NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

36 results found for: J

J-107088: A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of topoisomerase I inhibitor. Also called edotecarin.
J-pouch coloanal anastomosis: (... powch KOH-loh-AY-nul uh-NAS-toh-MOH-sis); A surgical procedure in which the colon is attached to the anus after the rectum has been removed. A 2-4 inch section of the colon is formed into a J-shaped pouch in order to replace the function of the rectum and store stool until it can be eliminated. This procedure is similar to the side-to-end coloanal anastomosis but a larger pouch is formed.
J-pouch colorectal anastomosis: (… powch KOH-loh-REK-tul uh-NAS-toh-MOH-sis); A surgical procedure in which the colon is attached to the remainder of the rectum after most of it has been removed during surgery for rectal cancer. A 2-inch to 4-inch section of the colon is formed into a J-shaped pouch to store stool until it can be eliminated.
JAK inhibitor: (… in-HIH-bih-ter); A substance that blocks the action of enzymes called Janus-associated kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2), which help control cell signaling and growth, the number of blood cells and platelets that are made in the bone marrow, inflammation, and immune cell activity. Blocking these enzymes may help keep abnormal blood cells or cancer cells from growing. It may also reduce inflammation. Some JAK inhibitors are used to treat cancer. They are a type of targeted therapy. Also called Janus kinase inhibitor.
JAK2 gene: (… jeen); A gene that makes a protein that sends signals in cells to promote cell growth and helps control the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are made in the bone marrow. Mutated (changed) forms of the JAK gene have been found in some types of blood conditions, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. These changes may cause the body to make too many blood cells.
Jakafi: (JA-kah-fy); A drug used to treat adults with certain types of primary myelofibrosis (MF), post-polycythemia vera MF, post-essential thrombocythemia MF, or polycythemia vera, and adults and children aged 12 years and older with acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Jakafi blocks a protein called JAK, which may help keep abnormal blood cells or cancer cells from growing. It may also lower the body’s immune response. Jakafi is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called ruxolitinib phosphate.
Jamshidi needle: (jam-SHEE-dee NEE-dul); A long, hollow needle with a tapered cutting edge on one end and a handle with a place to attach a syringe on the other end. It is used to remove a sample of tissue from the bone marrow. The needle is inserted through the bone into the bone marrow and the syringe is attached to the top to remove the sample or to deliver drugs or fluid into the bone. A Jamshidi needle is a type of bone marrow needle.
Janus kinase inhibitor: (JAY-nus KY-nays in-HIH-bih-ter); A substance that blocks the action of enzymes called Janus-associated kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2), which help control cell signaling and growth, the number of blood cells and platelets that are made in the bone marrow, inflammation, and immune cell activity. Blocking these enzymes may help keep abnormal blood cells or cancer cells from growing. It may also reduce inflammation. Some Janus kinase inhibitors are used to treat cancer. They are a type of targeted therapy. Also called JAK inhibitor.
jaundice: (JAWN-dis); A condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens, and the color of stool becomes lighter than normal. Jaundice occurs when the liver is not working properly or when a bile duct is blocked.
Javlor: (JAV-lor); A substance being studied in the treatment of bladder cancer, lung cancer, and other types of cancer. Also called vinflunine.
Jaypirca: (jay-PIR-kuh); A drug used to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, or mantle cell lymphoma that was treated with at least two other types of therapy, including a BTK inhibitor. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Jaypirca blocks a protein called BTK, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called pirtobrutinib.
JEB: An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat childhood ovarian and testicular germ cell cancers that have spread. It includes the drugs carboplatin (JM8), etoposide phosphate, and bleomycin sulfate. Also called JEB regimen.
JEB regimen: (… REH-jih-men); An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat childhood ovarian and testicular germ cell cancers that have spread. It includes the drugs carboplatin (JM8), etoposide phosphate, and bleomycin sulfate. Also called JEB.
jejunostomy: (JEH-joo-NOS-toh-mee); Surgery to create an opening into the jejunum (part of the small intestine) from the outside of the body. A jejunostomy allows a feeding tube to be put into the small intestine.
jejunum: (jeh-JYOO-num); The middle part of the small intestine. It is between the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) and the ileum (last part of the small intestine). The jejunum helps to further digest food coming from the stomach. It absorbs nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins) and water from food so they can be used by the body.
Jelmyto: (jel-MY-toh); A drug that contains the active ingredient mitomycin, which comes from the bacterium Streptomyces, and is used to treat adults with a certain type of urothelial cancer. It is given as a solution through a catheter that is placed into the ureter or kidney. Jelmyto damages the cell’s DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antineoplastic antibiotic and a type of alkylating agent.
Jemperli: (jem-PER-lee); A drug used alone or with other drugs to treat adults with certain types of endometrial cancer or other solid tumors that have come back or are advanced. These include cancers that have certain mutations (changes) in genes involved in DNA repair. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Jemperli binds to a protein called PD-1, which is found on T cells (a type of immune cell). Jemperli may block PD-1 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody and a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor. Also called dostarlimab.
Jevtana: (jev-TA-nuh); A drug used with prednisone to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and is castration resistant (has not responded to treatments that lower testosterone levels). It is used in patients who have already been treated with anticancer drugs that included docetaxel. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Jevtana stops cancer cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. It is a type of taxane. Also called cabazitaxel and taxoid XRP6258.
Jewett staging system: (JOO-et STAY-jing SIS-tem); A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. “A” and “B” refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate. “C” refers to cancer that has grown out of the prostate but has not spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. “D” refers to cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to other places in the body. Also called ABCD rating and Whitmore-Jewett staging system.
jiang huang: (jyong hwong); An East Indian plant that is a member of the ginger family and is used as a spice and food color. It is a major ingredient found in curry powder. The underground stem of the jiang huang plant has been used for many years in traditional Asian medicine to treat certain conditions. The substance in jiang huang that gives it a yellow color is called curcumin, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Jiang huang can be made into a capsule, tablet, extract, powder, or tea and taken by mouth as a dietary supplement. It can also be made into a paste to treat skin conditions. Jiang huang is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa. Also called Indian saffron and turmeric.
Jim’s Juice: (jimz joos); A liquid mixture that has been promoted as a treatment for cancer and other diseases. None of the ingredients thought to be in Jim’s Juice have been shown to be effective in preventing or treating any type of cancer. Since 1989, it has been illegal in the United States to make, sell, or give Jim’s Juice as a treatment for any disease. Also called 126–F, Cancell, Cantron, JS–101, JS–114, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.
JM 216: A substance being studied in the treatment of prostate and other types of cancer. It contains the metal platinum and may kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing. It is a type of alkylating agent. Also called BMS-182751 and satraplatin.
JMML: A rare form of childhood leukemia in which cancer cells often spread into tissues such as the skin, lung, and intestines. Also called juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.
johimbe: (yo-HIM-bay); A tree native to West Africa. The bark is used as a supplement for bodybuilding and to enhance male sexual performance. It contains the chemical yohimbine, which is being studied in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. It may interact with certain drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. The scientific name is Pausinystalia yohimbe. Also called yohimbe.
joint: (joynt); In medicine, the place where two or more bones are connected. Examples include the shoulder, elbow, knee, and jaw.
JPS: A rare, inherited disorder in which multiple abnormal growths called juvenile polyps form in the gastrointestinal tract, usually before the age of 20 years. To be diagnosed with JPS, a person must have one or more of the following: (1) more than five juvenile polyps in the colon or rectum; (2) juvenile polyps in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach or small intestine; (3) any number of juvenile polyps and a family history of JPS. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, anemia, extra fingers and toes, and abnormalities of the heart, brain, roof of the mouth, intestines, urinary tract, and genitals. People with JPS also have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, small intestine cancer, and pancreatic cancer. JPS is caused by mutations (changes) in the SMAD4 or BMPR1A genes that are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It is a type of hereditary cancer syndrome. Also called juvenile polyposis syndrome.
JS–101: A liquid mixture that has been promoted as a treatment for cancer and other diseases. None of the ingredients thought to be in JS–101 have been shown to be effective in preventing or treating any type of cancer. Since 1989, it has been illegal in the United States to make, sell, or give JS–101 as a treatment for any disease. Also called 126–F, Cancell, Cantron, Jim’s Juice, JS–114, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.
