Glossary of Terms

Adjuvant Therapy

Treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy following surgery to help prevent recurrence or spread of cancer.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous growth that does not spread.

Biopsy

Removal of a piece of tissue for examination under a microscope to see whether cancer cells are present.

Blood Counts

Measurement of the red cells, white cells, and platelets - normal cells that protect against anemia, infection, and bleeding. These cells may be affected by chemotherapy or radiation. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) tells us the amount of each type of cell.

BUN and Creatinine

Blood tests that help assess kidney function.

Cancer

A general term for more than 100 diseases in which there is abnormal growth of cells that can spread to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy

Treatment of cancer with medicines.

Clinical Trials

Offer patients new or experimental treatment programs and special agents for the treatment of cancer and blood diseases. Participation is 100% voluntary. Clinical trials involve these phases:

Phase 1

Intended to determine the safe dose for anti-cancer medications and the potential side effects of different doses.

Phase 2

Intended to establish if a new treatment is effective for a particular kind of cancer.

Phase 3

Intended to compare a “new” treatment with “standard” treatment. This type of trial involves “randomization,” or the assignment of patients to one or the other treatment on a random basis.

CT Scan

An X-ray procedure that uses a computer to produce a detailed picture of the body.

Cytokines or Growth Factors

Normal body proteins that can be manufactured and injected to boost blood counts and to protect the body against infection or anemia.

Glucose Levels

These check your blood sugar.

Hematology

A general term applied to the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases and the study of blood. (From the Greek “hemato,” which means blood.)

Lymph Nodes

Small glands, located throughout the body, that help fight cancer and infections.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous growth.

Metastases

The spread of a tumor regionally to lymph nodes by the lymphatic system or to separate organs via the blood stream.

MRI

A procedure that uses a magnet and a computer to produce a detailed picture of the body.

Oncology

A general term applied to the treatment or study of tumors. (From the Greek “onco,” which means tumor.)

Platelets

Cells that help the blood to clot.

Prothrombin Times (PTs)

Tests that evaluate how well blood is clotting and monitor anticoagulant therapy.

Protocols

Treatment plans.

Red Blood Cells

Cells that contain hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

Regression or Response

A decrease in the tumor size that can be partial or complete.

Remission

A state in which there are no observable tumor cells or symptoms.

Staging

A series of tests to determine whether a cancer has spread from its original site to another part of the body.

White Blood Cells

Cells that fight infection and produce antibodies.