PKC412A substance that is being studied in the treatment of leukemia. It belongs to the family of drugs called protein kinase inhibitors.
PKUAn inherited disorder that causes a build-up of phenylalanine (an amino acid) in the blood.
PlaceboAn inactive substance or treatment that looks the same as, and is given the same way as, an active drug or treatment being tested.
placebo therapy(pluh-SEE-boh THAYR-uh-pee) An inactive treatment or procedure that is intended to mimic as closely as possible a therapy in a clinical trial.
placebo-controlledRefers to a clinical study in which the control patients receive a placebo.
PlacentaThe organ that nourishes the developing fetus in the uterus.
placental blood transplantation(pluh-SEN-tul blud tranz-plan-TAY-shun) The transfer of blood from a placenta to an individual whose own blood production system is suppressed.
Plan BA form of the hormone progesterone that is made in the laboratory and used to prevent pregnancy.
plant sterolA plant-based compound that can compete with dietary cholesterol to be absorbed by the intestines, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels.
plaque (plak)In medicine, a small, abnormal patch of tissue on a body part or an organ. Plaques may also be a build-up of substances from a fluid, such as cholesterol…
plaque radiotherapy(PLAK RAY-dee-oh-THAYR-uh-pee) A type of radiation therapy used to treat eye tumors.
Plasma(PLAZ-muh) The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma.
plasma cell(PLAZ-muh SEL) A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
plasma cell myeloma(PLAZ-muh SEL MY-eh-LOH-muh) A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies).
plasma cell tumor(PLAZ-muh SEL TOO-mer) A tumor that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies).
plasma membrane(PLAZ-muh MEM-brayn) The outer membrane of a cell.
plasmacytic(PLAZ-muh-SIH-tik) Having to do with plasma cells (a type of white blood cells).
plasmacytoma(PLAZ-muh-sy-TOH-muh) A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies).
plasmapheresis(PLAZ-muh-feh-REE-sis) The process of separating certain cells from the plasma in the blood by a machine; only the cells are returned to the person.
Plastic SurgeonA surgeon who specializes in reducing scarring or disfigurement that may occur as a result of accidents, birth defects, or treatment for diseases.
plastic surgeryAn operation that restores or improves the appearance of body structures.
platelet(PLATE-let) A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocyte.
platinumA metal that is an important component of some anticancer drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin.
PlenaxisA drug used to reduce the amount of testosterone made in patients with advanced symptomatic prostate cancer for which no other treatment options are…
pleomorphicOccurring in various distinct forms. In terms of cells, having variation in the size and shape of cells or their nuclei.
pleura(PLOOR-uh) A thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and lines the interior wall of the chest cavity. It protects and cushions the lungs.
pleural cavityThe space enclosed by the pleura, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and lines the interior wall of the chest cavity.
pleural effusionAn abnormal collection of fluid between the thin layers of tissue (pleura) lining the lung and the wall of the chest cavity.
pleurectomy(ploor-EK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove part of the pleura (a thin layer of tissue that covers the interior wall of the chest cavity).
pleurodesis(PLOOR-oh-DEE-sis) A medical procedure that uses chemicals or drugs to cause inflammation and adhesion between the layers of the pleura (a thin layer of…
pleuropulmonary blastoma(ploor-oh-PUL-muh-NAYR-ee blas-TOH-muh) A rare and very aggressive (fast-growing) cancer that forms in tissues of the lung and pleura (a thin layer of…
plexiform neurofibromaA nerve that has become thick and misshapen due to the abnormal growth of cells and tissues that cover the nerve.
plexopathy(pleks-AH-pah-thee) A disorder affecting a network of nerves, blood vessels, or lymph vessels.
plicamycin(ply-kuh-MY-sin) A drug used to treat some types of testicular cancer. It is also used to treat a higher-than-normal amounts of calcium in the blood or…
PLLA type of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in which too many immature white blood cells (prolymphocytes) are found in the blood and bone marrow.
ploidy(PLOY-dee) The number of sets of chromosomes in a cell or an organism. For example, haploid means one set and diploid means two sets.
