gene therapy(jeen THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment that alters a gene. In studies of gene therapy for cancer, researchers are trying to improve the body's natural ability to…
gene transferThe insertion of genetic material into a cell.
gene-modifiedCells that have been altered to contain different genetic material than they originally contained.
general anesthesia(... A-nes-THEE-zhuh) Drugs that cause loss of feeling or awareness and put the person to sleep.
generalized anxiety disorder(JEN-er-uh-lized ang-ZY-eh-tee dis-OR-der) A condition marked by excessive worry and feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness that last six months or…
genericOfficial nonbrand names by which medicines are known. Generic names usually refer to the chemical name of the drug.
Genetic(jeh-NEH-tik) Inherited; having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring through genes in sperm and egg cells.
genetic analysisThe study of a sample of DNA to look for mutations (changes) that may increase risk of disease or affect the way a person responds to treatment.
genetic counseling(jeh-NEH-tik KOWN-suh-ling) A communication process between a specially trained health professional and a person concerned about the genetic risk of…
genetic markerAlteration in DNA that may indicate an increased risk of developing a specific disease or disorder.
genetic marker of susceptibility(jeh-NEH-tik⦠suh-SEP-tih-BIH-lih-tee) A specific change in a person's DNA that makes the person more likely to develop certain diseases such…
Genetic predispositionAn inherited increase in the risk of developing a disease. Also called genetic susceptibility.
genetic profile(jeh-NEH-tik PROH-file) Information about specific genes, including variations and gene expression, in an individual or in a certain type of tissue.
genetic susceptibilityAn inherited increase in the risk of developing a disease. Also called genetic predisposition .
Genetic testingAnalyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder.
Genetics(jeh-NEH-tix) The study of genes and heredity. Heredity is the passing of genetic information and traits (such as eye color and an increased chance of…
genisteinAn isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones are being studied to see if they help prevent cancer.
genital(JEH-nih-tul) Refers to the genitalia (external and internal sex organs and glands).
genital wartA raised growth on the surface of the genitals caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
genitourinary system(je-nuh-toh-YUR-uh-ner-ee SIS-tem) The parts of the body that play a role in reproduction, getting rid of waste products in the form of urine, or both.
GenomeThe complete genetic material of an organism.
genomic profile(jeh-NOH-mik PROH-file) Information about all the genes in an organism, including variations, gene expression, and the way those genes interact with each…
Genomics(jeh-NOH-miks) The study of the complete genetic material, including genes and their functions, of an organism.
Georeferenced StatisticsStatistics reported by geographic location of the events (e.g., residence of the cancer case)
geranium(juh-RAY-nee-um) A type of plant that is native to southern Africa and has white, pink, purple, or red flowers and 3- to 5-lobed leaves.
germ cell (jurm sel)A reproductive cell of the body. Germ cells are egg cells in females and sperm cells in males.
germ cell tumor(jurm sel TOO-mer) A type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs.
germ-free(jurm-free) Free of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that can cause infection and disease.
German chamomile(JER-mun KA-moh-MY-ul) A plant whose daisy-like flowers are used in tea to calm and relax, improve sleep, and help stomach problems.
German Commission EThe German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices Commission E. A committee made up of scientists, toxicologists, doctors, and pharmacists formed…
germinoma(jer-mih-NO-ma) The most common type of germ cell tumor in the brain.
germline DNAThe DNA in germ cells (egg and sperm cells that join to form an embryo). Germline DNA is the source of DNA for all other cells in the body.
germline mutation(...myoo-TAY-shun) A gene change in a body's reproductive cell (egg or sperm) that becomes incorporated into the DNA of every cell in the body of the…
Gerota's capsule(gay-ROH-tuz KAP-sul) A fibrous envelope of tissue that surrounds the kidney. Also called Gerota's fascia and renal fascia.
Gerota's fascia(gay-ROH-tuz FA-shuh) A fibrous envelope of tissue that surrounds the kidney. Also called Gerota's capsule and renal fascia.
Gerson therapy(GER-sun THAYR-uh-pee) A diet plan that has been claimed to be a treatment for cancer, migraine, tuberculosis, and other diseases.
gestational trophoblastic disease(jeh-STAY-shuh-nul troh-fuh-BLAS-tik dih-ZEEZ) Any of a group of tumors that develops from trophoblastic cells (cells that help an embryo attach to the…
gestational trophoblastic tumor(jeh-STAY-shuh-nul troh-fuh-BLAS-tik TOO-mer) Any of a group of tumors that develops from trophoblastic cells (cells that help an embryo attach to the…
GG745A drug used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. It is being studied in the treatment of male hair loss and prostate cancer.
GIRefers to the stomach and intestines. Also called gastrointestinal.
GI14721An antitumor drug that belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. It is a camptothecin analog.
giant cell fibroblastoma(JY-unt SEL FY-broh-blas-TOH-muh) A rare type of soft tissue tumor marked by painless nodules in the dermis (the inner layer of the two main layers of…
giant hypertrophic gastritis(JY-unt hy-per-TROH-fik ga-STRY-tis) A condition marked by inflammation and ulcers (breaks on the skin or on the surface of an organ) of the mucosa (inner…
gigantism(jy-GAN-tih-zum) A condition in which the whole body or any of its parts grow much larger than normal.
gimatecanA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors. Also called ST1481.
gingerAn herb with a root that has been used in cooking, and by some cultures to treat nausea, vomiting, and certain other medical conditions.
gingiva(JIN-jih-vuh) The tissue of the upper and lower jaws that surrounds the base of the teeth. Also called gums.
ginkgo(GING-koh) A tree native to China. Substances taken from the leaves and seeds have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
ginkgo biloba(GING-koh BY-LOH-buh) A tree native to China. Substances taken from the leaves and seeds have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
ginsengAn herb with a root that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have anticancer effects.
