E7070A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called sulfonamides.
E7389A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antitubulin agents.
early menopause(...MEN-uh-pawz) A condition in which the ovaries stop working before age 40. Symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness…
early-stage breast cancer(ER-lee stayj brest KAN-ser) Breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the axillary lymph nodes.
early-stage cancerA term used to describe cancer that is early in its growth, and may not have spread to other parts of the body.
Eastern red cedar(...SEE-der) A type of evergreen tree with hard fragrant wood that is a member of the cypress family.
EBVA common virus that remains dormant in most people. It causes infectious mononucleosis and has been associated with certain cancers, including Burkitt…
ecchymosisA small bruise caused by blood leaking from broken blood vessels into the tissues of the skin or mucous membranes.
eccrine glandA type of simple sweat gland that is found in almost all regions of the skin. These glands produce sweat that reaches the surface of the skin by way of…
echinacea(EH-kih-NAY-shuh) An herb native to North America that has been used to prevent and treat the common cold and other respiratory infections.
echocardiography(EH-koh-KAR-dee-AH-gruh-fee) A procedure that uses ultrasonic waves directed over the chest wall to obtain a graphic record of the heart's position…
ECTA treatment for severe depression and certain mental disorders. A brief seizure is induced by giving electrical stimulation to the brain through…
ecteinascidin 743(ek-TIN-uh-SIDE-in) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It may damage the DNA in cancer cells.
ectocervicalHaving to do with the part of the cervix that protrudes into the vagina and is lined with epithelial cells.
ectomesenchymoma(EK-toh-meh-ZEN-keh-MOH-muh) A rare, fast-growing tumor of the nervous system or soft tissue that occurs in children and young adults.
eculizumab(ek-yoo-LY-zoo-mab) A monoclonal antibody used to prevent red blood cells from being destroyed in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)…
eczema(EK-zeh-muh) A group of conditions in which the skin becomes inflamed, forms blisters, and becomes crusty, thick, and scaly.
edatrexateAn anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called antimetabolites.
Edema(eh-DEE-ma) Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
edotecarinA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of topoisomerase I inhibitor. Also called J-107088.
edrecolomabA type of monoclonal antibody used in cancer detection or therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to…
EEGA recording of electrical activity in the brain. It is made by placing electrodes on the scalp (the skin covering the top of the head), and impulses are…
EF5A drug that is used to plan cancer treatment by measuring oxygen levels in tumor cells.
efalizumab(eh-fuh-lih-ZOO-mab) A monoclonal antibody used to treat psoriasis (a chronic skin disease).
efaproxiralA drug that may increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy. Also called RSR13.
effector cellA cell that performs a specific function in response to a stimulus; usually used to describe cells in the immune system.
EfficacyEffectiveness. In medicine, the ability of an intervention (for example, a drug or surgery) to produce the desired beneficial effect.
effusion(eh-FYOO-zhun) An abnormal collection of fluid in hollow spaces or between tissues of the body.
eflornithineA substance that is being studied in the prevention of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antiprotozoals.
EFTsA group of cancers that includes Ewing tumor of bone (ETB or Ewing sarcoma of bone), extraosseous Ewing (EOE) tumors, primitive neuroectodermal tumors…
EGb761A substance that is being studied in the prevention of cognitive dysfunction (slowed ability to think, reason, concentrate, or remember) in patients…
EGFRThe protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide.
EGFR inhibitorsStands for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. Epidermal growth factor is a protein in the body that stimulates some cells, including some cancer…
ejaculation(i-JAK-yoo-LAY-shun) The release of semen through the penis during orgasm.
EKB-569A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors.
electroacupuncture(ee-LEK-troh-AK-yoo-punk-cher) A procedure in which pulses of weak electrical current are sent through acupuncture needles into acupuncture points in the…
electroconvulsive therapy(ee-LEK-troh-kun-VUL-siv THAYR-uh-pee) A treatment for severe depression and certain mental disorders.
