An anticancer drug that
inhibits the transformation of normal cells to cancer
cells. It belongs to the family of drugs called enzyme
inhibitors.
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A disease of the nervous
system caused by the rabies virus. Rabies is marked by
an increase in saliva production, abnormal behavior, and
eventual paralysis and death.
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Energy released in the
form of particles or electromagnetic waves. Common
sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from
outer space, and medical x-rays.
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(ray-dee-AY-shun fye-BRO-sis)
The formation of scar
tissue as a result of radiation therapy.
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A health professional who
specializes in caring for people who are receiving
radiation therapy.
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(ray-dee-AY-shun on-KOL-o-jist)
A doctor who specializes
in using radiation to treat cancer.
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A person who makes sure
that the radiation machine delivers the right amount of
radiation to the correct site in the body. The physicist
works with the radiation oncologist to choose the
treatment schedule and dose that has the best chance of
killing the most cancer cells.
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A radiation therapy
technique that delivers radiation directly to the tumor
while sparing the healthy tissue. Also called
radiosurgery and stereotactic external beam irradiation.
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A health professional who
gives radiation treatment.
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(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 it may come from
radioactive material placed in the body near cancer
cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or
brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a
radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal
antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also
called radiotherapy.
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(RAD-ih-kal sis-TEK-toe-mee)
Surgery to remove the
bladder as well as nearby tissues and organs.
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A surgical procedure to
remove most or all of the lymph nodes that drain lymph
from the area around a tumor. The lymph nodes are then
examined under a microscope to see if cancer cells have
spread to them.
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(RAD-ih-kal mas-TEK-toe-mee)
Surgery for breast cancer
in which the breast, chest muscles, and all of the lymph
nodes under the arm are removed. For many years, this
was the operation most used, but it is used now only
when the tumor has spread to the chest muscles. Also
called the Halsted radical mastectomy.
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(RAD-ih-kal pros-ta-TEK-toe-mee)
Surgery to remove the
entire prostate. The two types of radical prostatectomy
are retropubic prostatectomy and perineal prostatectomy.
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(RAY-dee-o-AK-tiv)
Giving off radiation.
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Drugs containing a
radioactive substance that are used in the diagnosis and
treatment of cancer and in pain management of bone
metastases. Also called radiopharmaceuticals.
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(RAY-dee-o-AK-tiv)
Airborne radioactive
particles that fall to the ground during and after an
atomic bombing, nuclear weapons test, or nuclear plant
accident.
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(RAY-dee-o-AK-tiv EYE-uh-dine)
A radioactive form of
iodine, often used for imaging tests or as a treatment
for cancer. For imaging tests, the patient takes a small
amount of radioactive iodine by mouth, and it collects
in the thyroid. A probe is used to scan the thyroid. For
treatment, the patient takes a large dose of radioactive
iodine, which kills thyroid cells.
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The use of electrodes to
heat and destroy abnormal tissue.
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A procedure that uses
radiolabeled substances to detect tumors for surgical
removal.
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Treatment with a
radioactive substance that is linked to an antibody that
will attach to the tumor when injected into the body.
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An unstable element that
releases radiation as it breaks down. Radioisotopes can
be used in imaging tests or as a treatment for cancer.
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Any compound that has been
joined with a radioactive substance.
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(RAY-dee-OL-o-jist)
A doctor who specializes
in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside
the body. The pictures are produced with x-rays, sound
waves, or other types of energy.
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The use of radiation (such
as x-rays) or other imaging technologies (such as
ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose
or treat disease.
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A test that produces
pictures (scans) of internal parts of the body. The
person is given an injection or swallows a small amount
of radioactive material; a machine called a scanner then
measures the radioactivity in certain organs.
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Drugs containing a
radioactive substance that are used in the diagnosis and
treatment of cancer and in pain management of bone
metastases. Also called radioactive drugs.
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The use of a drug that
makes tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.
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Drugs that make tumor
cells more sensitive to radiation therapy.
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A radiation therapy
technique that delivers radiation directly to the tumor
while sparing the healthy tissue. Also called radiation
surgery and stereotactic external beam irradiation.
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(RAY-dee-o-THER-a-pee)
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 it may come from
radioactive material placed in the body near cancer
cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or
brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a
radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal
antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also
called radiation therapy.
