NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

55 results found for: Z

zafirlukast: (zuh-FER-loo-kast); A drug used to prevent and treat symptoms of asthma. It blocks substances that cause inflammation in the lungs. It is a type of antiasthmatic agent and a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Also called Accolate.
Zaltrap: (ZAL-trap); A drug used with other drugs to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not gotten better with other chemotherapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zaltrap blocks a protein called VEGF, which may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Also called vascular endothelial growth factor trap, VEGF Trap, and ziv-aflibercept.
zanamivir: (zuh-NA-mih-veer); A drug used to prevent and to treat influenza virus infections. It blocks the release of the virus from infected cells. It is a type of antiviral agent. Also called Relenza.
zanidatamab: (ZAN-ih-DA-tuh-mab); A drug used to treat biliary tract cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body, has been treated with other therapies, and is HER2-positive. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zanidatamab binds to a protein called HER2, which is found on some cancer cells. Blocking this protein may help kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called Ziihera.
zanubrutinib: (ZAN-yoo-BROO-tih-nib); A drug used alone or with another drug to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, or certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zanubrutinib blocks a protein called BTK, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called Brukinsa.
Zarnestra: (zar-NESS-truh); A substance that is being studied in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other types of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called farnesyltransferase inhibitors. Also called R115777 and tipifarnib.
Zarxio: (ZAR-zee-oh); A drug that contains the active ingredient filgrastim and is used to treat neutropenia (a lower-than-normal number of white blood cells), prevent infection, and prepare the blood for the collection of certain types of blood cells. Zarxio is used in patients who have certain cancers and neutropenia caused by some types of chemotherapy and in patients who have severe chronic neutropenia that is not caused by cancer treatment. It is also used before an autologous stem cell transplant. Zarxio helps the bone marrow make more white blood cells. It is a type of colony-stimulating factor.
ZD0473: A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called platinum analogs.
ZD1839: A drug used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has certain mutations (changes) in the EGFR gene. It is used in patients whose cancer has not already been treated with other anticancer therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. ZD1839 blocks certain proteins made by the EGFR gene, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It may also prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. ZD1839 is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Also called gefitinib and Iressa.
ZD4054: A substance that is being studied in the treatment of prostate cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called endothelin-receptor antagonists.
ZD6126: A substance that has been studied in the treatment of several types of cancer. ZD6126 destroys blood vessels in tumors and may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It is a type of vascular targeting agent and a type of antiangiogenesis agent.
ZD6474: A drug used to treat medullary thyroid cancer that is locally advanced and cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. ZD6474 blocks certain proteins, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It may also prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. ZD6474 is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Also called Caprelsa and vandetanib.
ZDX: A drug used to treat prostate cancer, relieve the symptoms of advanced breast cancer, and treat problems with the endometrium (lining of the uterus). ZDX initially causes the pituitary gland to make more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), temporarily increasing testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women. With continued use, ZDX lowers the amount of LH and FSH the pituitary gland releases, leading to a drop in testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women. ZDX may stop the growth of cancer cells that need testosterone or estrogen to grow. It is a type of hormone therapy called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. Also called goserelin acetate and Zoladex.
Zejula: (zeh-JOO-luh); A drug used to treat adults with certain types of ovarian epithelial, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zejula blocks an enzyme involved in many cell functions, including the repair of DNA damage. Blocking this enzyme may help keep cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die. Zejula is a type of PARP inhibitor. Also called niraparib tosylate monohydrate.
Zelboraf: (ZEL-boh-raf); A drug used to treat Erdheim-Chester disease (a very rare type of histiocytosis) and advanced melanoma that have a certain mutation (change) in the BRAF gene. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zelboraf blocks certain proteins made by the mutated BRAF gene, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It is a type of kinase inhibitor. Also called BRAF (V600E) kinase inhibitor RO5185426, PLX4032, RG7204, and vemurafenib.
Zenapax: (ZEH-nuh-pax); A drug used to keep the body from rejecting kidney transplants. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer and other conditions. Zenapax binds to receptors for a protein called interleukin-2, which are found on some types of immune cells and cancer cells. This may help suppress the body’s immune response and it may help kill cancer cells. Zenapax is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called dacliximab and daclizumab.
zenocutuzumab: (ZEH-noh-kyoo-TOO-zyoo-mab); A drug used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer and a type of pancreatic cancer called pancreatic adenocarcinoma. It is used in patients whose cancer has an NRG1 gene fusion, and has spread or cannot be removed by surgery after systemic therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zenocutuzumab binds to two proteins called HER2 and HER3, which are found on some cancer cells. This may help keep cancer cells from growing and may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Zenocutuzumab is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called Bizengri.
Zepzelca: (zep-ZEL-kuh); A drug used to treat adults with small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and got worse during or after treatment with platinum chemotherapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zepzelca may kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing. It is a type of alkylating agent. Also called lurbinectedin.
Zestril: (ZEH-stril); A drug used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. It is also being studied in the prevention and treatment of side effects caused by some anticancer drugs. It blocks certain enzymes that cause blood vessels to constrict (narrow). It is a type of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Also called lisinopril and Prinivil.
