Cancer Dictionary

Irinotecan is a type of chemotherapy drug, classified as a topoisomerase I inhibitor. This drug is used primarily in the treatment of cancers, including colorectal and lung cancer. It works by interfering with the replication of cancerous cells, thereby preventing their growth and spread. Irinotecan is commonly administered intravenously.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is a treatment approach using drugs to kill cancer cells left in the body after primary treatments, such as surgery or radiation. This method is typically employed to lower the risk of cancer recurrence and improve the patient's overall survival rate.

Anti-emetic refers to a type of medication used primarily to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting, symptoms often associated with motion sickness, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Such drugs work by blocking neurotransmitters that trigger these unpleasant sensations. Thus, they are critical in the management of postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Anti-estrogen refers to a substance that blocks the production or utilization of estrogens, or inhibits their effects. They are commonly used in treatments for hormonal imbalances, such as those related to menopause, or for certain types of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.

Adjuvant therapy is a treatment given in addition to the primary (main) treatment, commonly used in cancer care to kill hidden or potential cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer returning. It can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or biological therapy.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a treatment approach primarily used for prostate cancer. It works by reducing or blocking the production or action of androgens, male sex hormones like testosterone, which can promote the growth of cancer cells. ADT can be administered through surgery, medications, or hormone therapy and is effective in slowing down or stopping cancer progression.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are targeted cancer therapeutics that combine an antibody specific to a tumor-associated antigen with a cytotoxic drug designed to kill cancer cells. They allow precise drug delivery, reducing damage to healthy tissues and potentially improving treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.

Antimetabolites are a class of drugs that inhibit the function of natural metabolites, vital substances for cellular processes, leading to cell destruction. Commonly used in chemotherapy, these drugs target rapidly dividing cancer cells, slowing or stopping their growth. They mimic natural substances, interfering with DNA synthesis, which hinders cell replication.

An "Aromatase Inhibitor" is a class of drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women. These drugs work by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which the body utilizes to produce estrogen, a hormone that can stimulate the growth of certain types of cancer cells. Therefore, by reducing estrogen levels, these inhibitors can slow or halt the growth of cancers.

Hormone therapy refers to the medical use of hormones, either natural or synthetic, to treat certain conditions, such as menopause symptoms, certain cancers, or hormonal imbalances. This procedure impacts the body's endocrine system, which controls numerous bodily functions with hormones. It can come in multiple forms, including pills, patches, creams, or injections. It's essential, however, to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting the therapy.

Immunotherapy is a type of medical treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. This can be done in several ways, including stimulating the immune system to work harder, providing it with components like man-made immune system proteins, or training it to specifically attack cancer cells.

Palliative care refers to specialized medical care that focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress caused by serious illnesses. It aims to increase quality of life for both the patient and their family and it's suitable for any stage or type of illness.

Chemotherapy is a medical treatment involving the use of powerful drugs to target and inhibit the rapid growth of cancer cells within the body. This approach aims to stop or slow down the progression of cancer by disrupting the cell division process and damaging the DNA of cancer cells, ultimately preventing their ability to replicate and spread. While chemotherapy's effectiveness can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, it plays a crucial role in the comprehensive treatment of cancer, often used in conjunction with other therapies like surgery, radiation, and targeted therapies.

Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation treatment that uses high-energy proton beams instead of conventional X-rays to eradicate cancer cells. By precisely targeting tumors, proton therapy minimizes damage to healthy tissues and organs, potentially reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.

Psycho-oncology (from psychology and oncology) refers to the psychological care of cancer patients and survivors (cancer counseling). Another term is psychosocial oncology. Psycho-oncology is thus an interdisciplinary form of psychotherapy or clinical psychology that deals with the psychological, social, and socio-legal conditions, consequences, and concomitant symptoms of cancer. In the practical context of care or therapy, it is the responsibility of the psychooncologist to support the patient in coping with the disease by means of different techniques, for example, crisis intervention or resource-oriented interventions. The aim here is to strengthen the patient's competence to cope with the illness. Psycho-oncological care should be ensured in all phases of the disease, i.e. during acute treatment, rehabilitation, and, also after successful treatment.

The term "psychosocial" refers to the combined influence of psychological and social factors on an individual's overall well-being and functioning. It encompasses the interplay between a person's mental or emotional state (psychological) and the various aspects of their social environment, including relationships, cultural context, and societal influences. The psychosocial approach considers the dynamic interaction between an individual's inner experiences and the external social factors that shape and impact their mental health, behavior, and overall quality of life.

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be delivered externally via machines outside the body, or internally, where radioactive material is placed in the body near cancer cells. This treatment aims to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing.

Yttrium-90 (Y-90) is a radioactive isotope of the element Yttrium, used in medical applications such as radiation therapy for treating certain types of cancer. Due to its high energy level and short half-life, Y-90 can deliver a potent dose of radiation to a targeted area, aiding in selective destruction of tumorous cells.

Cancer vaccines are biological substances that are administered to stimulate or restore the immune system's ability to fight against cancer. They come in two forms: preventive vaccines that protect against viruses known to cause cancer, for instance HPV vaccine, and treatment vaccines that help the immune system target and destroy cancer cells. Cancer vaccines can be of synthetic or natural origin, and work either individually or hand in hand with other treatment options.

Bevacizumab, marketed under the name Avastin, is a monoclonal antibody used in cancer treatment. It inhibits angiogenesis by blocking the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a substance that helps tumor growth and spread. Bevacizumab is used for various types of cancers, including colorectal, lung, breast, kidney, and eye.

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis and similar bone diseases. They work by slowing down the process of bone breakdown, thus preserving bone mass and preventing fractures. Also used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood caused by certain cancers.

