Glossary Termscancer (KAN-ser)
A term for
diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and
can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to
other parts of the body through the blood and lymph
systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma
is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line
or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in
bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other
connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that
starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and
causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced
and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are
cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in
the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
cancer vaccine (KAN-ser vak-SEEN)
A type of vaccine that is usually made from a patient’s own tumor cells or from substances taken from tumor cells. A cancer vaccine may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Also called cancer treatment vaccine.
cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
clinical trial (KLIH-nih-kul TRY-ul)
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.
Food and Drug Administration (... ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)
An
agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to
protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics,
and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully
labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure
that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and
effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant
tissue are safe. Also called FDA.
host cell (... sel)
A cell that is infected by a virus or another type of microorganism.
immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem)
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.
Newcastle disease virus (NOO-ka-sul dih-ZEEZ VY-rus)
A bird virus that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It may be used to kill cancer cells directly, or it may be given as a cancer vaccine to stimulate the body’s immune system. Newcastle disease virus is a type of biological response modifier and vaccine therapy. Also called NDV.
replicate (REH-plih-kayt)
To make a copy or duplicate of something.
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Last Modified: 11/15/2011