rhinoscopy(ry-NOS-koh-pee) Examination of the inside of the nose using a rhinoscope. A rhinoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for…
rhizoxinA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It comes from a fungus and is similar to vinca alkaloid drugs.
rhubarb(ROO-barb) The root of this plant has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
ribavirinA drug used to treat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the lungs.
ribonucleic acid(RY-boh-noo-KLAY-ik A-sid) One of the two types of nucleic acids found in all cells.
ribonucleotide reductase inhibitorA family of anticancer drugs that interfere with the growth of tumor cells by blocking the formation of deoxyribonucleotides (building blocks of DNA).
Richter syndrome(RIK-ter SIN-drome) A rare condition in which chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) changes into a fast-growing type of lymphoma.
Richter transformation(RIK-ter TRANZ-for-MAY-shun) A rare condition in which chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) changes into a fast-growing type of lymphoma.
rifampinA drug used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to the family of drugs called antibiotics.
risedronate(ris-ED-roe-nate) A substance that is being studied in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
risk factorSomething that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer include age, a family history of certain cancers…
Risk ratioSome investors and financial analysts try to estimate the risk an investment poses by speculating on how much the investment is likely to increase in…
ritonavirA drug that belongs to the family of drugs called protease inhibitors. It interferes with the ability of a virus to make copies of itself.
Ritual(RIH-chuh-wul) In medicine, a repeated action (such as hand washing) done to relieve feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness.
Rituxan(rih-TUK-sun) A monoclonal antibody used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
rituximab(rih-TUK-sih-mab) A monoclonal antibody used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
RK-0202A substance that is being studied in the prevention of oral mucositis in patients receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.
RMP-7A substance that is being studied for its ability to help other drugs reach the brain. It belongs to the family of drugs called bradykinin agonists.
RNAOne of the two types of nucleic acids found in all cells. In the cell, RNA is made from DNA (the other type of nucleic acid), and proteins are made from…
Ro 31-7453A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It may prevent cancer cells from dividing.
Ro 50-3821A substance that is being studied in the treatment of anemia in patients who are receiving chemotherapy.
rofecoxib(ROH-feh-COK-sib) A drug that was being used for pain relief and was being studied for its ability to prevent cancer and to block the growth of new blood…
Roman chamomile(ROH-mun KA-muh-mile) A type of chamomile plant with daisy-like white flowers that is found in Europe, North America, and Argentina.
romidepsin(ROH-mih-DEP-sin) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Romidepsin is a type of depsipeptide and histone deacetylase inhibitor.
romiplostim(roh-mih-PLOH-stim) A drug used to treat patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who do not get better with other forms of treatment.
Rooting reflex(ROO'-ting REE'-flex) a reflex in infants that causes the turning of the head to the nipple and opening of the mouth when the cheek is touched or stroked.
ropivacaine(roh-PIH-vuh-kayn) A drug used to control pain and to cause a temporary loss of feeling in one part of the body, during and after surgery.
ropivacaine hydrochloride(roh-PIH-vuh-kayn HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug used to control pain and to cause a temporary loss of feeling in one part of the body, during and after surgery.
rosiglitazone(roh-sig-LIH-tuh-zone) The active ingredient in a drug that helps control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood and is being studied in the…
rosiglitazone maleate(roh-sig-LIH-tuh-zone MAY-lee-AYT) A drug that helps control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood and is being studied in the prevention and…
RPI.4610A substance that is being studied in the treatment of kidney cancer. It may prevent the growth of blood vessels from surrounding tissue to the tumor.
RPR 109881AA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called taxanes.
RSR13A substance being studied for its ability to increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy. It is a type of radiosensitizer. Also called efaproxiral.
RSVA virus that causes respiratory infections with cold-like symptoms. Also called respiratory syncytial virus.
RTA 744A substance being studied in the treatment of adult brain tumors. RTA 744 crosses the blood-brain barrier and blocks an enzyme needed for cancer growth.
RU 486A drug used to end early pregnancies. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer and other conditions.
Rubex(ROO-bex) A drug that is used to treat many types of cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.
rV-TRICOMA cancer vaccine made with a form of a vaccinia virus that does not cause disease in humans. It is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.