benzydamine(ben-ZIH-duh-meen) A substance being studied as a mouth rinse treatment for oral mucositis (painful mouth sores) caused by cancer therapy.
bereavement(beh-REEV-ment) A state of sadness, grief, and mourning after the loss of a loved one.
bergamot(BER-guh-mot) A type of orange tree grown in Italy. The essential oil from the peel of this orange is used in perfume, to get rid of insects, and to…
Beriplast PA substance used in surgical wound healing to cause a blood clot to form. It consists of blood-clotting factors found naturally in human blood.
best practiceIn medicine, treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and widely used.
beta alethineA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to a family of chemicals called disulfides.
beta carotene(BAY-tuh KAYR-uh-teen) A substance found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green, leafy vegetables.
beta-2-microglobulin(MY-kroh-GLOB-yoo-lin) A small protein normally found on the surface of many cells, including lymphocytes, and in small amounts in the blood and urine.
beta-endorphin(BAY-tuh en-DOR-fin) A substance produced in the brain, especially in the pituitary gland, that blocks the sensation of pain.
beta-glucanA type of polysaccharide (string of sugar molecules) obtained from several types of mushrooms.
beta-human chorionic gonadotropinA hormone normally found in the blood and urine during pregnancy. It may also be produced by some tumor cells.
bevacizumab(beh-vuh-SIH-zoo-mab) A monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of colorectal cancer that has spread.
bexarotene(bek-SAR-uh-teen) A drug used to treat skin problems caused by cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that have not gotten better after other treatment.
Bexxar regimen(BEX-ar REH-jih-men) A combination of monoclonal antibodies used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
BG00001A gene therapy agent that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called biological response modifiers.
BI 2536A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It prevents cells from dividing and may block the growth of some tumors.
BI-RADSA method used by radiologists to interpret and report in a standardized manner the results of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI used in breast cancer…
Biafine creamA topical preparation to reduce the risk of, and treat skin reactions to, radiation therapy.
bias(BY-us) In a scientific research study or clinical trial, a flaw in the study design or the method of collecting or interpreting information.
BIBF 1120A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. BIBF 1120 blocks enzymes needed for cells to grow, and may prevent the growth of new…
BIBX 1382A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.
bicalutamide(bye-ka-LOO-ta-mide) An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antiandrogens.
bidiA cigarette made by rolling tobacco by hand in a dried leaf from the tendu tree (a member of the ebony family).
BilateralAffecting both the right and left sides of the body.
bilateral cancerCancer that occurs in both paired organs, such as both breasts or both ovaries.
bilateral nephrectomy(by-LA-teh-rul neh-FREK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove both kidneys.
bilateral prophylactic mastectomy(by-LA-teh-rul PROH-fih-LAK-tik ma-STEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove both breasts in order to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy(by-LA-teh-rul sal-PIN-goh-oh-oh-foh-REK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
BileA fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is excreted into the small intestine, where it helps digest fat.
bile ductA tube through which bile passes in and out of the liver.
bile duct cancer(BILE dukt KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in a bile duct. A bile duct is a tube that carries bile (fluid made by the liver that helps digest fat) between the…
biliaryHaving to do with the liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder.
biliary system(BIH-lee-AYR-ee SIS-tem) The organs and ducts that make and store bile (a fluid made by the liver that helps digest fat), and release it into the small…
biliary tract(BIH-lee-AYR-ee â¦) The organs and ducts that make and store bile (a fluid made by the liver that helps digest fat), and release it into the…
bilirubin(bil-ih-ROO-bun) Substance formed when red blood cells are broken down. Bilirubin is part of the bile, which is made in the liver and is stored in the…
binding agentA substance that makes a loose mixture stick together. For example, binding agents can be used to make solid pills from loose powders.
bioavailableThe ability of a drug or other substance to be absorbed and used by the body. Orally bioavailable means that a drug or other substance that is taken by…
biochanin A(BY-oh-KAH-nin) An isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones (estrogen-like substances made by some plants) are being studied to see if they help…
biochemical reactionsIn living cells, chemical reactions that help sustain life and allow cells to grow.
biochemical recurrence(BY-oh-KEH-mih-kul ree-KUR-ents) A rise in the blood level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in prostate cancer patients after treatment with surgery or…
biochemical relapse(BY-oh-KEH-mih-kul REE-laps) A rise in the blood level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in prostate cancer patients after treatment with surgery or…
biochemist(BY-oh-KEH-mist) A scientist who has special training in the study of the chemicals and processes that occur in all living things.
biofeedbackA method of learning to voluntarily control certain body functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, and muscle tension with the help of a special…
Bioinformatics(BY-oh-in-for-MA-tix) The science of using computers, databases, and math to organize and analyze large amounts of biological, medical, and health…
biologic agent(BY-uh-LAH-jik AY-jent) A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer…
biological(BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul) Pertaining to biology or to life and living things. In medicine, refers to a substance made from a living organism or its products.