Plummer-Vinson syndromeA disorder marked by anemia caused by iron deficiency, and a web-like growth of membranes in the throat that makes swallowing difficult.
Pluripotent(ploo-RIH-poh-tent) Able to mature or develop in any of several ways.
pluripotent stem cell(ploo-RIH-poh-tent ...) A cell that is able to develop into many different types of cells or tissues in the body.
pM-81A monoclonal antibody that is being studied in the detection and treatment of cancer.
PN401A substance that is being studied for its ability to protect against the gastrointestinal side effects caused by fluorouracil.
PNETOne of a group of cancers that develop from the same type of early cells, and share certain biochemical and genetic features.
pneumatic larynx(noo-MAT-ik LAIR-inks) A device that is used to help a person talk after a laryngectomy.
pneumonectomy(NOO-moh-NEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove all of one lung. In a partial pneumonectomy, one or more lobes of a lung are removed.
Pneumonia(noo-MOH-nyuh) A severe inflammation of the lungs in which the alveoli (tiny air sacs) are filled with fluid.
pneumonitis(NOO-moh-NY-tis) Inflammation of the lungs. This may be caused by disease, infection, radiation therapy, allergy, or irritation of lung tissue by inhaled…
PNHParoxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. A rare disorder in which red blood cells are easily destroyed by certain immune system proteins.
PNU 166148A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors.
PNU-93914A form of the anticancer drug paclitaxel that is contained in very tiny, fat-like particles.
podiatrist(puh-DY-uh-trist) A doctor who specializes in the care of the foot and ankle.
polifeprosan 20 carmustine implantA biodegradable wafer that is used to deliver the anticancer drug carmustine directly into a brain tumor site after the tumor has been removed by surgery.
poly-ICLC(PAH-lee ...) A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer and for its ability to stimulate the immune system.
polycystic ovary syndrome(PAH-lee-SIS-tik OH-vuh-ree SIN-drome) A condition marked by infertility, enlarged ovaries, menstrual problems, high levels of male hormones, excess hair…
polycythemia vera(PAH-lee-sy-THEE-mee-uh VAYR-uh) A disease in which there are too many red blood cells in the bone marrow and blood, causing the blood to thicken.
polyglutamate camptothecin(PAH-lee-GLOO-tuh-mayt kamp-toh-THEK-in) A form of the anticancer drug camptothecin that may have fewer side effects and work better than camptothecin.
polymer(PAH-lih-mer) A molecule made up of small identical molecules called monomers. The monomers are joined together in a repeating pattern.
polymerase chain reaction(puh-LIM-eh-rayz ...) A laboratory method used to make many copies of a specific DNA sequence. Also called PCR.
polymorphism(PAH-lee-MOR-fih-zum) A common variation or mutation in DNA.
polymyositis(PAH-lee-MY-oh-SY-tis) An inflammatory disease of the muscles closest to the center of the body.
polyneuritis(PAH-lee-nuh-RY-tis) Inflammation of several peripheral nerves at the same time.
Polyp(PAH-lip) A growth that protrudes from a mucous membrane.
polypectomy(PAH-lee-PEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove a polyp.
polyphenol(PAH-lee-FEE-nol) A substance that is found in many plants and gives some flowers, fruits, and vegetables their color.
Polyphenon E(PAH-lee-FEE-nun ...) A substance being studied in the prevention of cancer. It is made from decaffeinated green tea, and contains chemicals called…
polyposis(PAH-lee-POH-sis) The development of numerous polyps (growths that protrude from a mucous membrane).
polysaccharide(PAH-lee-SA-kuh-ride) A large carbohydrate molecule. It contains many small sugar molecules that are joined chemically. Also called glycan.
polysomnogram(PAH-lee-SOM-noh-gram) A group of recordings taken during sleep that shows brain wave changes, eye movements, breathing rate, blood pressure, heart rate…
polyvinylpyrrolidone-sodium hyaluronate gel(PAH-lee-VY-nil-py-ROL-ih-done-SOH-dee-um HY-uh-LOO-roh-nayt ...) A gel used to lessen pain from mouth sores caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy…
pomalidomide(POH-muh-LIH-doh-mide) A substance being studied in the treatment of prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and other types of cancer.
pomegranateA subtropical shrub or tree. Juice from the fruit may contain substances that decrease or slow the rise of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
ponsPart of the central nervous system, located at the base of the brain, between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain. It is part of the brainstem.
pontineHaving to do with the pons (part of the central nervous system, located at the base of the brain, between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain).
population study(PAH-pyoo-LAY-shun ...) A study of a group of individuals taken from the general population who share a common characteristic, such as age, sex, or health…
porcine(POR-sine) Having to do with or coming from pigs.
porfimer sodium(PORE-fih-mer SOH-dee-um) A drug used to treat some types of cancer. When absorbed by cancer cells and exposed to light, porfimer sodium becomes active…
porfiromycinA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called anticancer antibiotics.
PortAn implanted device through which blood may be withdrawn and drugs may be infused without repeated needle sticks. Also called port-a-cath.
port-a-cathAn implanted device through which blood may be withdrawn and drugs may be infused without repeated needle sticks. Also called port.
portal hypertension(PAW-til HY-per-TEN-shun) High blood pressure in the vein that carries blood to the liver from the stomach, small and large intestines, spleen, pancreas…
portal veinA blood vessel that carries blood to the liver from the stomach, small and large intestines, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Positive(poz'ih-tiv) having a value greater than zero; indicating existence or presence of a condition, organism, etc.
positive axillary lymph node(PAH-zih-tiv AK-suh-LAYR-ee limf ...) A lymph node in the area of the armpit (axilla) to which cancer has spread.
positive test result(PAH-zih-tiv ... reh-ZULT) A test result that reveals the presence of a specific disease or condition for which the test is being done.
positron emission tomography scan(PAH-zih-tron ee-MIH-shun toh-MAH-gruh-fee skan) A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner…
post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder(POST-tranz-plant LIM-foh-proh-LIH-fuh-RUH-tiv dis-OR-der) A condition in which a group of B-cells grow out of control after an organ transplant in…
post-traumatic stress disorder(POST-traw-MA-tik stres dis-OR-der) An anxiety disorder that develops in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress, such as…
posterior(pos-TEER-ee-er) In human anatomy, has to do with the back of a structure, or a structure found toward the back of the body.
posterior pelvic exenteration(pah-STEER-ee-er PEL-vik ek-ZEN-ter-AY-shun) Surgery to remove the lower part of the bowel, rectum, uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina.
posterior urethral cancer(pos-TEER-ee-er yoo-REE-thrul KAN-ser) A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the part of the urethra (the tube through which urine…
Postmenopausal(post-MEH-nuh-pawz-ul) Having to do with the time after menopause. Menopause ("change of life") is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop…
PostmortemAfter death. Often used to describe an autopsy.
postremission therapy(...ree-MIH-shun THAYR-uh-pee) Anticancer drugs given to kill cancer cells that survive after remission induction therapy.
potassium(po-TASS-ee-um) A metallic element that is important in body functions such as regulation of blood pressure and of water content in cells, transmission of…
potassium hydroxideA toxic and highly corrosive chemical used to make soap, in bleaching, and as a paint remover.
potentiationIn medicine, the effect of increasing the potency or effectiveness of a drug or other treatment.
Power of AttorneyA written instrument which authorizes one person to act as another's agent or attorney.
pPNETA type of cancer that forms in bone or soft tissue. Also called Ewing sarcoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor.