dictionary-a1 :

Cancer Terms - Dictionary dictionary-a1 A33 monoclonal antibody 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. AAP Alanine aminopeptidase. An enzyme that is used as a biomarker to detect damage to the kidneys, and that may be used to help diagnose certain kidney disorders. It is found at high levels in the urine when there are kidney problems. abarelix (a-ba-REL-iks) A drug used to reduce the amount of testosterone made in patients with advanced symptomatic prostate cancer for which no other treatment options are available. It belongs to the family of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists. Also called Plenaxis. ABCD rating A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. “A” and “B” refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate. “C” refers to cancer that has grown out of the prostate but has not spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. “D” refers to cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to other places in the body. Also called the Jewett staging system or the Whitmore-Jewett staging system. abdomen (AB-do-men) The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. abdominal Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. abdominoperineal resection Surgery to remove the anus, the rectum, and part of the sigmoid colon through an incision made in the abdomen. The end of the intestine is attached to an opening in the surface of the abdomen and body waste is collected in a disposable bag outside of the body. This opening is called a colostomy. Lymph nodes that contain cancer may also be removed during this operation. ABI-007 A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a special form of the anticancer drug paclitaxel that may have fewer side effects and may be able to be given in higher doses. It belongs to the families of drugs called mitotic inhibitors and taxanes. ablation In medicine, the removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. Ablation may be performed by surgery, hormones, drugs, radiofrequency, heat, or other methods. abnormal Not normal. In referring to a lesion or growth, may be cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer). abscess An enclosed collection of pus in tissues, organs, or confined spaces in the body. An abscess is a sign of infection and is usually swollen and inflamed. ABT-510 A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. ABT-751 A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called sulfonamides. ABX-EGF A type of monoclonal antibody being studied in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells. accelerated phase (ak-SEL-er-ay-ted) Refers to chronic myelogenous leukemia that is progressing. The number of immature, abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow and blood is higher than in the chronic phase but not as high as in the blast phase. ACE inhibitor Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. A type of drug that is used to lower blood pressure. ACE inhibitors belong to the family of drugs called antihypertensives. acetaminophen A drug that reduces pain and fever (but not inflammation). It belongs to the family of drugs called analgesics. acetylcysteine A drug usually used to reduce the thickness of mucus and ease its removal. It is also used to reverse the toxicity of high doses of acetaminophen. Also called N-acetyl-L-cysteine. achlorhydria (a-klor-HY-dree-a) A lack of hydrochloric acid in the digestive juices in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid helps digest food. acitretin A substance that is used in the prevention of cancer and in the treatment of psoriasis. It belongs to the family of drugs called retinoids. acne A disorder of the skin in which oil glands and hair glands become inflamed. acoustic (ah-KOOS-tik) Having to do with sound or hearing. acoustic neurofibromatosis A genetic condition in which tumors form on the nerves of the inner ear and cause loss of hearing and balance. Tumors may also occur in the brain and on nerves in the skull and spinal cord, and may cause loss of speech, eye movement, and the ability to swallow. Also called neurofibromatosis type 2.