GISTA type of tumor that usually begins in cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. It can be benign or malignant.
glandAn organ that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk.
gland of Lieberkuhn(... LEE-ber-keen) Tube-like gland found in the lining of the colon and rectum. Glands of Lieberkuhn renew the lining of the intestine and make mucus.
glans penisThe rounded, gland-like head of the penis.
Glaucoma(glaw-KOH-muh) A condition in which there is a build-up of fluid in the eye, which presses on the retina and the optic nerve.
Gleason score(GLEE-sun...) A system of grading prostate cancer tissue based on how it looks under a microscope.
Gleevec(GLEE-vek) A drug used to treat different types of leukemia and other cancers of the blood, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, skin tumors called…
Gliadel WaferA 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.
glial cell(GLEE-ul sel) Any of the cells that hold nerve cells in place and help them work the way they should.
Glial cells(glee'-ul sells) branched cells that make up the supporting structure of the nervous (brain & spinal cord) tissue.
glial tumorA general term for tumors of the central nervous system, including astrocytomas, ependymal tumors, glioblastoma multiforme, and primitive neuroectodermal…
glioblastoma(GLEE-oh-blas-TOH-muh) A fast-growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal cord and has…
glioblastoma multiforme(GLEE-oh-blas-TOH-muh MUL-tih-form) A fast-growing type of central nervous system tumor that forms from glial (supportive) tissue of the brain and spinal…
glioma(glee-OH-muh) A cancer of the brain that begins in glial cells (cells that surround and support nerve cells).
gliosarcoma(GLEE-oh-sar-KOH-muh) A type of glioma (cancer of the brain that comes from glial, or supportive, cells).
glossectomy(glah-SEK-toh-mee) Surgical removal of all or part of the tongue.
glottis(GLAH-tis) The middle part of the larynx; the area where the vocal cords are located.
GlucagonA hormone produced by the pancreas that increases the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
glucagonoma(GLOO-kuh-guh-NO-ma) A rare pancreatic tumor that produces a hormone called glucagon. Glucagonomas can produce symptoms similar to diabetes.
glucocorticoidA compound that belongs to the family of compounds called corticosteroids (steroids).
gluconeogenesisThe process of making glucose (sugar) from its own breakdown products or from the breakdown products of lipids (fats) or proteins.
glucoseA type of sugar; the chief source of energy for living organisms.
glufosfamideAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
glutamic acid(gloo-TA-mik A-sid) One of twenty amino acids (molecules that join together to form proteins).
glutamineAn amino acid used in nutrition therapy. It is also being studied for the treatment of diarrhea caused by radiation therapy to the pelvis.
glutathioneA substance found in plant and animal tissues that has many functions in a cell.
glutathione S-transferaseA family of enzymes involved in metabolism and in making toxic compounds less harmful to the body.
glycan(GLY-kan) A large carbohydrate molecule. It contains many small sugar molecules that are joined chemically. Also called polysaccharide.
glycan analysis(GLY-kan uh-NA-lih-sis) A study of the types of carbohydrate (sugar) molecules attached to proteins in cells.
glycemic index(gly-SEE-mik â¦) A measure of the increase in the level of blood glucose (a type of sugar) caused by eating a specific carbohydrate (food that…
Glycine maxA product from a plant of Asian origin that produces beans used in many food products.
glycolic acid(gly-KAH-lik A-sid) A substance found in some fruits, sugar beets, and sugar cane. It is used in skin care products to reduce wrinkles and soften the skin.
glycolysisA process in which glucose (sugar) is partially broken down by cells in enzyme reactions that do not need oxygen.
glycopeptideA short chain of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) that has sugar molecules attached to it.
glycoproteinA protein that has sugar molecules attached to it.
glycoprotein 100gp100. A tumor-specific antigen used in the development of cancer vaccines. Also called gp100.
glycosaminoglycanA type of long, unbranched polysaccharide molecule. Glycosaminoglycans are major structural components of cartilage and are also found in the cornea of…
GM-CSFA substance that helps make more white blood cells, especially granulocytes, macrophages, and cells that become platelets.
GM2-KLH vaccineA substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies that fight certain cancer cells.
GnRHA hormone made by the hypothalamus (part of the brain). GnRH causes the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone…
goiter(GOY-ter) An enlarged thyroid. It may be caused by too little iodine in the diet or by other conditions. Most goiters are not cancer.
gonadThe part of the reproductive system that produces and releases eggs (ovary) or sperm (testicle/testis).
gonadal dysgenesis(go-NA-dul dis-JEH-neh-sis) Abnormal development of a gonad (ovary or testicle).
gonadotropin-releasing hormoneA hormone made by the hypothalamus (part of the brain). GnRH causes the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone…
gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonistA hormone made in the laboratory that has the same effect as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) produced naturally by the body.
gonioscopy(GOH-nee-OS-koh-pee) A procedure in which a gonioscope (special lens) is used to look at the front part of the eye between the cornea (the clear layer)…
Gonzalez regimenAn alternative therapy that is being studied as a treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Gorlin syndromeA genetic condition that causes unusual facial features and disorders of the skin, bones, nervous system, eyes, and endocrine glands.
goserelin(go-SAIR-uh-lin) A drug that belongs to the family of drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs.