A drug that blocks estrogen activity in the body and is used in the treatment of estrogen-dependent tumors such as breast cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antiestrogens. Also called fulvestrant and Faslodex.

An anticancer drug that stops tumor cells from growing by blocking the ability of cells to make DNA. Also called raltitrexed. It belongs to the family of drugs called thymidylate synthase inhibitors.

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.

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.

A substance that is being studied for its ability to prevent damage to normal tissue caused by radiation therapy. It belongs to a family of compounds called antioxidants.

interleukin-1. A type of biological response modifier that stimulates immune system cells that fight disease, and is involved in inflammatory responses. There are two forms of IL-1, IL-1 alfa and IL-1 beta. Both forms of IL-1 are produced by the body, and can also be made in the laboratory.

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. Also called IL-1-alpha.

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.

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 monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Monoclonal antibodies are made in the laboratory and can locate and bind to cancer cells. IMMU-106 binds to the protein CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of immune system cell), and some types of lymphoma cells. Also called hA20 and HCD20.

A substance that is being studied in the diagnosis of lung diseases, including lung cancer. It helps bring up a sample of mucus from deep in the lungs and improves the quality of the sample for testing. It belongs to the family of drugs called nucleoside triphosphates.

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 found in many foods that come from plants, including corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans, and in large amounts in cereals and legumes. It is being studied in the prevention of cancer. Also called phytic acid.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Immunoassay fecal occult blood test. A test to check for blood in the stool. A brush is used to collect water drops from around the surface of a stool while it is still in the toilet bowl. The samples are then sent to a laboratory, where they are checked for a human blood protein. Blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Also called immunologic fecal occult blood test and immunochemical fecal occult blood test.

A drug that is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, and is being studied in the treatment of cancer that has spread to the bones. It belongs to the family of drugs called bisphosphonates.

An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics. Also called 4-demethoxydaunorubicin.

Describes a disease of unknown cause.

A progressive, chronic disease in which the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous tissue and blood is made in organs such as the liver and the spleen, instead of in the bone marrow. This disease is marked by an enlarged spleen and progressive anemia. Also called chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis, agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, primary myelofibrosis, and myelosclerosis with myeloid metaplasia.

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.

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 in the prevention of lung cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called prostaglandin analogs.

A technique in which the person focuses on positive images in his or her mind.

Tests that produce pictures of areas inside the body.

A method 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 Gleevec and STI571.

An antibiotic drug used to treat severe or very resistant infection. It belongs to the family of drugs called carbapenems.

A substance that improves the body's natural response to infection and disease. It is used to treat early basal cell skin cancer and other conditions. It is being studied as a topical agent (something used on the surface of the body) for the prevention of some types of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called biological response modifiers.

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).

The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.

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.

A test that uses the binding of antibodies to antigens to identify and measure certain substances. Immunoassays may be used to diagnose disease. Also, test results can provide information about a disease that may help in planning treatment (for example, when estrogen receptors are measured in breast cancer).

iFOBT. A test to check for blood in the stool. A brush is used to collect water drops from around the surface of a stool while it is still in the toilet bowl. The samples are then sent to a laboratory, where they are checked for a human blood protein. Blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Also called immunologic fecal occult blood test and immunochemical fecal occult blood test.

iFOBT. A test to check for blood in the stool. A brush is used to collect water drops from around the surface of a stool while it is still in the toilet bowl. The samples are then sent to a laboratory, where they are checked for a human blood protein. Blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Also called immunologic fecal occult blood test and immunoassay fecal occult blood test.

The ability to produce a normal immune response.

Having 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.

iFOBT. A test to check for blood in the stool. A brush is used to collect water drops from around the surface of a stool while it is still in the toilet bowl. The samples are then sent to a laboratory, where they are checked for a human blood protein. Blood in the stool may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Also called immunoassay fecal occult blood test and immunochemical fecal occult blood test.

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.

Change in the body's immune system, caused by agents that activate or suppress its function.

A process used to identify cells, based on the types of antigens or markers on the surface of the cell. This process is used to diagnose specific types of leukemia and lymphoma by comparing the cancer cells to normal cells of the 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.

A substance that increases the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease.

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.

Treatment to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen certain side effects that may be caused by cancer treatment. Also called biological therapy, biotherapy, or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

A substance or object that is put in the body as a prosthesis, or for treatment or diagnosis.

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.

In medicine, refers to the inability to have an erection of the penis adequate for sexual intercourse. Also called erectile dysfunction.

In medicine, describes the inability to have an erection of the penis 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).

A procedure in which eggs are removed from a woman's ovary and combined with sperm outside the body to form embryos. The embryos are grown in the laboratory for several days and then either placed in a woman's uterus or cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.

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.

A cut made in the body to perform surgery.

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.

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.)

In medicine, a sign, symptom, or medical condition that leads to the recommendation of a treatment, test, or procedure.

A drug that interferes with the ability of a virus to make copies of itself.

A radiolabeled antibody that is being studied in cancer treatment.

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.

A type of cancer that grows slowly.

A type of lymphoma that tends to grow and spread slowly, and has few symptoms. Also called low-grade lymphoma.

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 spread throughout the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on where the infection occurs. When the body�s natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Some cancer treatments 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.

Unable to produce children.

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.

Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.

Having to do with inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and a feeling of heat that helps 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 monoclonal antibody that blocks the action of a cytokine called tumor necrosis factor alfa. It is being studied in the treatment and prevention of weight loss and loss of appetite in patients with advanced cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called monoclonal antibodies.

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 technique in which abnormal tissue is exposed to a burst of infrared light (a type of radiation). This causes blood in veins in the tissue to coagulate (harden) and the abnormal tissue to shrink. It is being studied in the prevention of anal cancer in some patients with HIV.

A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called intravenous infusion.

Taking into the body by mouth.

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.

A device for giving medicines in the form of a spray that is inhaled (breathed in) through the nose or mouth. Inhalers are used to treat medical problems such as bronchitis, angina, emphysema, and asthma. They are also used to help relieve symptoms that occur when a person is trying to quit smoking.

Transmitted through genes that have been passed from parents to their offspring (children).

Describes the clinical manifestations associated with a mutation conferring cancer susceptibility.

Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot."

Describes a condition that cannot be treated by surgery.

A type of sugar that has a different chemical structure than glucose (the chief source of energy for living organisms). It is a basic part of cell membranes, and is important in nerve, brain, and muscle function. Inositol is found in many foods that come from plants, and is being studied in the prevention of cancer.

IP6. A substance found in many foods that come from plants, including corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans, and in large amounts in cereals and legumes. It is being studied in the prevention of cancer. Also called phytic acid.

Difficulty in going to sleep or getting enough sleep.

In medicine, a method used to put a liquid into the body slowly or drop by drop.

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.

A type of high-dose chemotherapy often given as the second phase (after induction therapy) of a cancer treatment regimen for leukemia. Also called consolidation therapy.

IMRT. A type of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor.

In biochemistry, a type of molecule that binds to DNA and inserts itself into the DNA structure. Some intercalators are used as treatments for cancer.

A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infections and other diseases). 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. The body normally produces these substances. They are also made in the laboratory to treat cancer and other diseases.

A biological response modifier (substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that helps 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.

IL-1. A type of biological response modifier that stimulates immune system cells that fight disease, and is involved in inflammatory responses. There are two forms of IL-1, IL-1 alfa and IL-1 beta. Both forms of IL-1 are produced by the body, and can also be made in the laboratory.

IL-1-alpha. A type of biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease). IL-1-alpha stimulates the growth and action of immune system cells that fight disease. IL-1-alpha is normally produced by the body, but it can also be made in the laboratory. Also called IL-1-alfa.

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.

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.

A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by combining interleukin-13 with a toxin from Pseudomonas bacteria. It belongs to the family of drugs called recombinant chimeric proteins.

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.

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.

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 in the treatment of cancer. It is made by combining interleukin 4 with a bacterial toxin, and belongs to the family of drugs called recombinant chimeric proteins. Also called NBI-3001 and interleukin-4 PE38KDEL immunotoxin.

A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is made by combining interleukin 4 with a bacterial toxin, and belongs to the family of drugs called recombinant chimeric proteins. Also called NBI-3001 and interleukin-4 PE38KDEL cytotoxin.

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.

IL-7. 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. IL-7 is made by cells in the bone marrow, and can stimulate T cells and B cells to grow. IL-7 can also be made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.