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(RAY-don)
A radioactive gas that is
released by uranium, a substance found in soil and rock.
Breathing in too much radon can damage lung cells and
lead to lung cancer.
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A drug that belongs to the
family of drugs called selective estrogen receptor
modulators (SERMs) and is used in the prevention of
osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Raloxifene is also
being studied as a cancer prevention drug.
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An anticancer drug that
inhibits tumor cells from multiplying by interfering
with cells' ability to make DNA. Also called ICI D1694.
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Describes an experiment or
clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are
assigned by chance to separate groups that compare
different treatments.
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A study in which the
participants are assigned by chance to separate groups
that compare different treatments; neither the
researchers nor the participants can choose which group.
Using chance to assign people to groups means that the
groups will be similar and that the treatments they
receive can be compared objectively. At the time of the
trial, it is not known which treatment is best. It is
the patient's choice to be in a randomized trial.
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An opioid that relieves
pain quickly.
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A gene that has been found
to cause cancer when it is altered (mutated). Agents
that block its activity may stop the growth of cancer. A
ras peptide is a protein fragment produced by the ras
gene.
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Red blood cell. RBCs carry
oxygen to all parts of the body.
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An anticancer drug that
belongs to the family of drugs called antineoplastic
antibiotics.
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A molecule inside or on
the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance
and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.
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Made through genetic
engineering, which is also called gene splicing or
recombinant DNA technology. By putting human genes into
the genetic material of bacteria or yeast cells, these
microorganisms can be turned into "factories"
to make human proteins for medical uses.
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A doctor who can
surgically reshape or rebuild (reconstruct) a part of
the body, such as a woman's breast after surgery for
breast cancer.
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Surgery that is done to
reshape or rebuild (reconstruct) a part of the body
changed by previous surgery.
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By or having to do with
the rectum. The rectum is the last 6 inches of the large
intestine and ends at the anus.
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The last 6 inches of the
large intestine.
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To occur again.
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The return of cancer, at
the same site as the original (primary) tumor or in
another location, after the tumor had disappeared.
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Cancer that has returned,
at the same site as the original (primary) tumor or in
another location, after the tumor had disappeared.
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RBCs. Cells that carry
oxygen to all parts of the body. Also called
erythrocytes.
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The fruit of the jujube
plant. It has been used in some cultures to treat
certain medical problems.
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A type of cell that
appears in people with Hodgkin's disease. The number of
these cells increases as the disease advances.
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The term used when liquid
backs up into the esophagus from the stomach.
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Cancer that has not
responded to treatment.
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A treatment plan that
specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of
treatment.
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In oncology, describes the
body area right around a tumor.
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Refers to cancer that has
grown beyond the original (primary) tumor to nearby
lymph nodes or organs and tissues.
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(kee-mo-THER-a-pee)
Treatment with anticancer
drugs directed to a specific area of the body.
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Inflammation of the
intestines, but usually only of the small intestine.
Regional enteritis increases the risk for developing
colon cancer. Also called Crohn's disease.
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In oncology, a lymph node
that drains lymph from the region around a tumor.
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A surgical procedure to
remove some of the lymph nodes that drain lymph from the
area around a tumor. The lymph nodes are then examined
under a microscope to see if cancer cells have spread to
them.
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A decrease in the size of
a tumor or in the extent of cancer in the body.
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The return of signs and
symptoms of cancer after a period of improvement.
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A specific measurement of
survival. For cancer, the rate is calculated by
adjusting the survival rate to remove all causes of
death except cancer. The rate is determined at specific
time intervals, such as 2 years and 5 years after
diagnosis.
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Methods used to reduce
tension and anxiety, and control pain.
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A decrease in or
disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In
partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms
of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all
signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although
there still may be cancer in the body.
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The initial chemotherapy a
person receives to bring about a remission.
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A type of internal
radiation treatment in which the radioactive source is
removed between treatments. Also called high-dose-rate
remote brachytherapy or high-dose-rate remote radiation
therapy.
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The fibrous connective
tissue that surrounds each kidney.
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Cancer that develops in
the lining of the renal tubules, which filter the blood
and produce urine.
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A fibrous envelope of
tissue that surrounds the kidney. Also called Gerota's
fascia.
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The area at the center of
the kidney. Urine collects here and is funneled into the
ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the
bladder.