Zevalin: (ZEH-vuh-lin); A drug used to treat adults with certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zevalin contains a monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells and some types of lymphoma cells. It also contains the compound tiuxetan, which allows certain radioactive substances to be attached to the monoclonal antibody. This may help kill cancer cells. Zevalin is a type of monoclonal antibody and a type of immunoconjugate. Also called ibritumomab tiuxetan.
Zheng: (jung); In traditional Chinese medicine, a way of diagnosing disease based on observing a set of signs and symptoms. A practitioner checks Zheng by looking at the patient; asking questions; feeling the pulse, organs, and tissues; listening to body sounds; and smelling the body.
zibotentan: (zy-boh-TEN-tan); A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Zibotentan may block cancer cell growth. It is a type of endothelin-A receptor antagonist.
ziconotide: (zih-KAH-noh-tide); A drug used in the treatment of chronic pain. Also called Prialt and SNX 111.
zidovudine: (zy-DOH-vyoo-DEEN); A drug that inhibits the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. It is a type of systemic antiviral. Also called AZT.
Ziextenzo: (zee-ek-STEN-zoh); A drug that is a form of filgrastim and is used to prevent infection in adults and children with neutropenia (a lower-than-normal number of white blood cells) caused by some types of chemotherapy. Ziextenzo helps the bone marrow make more white blood cells and is able to stay in the body longer than filgrastim, so it doesn't need to be given as often. It is a type of colony-stimulating factor. Also called filgrastim-SD/01, Fulphila, Neulasta, Nyvepria, pegfilgrastim, and Udenyca.
Ziihera: (zy-HAY-ruh); A drug used to treat biliary tract cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body, has been treated with other therapies, and is HER2-positive. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Ziihera binds to a protein called HER2, which is found on some cancer cells. Blocking this protein may help kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called zanidatamab.
zileuton: (zy-LOO-tin); A substance that is used to prevent asthma symptoms and that is being studied in the prevention of lung cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called leukotriene blockers.
zinc oxide: (zink OK-side); A compound that may enhance immune function, especially when administered by inhalation.
zinc sulfate: (zink SUL-fayt); A substance required for cell growth and tissue repair. It is being studied as a way to prevent or decrease mucositis caused by radiation therapy.
Zinecard: (ZIH-neh-kard); A drug that contains the active ingredient dexrazoxane and is used to reduce heart damage in women who are receiving doxorubicin for breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Zinecard is a type of cardioprotective agent, a type of chemoprotective agent, and a type of topoisomerase inhibitor.
Zirabev: (ZEER-uh-bev); A drug that contains the active ingredient bevacizumab and is used to treat many different types of cancer. Zirabev is used alone or with other drugs to treat certain types of cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer), and glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer). It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zirabev binds to a protein called VEGF, which may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent and a type of monoclonal antibody.
ziv-aflibercept: (ziv-a-FLIH-ber-sept); A drug used with other drugs to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not gotten better with other chemotherapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Ziv-aflibercept blocks a protein called VEGF, which may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Also called vascular endothelial growth factor trap, VEGF Trap, and Zaltrap.
Zocor: (ZOH-kor); A drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol and other harmful substances in the blood, such as triglycerides. It is also being studied in the treatment of cancer and other conditions. Zocor blocks an enzyme that helps make cholesterol in the body. It is a type of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and a type of statin. Also called simvastatin.
Zofran: (ZOH-fran); A drug used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy and nausea and vomiting after surgery. Zofran blocks the action of a chemical called serotonin, which binds to certain nerves and may trigger nausea and vomiting. Blocking serotonin may help lessen nausea and vomiting. Zofran is a type of antiemetic and a type of serotonin receptor antagonist. Also called ondansetron hydrochloride.
Zoladex: (ZOLE-uh-dex); A drug used to treat prostate cancer, relieve the symptoms of advanced breast cancer, and treat problems with the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Zoladex initially causes the pituitary gland to make more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), temporarily increasing testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women. With continued use, Zoladex lowers the amount of LH and FSH the pituitary gland releases, leading to a drop in testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women. Zoladex may stop the growth of cancer cells that need testosterone or estrogen to grow. It is a type of hormone therapy called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. Also called goserelin acetate and ZDX.
zolbetuximab: (ZOL-beh-TUK-sih-mab); A drug used with chemotherapy containing fluoropyrimidine and platinum to treat adults with gastric (stomach) cancer or gastroesophageal junction cancer that has the CLDN18.2 protein, is HER2-negative, and has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zolbetuximab binds to CLDN18.2, which is found on the surface of some cancer cells. This may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called Vyloy.
zoledronate: (zoh-LEH-droh-nayt); A drug used alone to treat hypercalcemia (high blood levels of calcium) caused by cancer and with other anticancer drugs to treat multiple myeloma and cancers that have spread to the bone. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zoledronate may help keep bone from breaking down and prevent the loss of calcium from the bones. It is a type of bisphosphonate. Also called zoledronic acid and Zometa.
zoledronic acid: (ZOH-leh-DRAH-nik A-sid); A drug used alone to treat hypercalcemia (high blood levels of calcium) caused by cancer and with other anticancer drugs to treat multiple myeloma and cancers that have spread to the bone. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zoledronic acid may help keep bone from breaking down and prevent the loss of calcium from the bones. It is a type of bisphosphonate. Also called zoledronate and Zometa.