Cisplatin is a platinum-containing chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancers, including testicular, bladder, lung, and ovarian. It kills cancer cells by binding to and damaging their DNA, thereby inhibiting their growth and multiplication. Despite its side effects, Cisplatin has been a cornerstone in cancer therapy for decades.

Neoadjuvant therapy is a pre-surgical treatment approach mainly used to shrink cancerous tumors before the main treatment. It may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy and is typically employed to make surgeries less invasive and more successful. Its effectiveness is measured with the help of pathological complete response (pCR).

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally by a machine that targets the affected area, or internally through the insertion of radioactive material into the body. It's designed to kill cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

"Steroid therapy" refers to the medical use of steroid hormones, either naturally occurring or synthetic, to treat diseases and conditions. Steroids can reduce inflammation, suppress immune system response, and balance hormones. They're used in conditions like asthma, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Steroid treatment must be managed carefully due to potential side effects.

Bleomycin is a potent medication primarily used as a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of various cancers, including testicular cancer, Hodgkin's disease, and certain types of lymphoma. It works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. However, it comes with risks, such as potential lung toxicity. It's usually administered intravenously or under the skin.

A "molecular target" refers to a specific molecule within a cell, usually a protein, that is identified as crucial in a pathway of a disease. By designing drugs to interact or interfere with these particular molecules, healthcare providers can potentially inhibit the progression of the disease. This forms the basis of targeted therapies in medical research.

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy medication mainly used to treat various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. It interferes with cell growth, preventing the rapid multiplication of cancerous cells. It can also be used in lower doses to suppress the immune system in autoimmune diseases.

Gene therapy is a medical procedure that utilizes genes to prevent or treat diseases. It involves introducing, altering, or suppressing genetic material within a person's cells to mitigate illness. The technique can target somatic (body) cells or germline (egg or sperm) cells, but currently, only therapies targeting somatic cells are considered for treatment, as changes are non-heritable.

Apoptosis inhibitors are substances that prevent or delay the process of apoptosis, which is the programmed cell death essential for maintaining healthy cell turnover and development in the body. These inhibitors can be used in medical treatments to protect cells from premature death, especially in diseases where cell survival is compromised.

Small molecule inhibitors are a type of medication designed to block specific enzymes or proteins in cells that contribute to disease processes, such as cancer. These drugs are typically small enough to enter cells easily and interfere with the function of target molecules, helping to slow or stop the progression of diseases.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are immune cells that have moved from the bloodstream into a tumor. They are part of the body's natural defense system and can recognize and attack cancer cells, which can help in slowing down or stopping tumor growth.

Topoisomerase inhibitors are medications that interfere with the action of topoisomerase enzymes, which help manage the structure of DNA during cell division. These inhibitors are primarily used in cancer treatment to prevent cancer cells from proliferating.

Adjuvant endocrine therapy is a treatment used to reduce the risk of cancer coming back after primary treatments like surgery. It involves using hormone-blocking drugs to prevent cancer cells from growing, particularly in hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer.

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a process where immune cells target and destroy cells that are marked by antibodies. This mechanism is crucial for eliminating infected or cancerous cells in the body.

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a protein found on the surface of B cells, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. BCMA plays a crucial role in the growth, survival, and differentiation of these cells.

Breast conservation surgery, also known as lumpectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a tumor or abnormal tissue from the breast while preserving as much of the breast as possible. It is often used in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer and is typically followed by radiation therapy to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence.

Combination therapy refers to the use of more than one medication or treatment approach to treat a disease or condition. This method is often used to enhance the effectiveness of treatment, reduce side effects, and prevent drug resistance.

Electrochemotherapy is a medical treatment that combines chemotherapy and electrical pulses to enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs, primarily used for treating skin and subcutaneous tumors.

Intrathecal chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment where chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This method is used to target cancer cells in the central nervous system.

Palliative chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer. It is not intended to cure the cancer but to manage pain and other symptoms.

Radiation fibrosis syndrome is a condition that occurs when healthy tissue becomes scarred and stiff after exposure to radiation therapy, commonly used in cancer treatment. This can lead to a range of symptoms depending on the area affected, including pain, restricted movement, and functional impairments.

Radiation necrosis is a condition where healthy tissue is damaged and dies as a result of exposure to radiation therapy, typically used in cancer treatment. This can lead to symptoms such as swelling, neurological deficits, and other complications depending on the area affected.

Survivorship care refers to the comprehensive healthcare and support provided to individuals who have completed initial cancer treatment. It focuses on monitoring for recurrence, managing long-term side effects, and addressing psychosocial needs to help survivors lead healthy lives.

Systemic therapy refers to the use of medication or treatment that affects the entire body rather than a specific area or part. It is commonly used to treat diseases that have spread throughout the body, such as cancer, by circulating through the bloodstream to reach cells in various locations.

VEGF inhibitors are medications that block the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes blood vessel formation. These inhibitors are used to treat various conditions, primarily certain types of cancer and eye diseases, by restricting the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors or affect vision.

Vaccine therapy is a treatment approach that uses vaccines to stimulate the body's immune system to fight diseases, particularly infections and certain types of cancer.

Valrubicin is a chemotherapy drug used primarily to treat bladder cancer that has not responded to other treatments. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, slowing or stopping their spread.

A haploidentical donor is a family member whose tissue type matches exactly half of the recipient's human leukocyte antigen (HLA) markers, used often in bone marrow transplants when a fully matched donor is not available.

An allogeneic bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure where a patient receives healthy blood-forming stem cells from a genetically similar, but not identical, donor to replace their damaged or diseased bone marrow.