Electrode(ee-LEK-trode) In medicine, a device such as a small metal plate or needle that carries electricity from an instrument to a patient for treatment or…
electrodermal response(ee-LEK-troh-DER-mul reh-SPONTS) A change in the heat and electricity passed through the skin by nerves and sweat.
electrodesiccation(ee-LEK-troh-deh-sih-KAY-shun) The drying of tissue by a high-frequency electric current applied with a needle-shaped electrode.
electrodiathermy(ee-LEK-troh-DY-uh-THER-mee) A procedure in which tissue is heated to destroy abnormal cells.
electroencephalogram(ee-LEK-troh-en-SEH-fuh-loh-gram) A recording of electrical activity in the brain.
electrofulguration(ee-LEK-troh-ful-guh-RAY-shun) A procedure to destroy tissue (such as a tumor) using an electric current. Also called fulguration.
electrolarynx(ee-LEK-troh-LAYR-inx) A battery-operated device that makes a humming sound. It is used to help a person talk after removal of the larynx (voice box).
Electrolyte(ee-LEK-troh-lite) A substance that breaks up into ions (electrically charged particles) when it is dissolved in body fluids or water.
electromagnetic field(ee-LEK-troh-mag-NEH-tik feeld) Low-energy radiation that comes from the interaction of electric and magnetic fields.
Electromagnetic Radiation(ee-LEK-troh-mag-NEH-tik ray-dee-AY-shun) Low-energy radiation that comes from the interaction of electric and magnetic fields.
electron beam(ee-LEK-tron beem) A stream of electrons (small negatively charged particles found in atoms) that can be used for radiation therapy.
electron microscope(ee-LEK-tron MY-kroh-SKOPE) A microscope (device used to magnify small objects) that uses electrons (instead of light) to produce an enlarged image.
electronic medical record(eh-lek-TRAH-nik MEH-dih-kul â¦) A collection of a patient's medical information in a digital (electronic) form that can be viewed on a computer…
electroporation therapy(ee-LEK-troh-por-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment that generates electrical pulses through an electrode placed in a tumor to enhance the ability of…
electroshock therapy(ee-LEK-troh-shok THAYR-uh-pee) A treatment for severe depression and certain mental disorders.
element(EH-leh-ment) A basic part of a whole. In chemistry, refers to a simple substance that cannot be broken down into smaller parts or changed into another…
Eligard(EL-ih-gard) A drug used to treat symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer.
eligibility criteriaIn clinical trials, requirements that must be met for an individual to be included in a study.
Ellence(eh-LENTS) A drug used together with other drugs to treat early breast cancer that has spread to lymph nodes.
Elocon(EL-oh-kon) A drug that is used in a cream to treat certain skin conditions and in a nasal spray to treat sinus problems caused by allergies.
Eloxatin(eh-LOK-sah-tin) A drug used to treat colorectal cancer that is advanced or has come back.
Elspar(EL-spar) A drug that is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is being studied in the treatment of some other types of cancer.
EM-1421A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It blocks proteins needed for cancer growth. It is a type of transcriptional inhibitor.
embolism(EM-bul-izm) A block in an artery caused by blood clots or other substances, such as fat globules, infected tissue, or cancer cells.
embolization(EM-bo-lih-ZAY-shun) The blocking of an artery by a clot or foreign material. Embolization can be done as treatment to block the flow of blood to a tumor.
EmbryoEarly stage in the development of a plant or an animal. In vertebrate animals (have a backbone or spinal column), this stage lasts from shortly after…
embryomaA mass of rapidly growing cells that begins in embryonic (fetal) tissue. Embryomas may be benign or malignant, and include neuroblastomas and Wilms tumors.
embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma(EM-bree-on-al RAB-do-MY-oh-sar-KO-ma) A soft-tissue tumor that affects children.
embryonal tumorA mass of rapidly growing cells that begins in embryonic (fetal) tissue. Embryonal tumors may be benign or malignant, and include neuroblastomas and Wilms…
embryonicHaving to do with an embryo, which is an early stage in the development of a plant or animal.