JS–114: A liquid mixture that has been promoted as a treatment for cancer and other diseases. None of the ingredients thought to be in JS–114 have been shown to be effective in preventing or treating any type of cancer. Since 1989, it has been illegal in the United States to make, sell, or give JS–114 as a treatment for any disease. Also called 126–F, Cancell, Cantron, Jim’s Juice, JS–101, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.
juicing: (JOO-sing); The process of extracting the liquid contents from fruits and vegetables. This results in a drink that contains water, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants but no fiber. Juicing may also refer to a diet in which some or all of a person’s calories come from fresh juice. Fresh juice can be made from a single type of fruit, vegetable, or combination. Drinking fresh juice can be part of a balanced diet. It may help people get nutrients from fruits and vegetables they would normally not eat. There is no proof that drinking fresh juice can slow, cure, or keep diseases such as cancer from coming back.
junctional epidermolysis bullosa: (JUNK-shuh-nul EH-pih-der-MAH-lih-sis buh-LOH-suh); A rare, inherited disorder in which blisters form on the skin and the moist inner lining of some organs and body cavities. The blisters usually appear at birth and may occur on certain parts of the body (such as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees) or all over the body (including the mouth and other parts of the digestive tract, the eyes, the genitourinary tract, and the respiratory tract). This can lead to scarring and red, bumpy skin that bleeds easily in the affected areas. Other signs and symptoms include deformities in the fingers, toes, nails, and joints; thinning of the teeth; hair loss; trouble eating and digesting food; slow growth; and poor nutrition. Some infants with junctional epidermolysis bullosa have a severe form of the disease and may die within the first year of life. Other patients have a mild form and may have a normal life span. Some people with this disorder have an increased risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer at an early age. Junctional epidermolysis bullosa is caused by mutations (changes) in the COL17A1, ITGA6, ITGB4, LAMA3, LAMB3, or LAMC2 gene.
junctional nevus: (JUNK-shuh-nul NEE-vus); A type of nevus (mole) found at the junction (border) between the epidermis (outer) and the dermis (inner) layers of the skin. These moles may be colored and slightly raised.
juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia: (JOO-veh-NILE MY-eh-loh-MAH-noh-SIH-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh); A rare form of childhood leukemia in which cancer cells often spread into tissues such as the skin, lung, and intestines. Also called JMML.
juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: (JOO-veh-nile NAY-zoh-fuh-RIN-jee-ul AN-jee-oh-fy-BROH-muh); A benign (not cancer) tumor that is made up of blood vessels and fibrous (connective) tissue. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas form in the back of the nose and may spread to the upper part of the throat, the sinuses around the nose, the bone around the eyes, and rarely, to the brain. Signs and symptoms may include runny nose, nosebleeds, problems breathing through the nose, hearing loss, and easy bruising. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are most common in young men. They are a type of vascular tumor.
juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma: (JOO-veh-NILE PY-loh-SIH-tik AS-troh-sy-TOH-muh); A slow-growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord. Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma usually occurs in children and young adults. It forms in the brain more often than the spinal cord.
juvenile polyposis syndrome: (JOO-veh-nile PAH-lee-POH-sis SIN-drome); A rare, inherited disorder in which multiple abnormal growths called juvenile polyps form in the gastrointestinal tract, usually before the age of 20 years. To be diagnosed with juvenile polyposis syndrome, a person must have one or more of the following: (1) more than five juvenile polyps in the colon or rectum; (2) juvenile polyps in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach or small intestine; (3) any number of juvenile polyps and a family history of juvenile polyposis syndrome. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, anemia, extra fingers and toes, and abnormalities of the heart, brain, roof of the mouth, intestines, urinary tract, and genitals. People with juvenile polyposis syndrome also have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, small intestine cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Juvenile polyposis syndrome is caused by mutations (changes) in the SMAD4 or BMPR1A genes that are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It is a type of hereditary cancer syndrome. Also called JPS.
juvenile rickets: (JOO-veh-NILE RIH-kets); A condition in children in which bones become soft and deformed because they don’t have enough calcium and phosphorus. It is caused by not having enough vitamin D in the diet or by not getting enough sunlight. In adults, this condition is called osteomalacia. Also called infantile rickets, rachitis, and rickets.