Glossary Terms

Cancer that has spread to other places in the body and usually cannot be cured or controlled with treatment.

Treatment to stop or prevent cancer.

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.

Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.

A clinical study that includes a comparison (control) group. The comparison group receives a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment at all.

The things a person eats and drinks.

The injection of a liquid through the anus into the large bowel.

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.

An alternative therapy that is being studied as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. It includes a special diet, nutritional supplements, pancreatic enzymes, and coffee enemas.

A clinical trial in which the participants are not assigned by chance to different treatment groups. Participants may choose which group they want to be in, or they may be assigned to the groups by the researchers.

A product that is added to the diet. A nutritional supplement is taken by mouth, and usually contains one or more dietary ingredient (such as vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid, and enzyme). Also called dietary supplement.

A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. Also called exocrine cancer.

A protein secreted by the pancreas that aids in the digestion of food.

A doctor's order for medicine or another intervention.

The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities.

A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment.

Treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and widely used. Also called best practice, standard medical care, and standard of care.

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

A poison made by certain bacteria, plants, or animals, including insects.

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