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(REE-nal TOO-bu-lar as-ih-DO-sis)
A rare disorder in which
structures in the kidney that filter the blood are
impaired, producing urine that is more acid than normal.
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To make a copy or
duplicate of something.
|
In biology, refers to the
reproduction cycle of viruses. A repliction cycle begins
with the infection of a host cell and ends with the
release of mature progeny virus particles.
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Egg and sperm cells. Each
mature reproductive cell carries a single set of 23
chromosomes.
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In women, this system
includes the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus
(womb), the cervix, and the vagina (birth canal). The
reproductive system in men includes the prostate, the
testes, and the penis.
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(ree-SEK-tuh-bull)
Part or all of an organ
that can be removed with surgery.
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Surgical removal of part
or all of an organ.
|
(ree-SEK-shun)
Removal of tissue or part
or all of an organ by surgery.
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Cancer cells that remain
after attempts to remove the cancer have been made.
|
Failure of a cancer to
shrink after treatment.
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RSV. A virus that causes
respiratory infections with cold-like symptoms.
|
(RES-pih-ra-tor-ee)
The organs that are
involved in breathing. These include the nose, throat,
larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.Also known as the
respiratory tract.
|
(RES-pih-ra-tor-ee)
Exercises and treatments
that help improve or restore lung function.
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The organs that are
involved in breathing. These include the nose, throat,
larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.Also known as the
respiratory system.
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In medicine, an
improvement related to treatment.
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The percentage of patients
whose cancer shrinks or disappears after treatment.
|
In biology, refers to a
cell that is not dividing.
|
An eye cancer that most
often occurs in children younger than 5 years. It occurs
in hereditary and nonhereditary (sporadic) forms.
|
Vitamin A or a vitamin
A-like compound.
|
Vitamin A. It is essential
for proper vision and healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Retinol is being studied for cancer prevention; it
belongs to the family of drugs called retinoids.
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A drug being studied in
cancer prevention. It belongs to the family of drugs
called retinoids.
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(RET-row-PAIR-ih-toe-NEE-ul)
Having to do with the area
outside or behind the peritoneum (the tissue that lines
the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the
abdomen).
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(re-tro-PYOO-bik pros-ta-TEK-toe-mee)
Surgery to remove the
prostate through an incision made in the abdominal wall.
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Looking back at events
that have already taken place.
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A study that looks
backward in time, usually using medical records and
interviews with patients who already have or had a
disease.
|
RNA from a virus that is
used to insert genetic material into cells.
|
An antiviral gene being
studied for treatment of cancer in patients who have
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
|
A malignant tumor of
either the central nervous system (CNS) or the kidney.
Malignant rhabdoid tumors of the CNS often have an
abnormality of chromosome 22. These tumors usually occur
in children younger than 2 years.
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A malignant tumor of
muscle tissue.
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A group of disorders
marked by inflammation or pain in the connective tissue
structures of the body. These structures include bone,
cartilage, and fat.
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An anticancer drug
isolated from a fungus. It is similar to the family of
drugs called vinca alkaloids.
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A drug used to treat
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the
lungs.
|
RNA. One of the two types
of nucleic acids found in all cells. The other is
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Ribonucleic acid transfers
genetic information from DNA to proteins produced by the
cell.
|
Anything that increases a
person's chance of developing a disease, including a
substance, agent, genetic alteration, trait, habit, or
condition.
|
A drug that belongs to the
family of drugs called protease inhibitors. It
interferes with the ability of a virus to make copies of
itself.
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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.
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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 lobradimil.
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Ribonucleic acid. One of
the two types of nucleic acids found in cells. The other
is DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). RNA plays a role in
sending information from DNA to the protein-forming
system of the cell.
|
An anticancer drug that
may prevent cancer cells from dividing.
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A drug taken to help
reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. Rosiglitazone
helps make insulin more effective and improves
regulation of blood sugar. It belongs to the family of
drugs called thiazolidinediones.
|
A substance that is being
studied as a treatment for cancer. It belongs to the
family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors.
|
A drug that belongs to the
family of anticancer drugs called taxanes.
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A drug that may increase
the effectiveness of radiation therapy.
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Respiratory syncytial
virus. A virus that causes respiratory infections with
cold-like symptoms.
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