biological agent(BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul AY-jent) A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of…
biological drug(BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul...) A substance that is made from a living organism or its products and is used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer…
biological profile(BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul PROH-file) A summary of the biological actions of a substance.
biological response modifier therapy(BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul reh-SPONTS MAH-dih-FY-er THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and…
biological therapy(BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases.
biomarker(BY-oh-MAR-ker) A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or…
Biomed 101A substance that is being studied for its ability to decrease the side effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2).
biomedicine(BY-oh-MEH-dih-sin) A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) treat symptoms and…
Biometrics(BY-oh-MEH-triks) The science of collecting and analyzing biologic or health data using statistical methods.
biometry(by-AH-meh-tree) The science of collecting and analyzing biologic or health data using statistical methods.
biopsy(BY-op-see) The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other…
biopsy specimenTissue removed from the body and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present.
biorepository(BY-oh-reh-PAH-zih-TOR-ee) A facility that collects, catalogs, and stores samples of biological material, such as urine, blood, tissue, cells, DNA, RNA…
biospecimen(BY-oh-SPEH-sih-men) Samples of material, such as urine, blood, tissue, cells, DNA, RNA, and protein from humans, animals, or plants.
biostatistics(BY-oh-stuh-TIS-tix) The science of collecting and analyzing biologic or health data using statistical methods.
biotherapy(BY-oh-THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases.
Birt-Hogg-Dube syndromeAn inherited condition in which benign tumors develop in hair follicles on the head, chest, back, and arms.
birth canalThe muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called vagina.
birth control pillA pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones that block the release of eggs from the ovaries.
bispecific antibodyAn antibody developed in the laboratory to recognize more than one protein on the surface of different cells.
bispecific monoclonal antibodyA monoclonal antibody that binds two different types of antigen. Bispecific monoclonal antibodies do not occur naturally; they must be made in the…
bisphosphonate(bis-FOS-foh-nayt) A drug or substance used to treat hypercalcemia (abnormally high blood calcium) and bone pain caused by some types of cancer.
bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis(bis-fos-FOH-nayt-uh-SOH-see-ay-ted OS-tee-oh-neh-KROH-sis) The necrosis (death) of bone tissue caused by treatment with a bisphosphonate (a drug or…
bizelesinAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents. It is also an antitumor antibiotic.
BL22 immunotoxin(... IH-myoo-noh-TOK-sin) A bacterial toxic substance linked to an antibody that attaches to cancer cells and kills them.
black cohoshAn eastern North American perennial herb. A substance obtained from the root of the plant has been used in some cultures to treat a number of medical…
black snakerootAn eastern North American perennial herb. A substance obtained from the root of the plant has been used in some cultures to treat a number of medical…
blast crisis(blast KRY-sis) A phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia in which tiredness, fever, and an enlarged spleen occur during the blastic phase, when more than…
blastic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia(BLAS-tik FAYZ KRAH-nik MY-eh-LAH-jeh-nus loo-KEE-mee-uh) A phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia in which 20% or more of the cells in the blood or bone…
bleomycinAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics.
blessed thistle(... THIH-sel) A plant whose leaves, stems, and flowers have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems.
blinded studyA type of study in which the patients (single-blinded) or the patients and their doctors (double-blinded) do not know which drug or treatment is being…
bloating(BLOH-ting) A swelling or feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Bloating is usually the result of gas in the intestines and can be caused by many things…
bloodA tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma.
blood cell countA test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called CBC and complete blood count.
blood chemistry studyA procedure in which a sample of blood is examined to measure the amounts of certain substances made in the body.
blood clotA mass of blood that forms when blood platelets, proteins, and cells stick together.
blood poisoningDisease caused by the spread of bacteria and their toxins in the bloodstream. Also called septicemia and toxemia.
blood pressure(blud PREH-sher) The force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the…
blood stasis(blud STAY-sis) In traditional Chinese medicine, a condition described as slowing or pooling of blood, which may cause pain or other symptoms.
blood thinnerA drug that helps prevent blood clots from forming. Also called anticoagulant.
blood transfusionThe administration of blood or blood products into a blood vessel.
Blood Urea Nitrogen(blud yoo-REE-uh NY-truh-jen) Nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea (a substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver).
blood vesselA tube through which the blood circulates in the body. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.
blood-brain barrierA network of blood vessels with closely spaced cells that makes it difficult for potentially toxic substances (such as anticancer drugs) to penetrate the…
blood-brain barrier disruptionThe use of drugs to create openings between cells in the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a protective network of blood vessels and tissue…
BMDA measure of the amount of minerals (mostly calcium and phosphorous) contained in a certain volume of bone.
BMD scanAn imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy…
BMIBody mass index. A measure that relates body weight to height. BMI is sometimes used to measure total body fat and whether a person is a healthy weight.
BMS-182751A substance being studied in the treatment of prostate and other types of cancer.