A type of lymphoma that grows and spreads quickly, and has severe symptoms. It is seen frequently in patients who are HIV-positive (AIDS-related lymphoma). Also called aggressive or high-grade lymphoma.

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.

Tiny hair-like projections that line the inside of the small intestine. They contain blood vessels and help absorb nutrients.

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 procedure in which a radioactive source (implant) is placed in a body cavity such as the chest cavity or the vagina.

Inside a cell.

Within the colon.

A tumor that occurs in the brain.

Within the dermis, which is the layer of skin below the epidermis (outermost layer).

A noninvasive, precancerous condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, intraductal carcinoma may become invasive cancer and spread to other tissues, although it is not known at this time how to predict which lesions will become invasive. Also called ductal carcinoma in situ.

A benign (noncancerous), wart-like growth in a milk duct of the breast. It is usually found close to the nipple and may cause a clear, sticky, or bloody discharge from the nipple. It may also cause pain and a lump in the breast that can be felt or seen. It usually affects women aged 35-55 years. Having an intraductal papilloma does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Within the layer of cells that form the surface or lining of an organ.

Within the liver.

A bile duct that passes through and drains 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.

A procedure in which a plastic or metal tube is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus (the tube that carries food to the stomach) to keep it open. This procedure may be used during radiation therapy for esophageal cancer.

IM. Within or into muscle.

Injection into muscle.

Within the eyeball.

A rare cancer of melanocytes (cells that produce the pigment melanin) found in the eye. Also called ocular melanoma.

IORT. Radiation treatment aimed directly at a tumor during surgery.

IP. Within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs).

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. Also called peritoneal infusion.

Treatment in which a radioactive liquid is put directly into the abdomen through a thin tube.

Within the pleural cavity.

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.

Treatment in which anticancer drugs are injected into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Within a tumor.

IV. Within a blood vessel.

IV. Injection into a vein.

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.

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 fluid-filled cavity within the heart or brain.

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.

A medical procedure that invades (enters) the body, usually by cutting or puncturing the skin or by inserting instruments into the body.

A type of tumor in which surface epithelial cells grow downward into the underlying supportive tissue. It may occur in the nose and/or sinuses or in the urinary tract (bladder, renal pelvis, ureter, urethra). When it occurs in the nose or sinuses, it may cause symptoms similar to those caused by sinusitis, such as nasal congestion. When it occurs in the urinary tract, it may cause blood in the urine.

In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered investigational in other diseases or conditions. Also called 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.

A monoclonal antibody (tositumomab) that has been chemically changed by adding radioactive iodine, and that is used in the treatment of certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It belongs to the family of drugs called radioconjugated monoclonal antibodies. When iodine I 131 tositumomab and tositumomab are given together, the combination is called the Bexxar regimen.

A substance that is being studied as a treatment for cancer, and for primary systemic amyloidosis (a disease in which proteins are deposited in specific organs). It belongs to the family of drugs called anthracycline analogs.

A type of radiation made (or given off ) by x-ray procedures, radioactive substances, rays that enter the Earth's atmosphere from outer space, and other sources. At high doses ionizing radiation increases chemical activity inside cells and can lead to health risks, including cancer.

An antibiotic drug used to treat infection.

Having to do with the same side of the body.

An anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. It is a camptothecin analog. Also called CPT 11.

An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. Also called 6-hydroxymethylacylfulvene.

Treated with radiation.

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 pancreatic cell that produces hormones (e.g., insulin and glucagon) that are secreted into the bloodstream. These hormones help control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Also called an endocrine pancreas cell and an islet of Langerhans cell.

Cancer arising from cells in the islets of Langerhans, which are found in the pancreas. Also called endocrine cancer.

A pancreatic cell that produces hormones (e.g., insulin and glucagon) that are secreted into the bloodstream. These hormones help control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Also called an endocrine pancreas cell and an islet cell.

An estrogen-like substance made by some plants, including the soy plant. Soy isoflavones are being studied in the prevention of cancer, hot flashes that occur with menopause, and osteoporosis (loss of bone density).

Having the same intensity as another object. Used to describe the results of imaging tests, such as x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.

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.

One of two or more compounds that have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of the atoms within the molecules and that may have different physical/chemical properties.

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.

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.

A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called epothilone analogs. Also called BMS-247550.