EMD 121974A substance that is being studied as an anticancer and antiangiogenesis drug. Also called cilengitide.
EMD 72000A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
Emend(EE-mend) A drug used to prevent and control the nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It is used together with other anti-vomiting medicines.
emetic(eh-MEH-tik) Describes a substance that causes vomiting. Also called emetogenic.
emetogenic(eh-MEH-toh-JEN-ik) Describes a substance that causes vomiting. Also called emetic.
emitefurAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites.
emodinA substance found in certain plants, including rhubarb. It belongs to a family of compounds called anthraquinones, which have shown anti-inflammatory and…
emphysemaPulmonary emphysema is a disorder affecting the alveoli (tiny air sacs) of the lungs.
enalaprilAn antihypertensive agent that can also be used to slow or prevent the progression of heart disease in people with childhood cancer treated with drugs…
encapsulated(en-KAP-soo-lay-ted) Confined to a specific, localized area and surrounded by a thin layer of tissue.
encephalopathyA disorder of the brain that can be caused by disease, injury, drugs, or chemicals.
enchondroma(en-kon-DRO-ma) A benign (noncancerous) growth of cartilage in bones or in other areas where cartilage is not normally found.
endocarditis(EN-doh-kar-DY-tis) A condition in which the tissues lining the inside of the heart and the heart valves become inflamed (red and swollen).
endocervical curettage(en-do-SER-vih-kul kyoo-reh-TAHZH) A procedure in which the mucous membrane of the cervical canal is scraped using a spoon-shaped instrument called a…
endocrine(EN-doh-krin) Refers to tissue that makes and releases hormones that travel in the bloodstream and control the actions of other cells or organs.
endocrine cancer(EN-doh-krin KAN-ser) Cancer that occurs in endocrine tissue, the tissue in the body that secretes hormones.
endocrine pancreas cellA pancreatic cell that produces hormones (e.g., insulin and glucagon) that are secreted into the bloodstream.
endocrine system(EN-doh-krin SIS-tem) A system of glands and cells that make hormones that are released directly into the blood and travel to tissues and organs all over…
endocrine therapy(EN-doh-krin THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones. For certain conditions (such as diabetes or menopause), hormones are given to…
Endocrinologist(en-duh-krih-NAH-loh-jist) A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating hormone disorders.
endogenousProduced inside an organism or cell. The opposite is external (exogenous) production.
Endometrial(EN-doh-MEE-tree-ul) Having to do with the endometrium (the layer of tissue that lines the uterus).
endometrial biopsyA procedure in which a sample of tissue is taken from the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) for examination under a microscope.
endometrial cancer(EN-doh-MEE-tree-ul KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in the tissue lining the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a baby…
endometrial disorder(EN-doh-MEE-tree-ul dis-OR-der) Abnormal cell growth in the endometrium (the lining of the uterus).
endometrial hyperplasia(EN-doh-MEE-tree-ul HY-per-PLAY-zhuh) An abnormal overgrowth of the endometrium (the layer of cells that lines the uterus).
endometriosis(en-do-mee-tree-O-sis) A benign condition in which tissue that looks like endometrial tissue grows in abnormal places in the abdomen.
Endometrium(en-do-MEE-tree-um) The layer of tissue that lines the uterus.
endorectal ultrasound(en-doh-REK-tul UL-truh-SOWND) A procedure in which a probe that sends out high-energy sound waves is inserted into the rectum.
endorphin(en-DOR-fin) A morphine-like chemical that is made naturally in the brain and relieves pain.
endoscope(EN-doh-SKOPE) A thin, tube-like instrument used to look at tissues inside the body.
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(en-doh-SKAH-pik REH-troh-grayd koh-LAN-jee-oh-PAN-kree-uh-TAH-gruh-fee) A procedure that uses an endoscope to examine and x-ray the pancreatic duct…