-like compartment
inside a cell that has enzymes that can break down
cellular components that need to be destroyed.
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