Zolinza: (zoh-LIN-zah); A drug used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that came back, got worse, or did not get better during or after treatment with two systemic therapies. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zolinza blocks certain enzymes needed for cell division and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of histone deacetylase inhibitor. Also called SAHA, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, and vorinostat.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: (ZOLE-lin-jer-EH-lih-sun SIN-drome); A disorder in which tumors of the pancreatic islet cells produce large amounts of gastrin (a hormone), leading to excess acid in the stomach and, possibly, a peptic ulcer (ulcer of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine).
Zoloft: (ZOH-loft); A drug used to treat depression. It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Also called sertraline.
zolpidem: (zole-PIH-dem); A drug used to treat insomnia (inability to sleep), and anxiety. It is a type of imidazopyridine (sedative hypnotic). Also called Ambien.
Zometa: (ZOH-meh-tuh); A drug used alone to treat hypercalcemia (high blood levels of calcium) caused by cancer and with other anticancer drugs to treat multiple myeloma and cancers that have spread to the bone. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zometa may help keep bone from breaking down and prevent the loss of calcium from the bones. It is a type of bisphosphonate. Also called zoledronate and zoledronic acid.
Zortress: (ZOR-tres); A drug that contains the active ingredient everolimus and is used with other drugs to keep the body from rejecting a kidney or liver transplant. Zortress lowers the body’s immune response. It is a type of immunosuppressant and a type of kinase inhibitor.
zosuquidar trihydrochloride: (ZOH-soo-KWIH-dar try-HY-droh-KLOR-ide); A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Zosuquidar trihydrochloride may help kill cancer cells that are resistant to anticancer drugs. Also called LY335979.
Zyban: (ZY-ban); A drug used to treat depression and certain other disorders. It is also used to help people stop smoking. Zyban increases the levels of the chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps improve mood and can lessen cravings for nicotine. It is a type of antidepressant and a type of nicotine receptor antagonist. Also called bupropion hydrochloride and Wellbutrin.
Zyclara: (zy-KLAYR-uh); A drug that contains the active ingredient imiquimod and is used to treat certain skin conditions. Zyclara is used to treat actinic keratosis (a skin condition that may become cancer) in adults who have a normal immune system. It is also used to treat genital warts or perianal warts in adults and in children aged 12 years or older. Zyclara may help the immune system kill abnormal cells. It is a type of immunomodulating agent.
Zydelig: (zy-DEH-lig); A drug used with rituximab to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia that has come back. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zydelig blocks certain proteins, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It is a type of kinase inhibitor. Also called idelalisib.
zygomatic bone: (ZY-goh-MA-tik bone); One of a pair of bones on each upper side of the face that forms the cheek and part of the eye socket. The zygomatic bones help give shape and structure to the face and are connected to the jaw and bones near the ears, forehead, and skull. They protect the nerves and blood vessels that run through the face and provide an attachment for muscles that help the jaw move. Also called cheekbone.
Zykadia: (zy-KAY-dee-uh); A drug used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer that has spread and is ALK positive. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zykadia blocks certain proteins made by the ALK gene. Blocking these proteins may stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. Zykadia is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called ceritinib.
Zynlonta: (zin-LON-tuh); A drug used to treat adults with certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that relapsed (came back) or did not get better after treatment with at least two other types of systemic therapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zynlonta contains a monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein called CD19, which is found on some lymphoma cells. It also contains an anticancer drug, which may help kill cancer cells. Zynlonta is a type of antibody-drug conjugate. Also called loncastuximab tesirine.
Zynyz: (ZY-niz); A drug used to treat adults with Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) that has come back or has spread to other parts of the body. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Zynyz binds to a protein called PD-1, which is found on T cells (a type of immune cell). Zynyz 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 retifanlimab.
Zyprexa: (zy-PREK-suh); A drug used to treat certain mental disorders. It is also being studied in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by some cancer treatments. It is a type of antipsychotic and a type of monoamine antagonist. Also called olanzapine and Zyprexa Zydis.
Zyprexa Zydis: (zy-PREK-suh ZY-dis); A drug used to treat certain mental disorders. It is also being studied in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by some cancer treatments. It is a type of antipsychotic and a type of monoamine antagonist. Also called olanzapine and Zyprexa.
Zytiga: (zy-TEE-guh); A drug used with other drugs to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Zytiga is used under the brand name Zytiga to treat patients whose cancer is castration resistant (has not responded to treatments that lower testosterone levels) or whose cancer is high risk and castration sensitive (has responded to treatments that lower testosterone levels). It is also used under the brand name Yonsa to treat patients whose cancer is castration resistant. Zytiga is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It lowers the amount of androgens (male hormones), such as testosterone, made by the body. This may stop the growth of cancer cells that need androgens to grow. Zytiga is a type of antiandrogen.