StrengthThe strength of a drug product tells how much of the active ingredient is present in each dosage.
streptavidinA small bacterial protein that binds with high affinity to the vitamin biotin. This streptavidin-biotin combination can be used to link molecules such as…
streptozocinAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called alkylating agents.
StressThe response of the body to physical, mental, or emotional pressure. This may make a person feel frustrated, angry, or anxious, and may cause unhealthy…
stress protein(... PROH-teen) One of a group of proteins that help protect cells from stresses such as heat, cold, and low amounts of oxygen or glucose (sugar).
Strict IsolationDesigned to prevent transmission of highly contagious or virulent infections that may be spread by air or contact.
strokeIn medicine, a loss of blood flow to part of the brain, which damages brain tissue.
Stroma(stro' mah) the supporting tissue or matrix of an organ; as distinguished from the functional part of the organ.
Stromagen(stroh-MUH-jen) A product that is made of special stem cells taken from a patient's bone marrow and grown in the laboratory.
Stromal cell(STROH-mul SEL) A type of cell that makes up certain types of connective tissue (supporting tissue that surrounds other tissues and organs).
stromal tumor(STRO-mal) A tumor that arises in the supporting connective tissue of an organ.
strontiumA metal often used in a radioactive form for imaging tests and in the treatment of cancer.
strontium chloride Sr 89(STRON-shee-um KLOR-ide â¦) A salt form of the radioactive metal strontium-89 that is absorbed by a part of growing bone.
strontium ranelate(STRON-chee-um RAN-uh-layt) A substance that is being studied in the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
strontium-89(STRON-shee-umâ¦) A radioactive form of the metal strontium that is taken up by a part of growing bone.
study agentA medicine, vitamin, mineral, food supplement, or a combination of them that is being tested in a clinical trial.
StuporMarked by a cessation of mental activity or feeling, often produced by sleepiness, illness, or the effect or alcohol, or narcotics.
Sturge-Weber syndromeA rare, congenital disorder that affects the brain, skin, and eyes. Abnormal blood vessel growth occurs in the trigeminal nerve in the face and the…
SU006668A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors and…
SU011248A drug used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have not responded to treatment with imatinib mesylate (Gleevec).
SU101An anticancer drug that works by inhibiting a cancer cell growth factor. Also called leflunomide.
SU11248A drug used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have not responded to treatment with imatinib mesylate (Gleevec).
SU5416A substance that has been studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors and tyrosine kinase…
SU6668A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the families of drugs called protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors and…
subcutaneous portA tube surgically placed into a blood vessel and attached to a disk placed under the skin.
subependymal(SUB-eh-PEN-dih-mul) Describes the layer of cells just under the ependyma (the thin membrane that lines the fluid-filled spaces in the brain and spinal…
suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid(SOO-ber-oyl-AN-ih-lide hy-drok-SA-mik A-sid) A drug that is used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that does not get better, gets worse, or comes back…
subglottis(SUB-glot-is) The lowest part of the larynx; the area from just below the vocal cords down to the top of the trachea.
subjective improvementAn improvement that is reported by the patient, but cannot be measured by the healthcare provider (for example, "I feel better").
submucosa(sub-myoo-KOH-suh) The layer of tissue under the mucosa (inner lining of some organs and body cavities that makes mucus).
subserosa(sub-seh-ROH-suh) The layer of tissue under the serosa (outer lining of some organs and body cavities).
subset analysisIn a clinical study, the evaluation of results for some but not all of the patients who participated.
Subsidized CoverageHealth coverage that's obtained through financial assistance from programs to help people with low and middle incomes.
substance abuse(SUB-stunts uh-BYOOS) The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or alcohol for purposes other than those for which…
subtenonUsed to describe injections through the membrane covering the muscles and nerves at the back of the eyeball.
subtotal hysterectomy(sub-TOH-tul HIS-teh-REK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the uterus, but not the cervix. Also called partial hysterectomy.
sucralfateA drug used to treat ulcers. It adheres to proteins at the ulcer site and forms a protective coating over the ulcer.
suction aspiration(SUK-shun as-per-AY-shun) A surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated (opened) and vacuum is used to remove tissue from the uterus.
suction evacuation(SUK-shun ee-VA-kyoo-A-shun) A surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated (opened) and vacuum is used to remove tissue from the uterus.
sudden infant death syndrome(â¦SIN-drome) The sudden and unexpected death of a healthy child who is younger than one year old, usually during sleep.
suicide(SOO-ih-SYDE) The act of taking one's own life on purpose.
sulfa drugA type of antibiotic used to treat infection. Also called sulfonamide.
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamineA drug used against malaria. Its value has been compromised by the emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites
sulfonamideA type of antibiotic used to treat infection. Also called sulfa drug.
sulfuric acid(sul-FYUR-ik A-sid) A strong acid that, when concentrated, is extremely corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes.
sulindacA nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is being studied as a treatment for cancer.
Summary of Benefits and CoverageYou will receive a Summary of Benefits and Coverage when you enroll in your health plan. It describes the benefits and costs associated with your plan.
Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)(SBC)An easy-to-read summary that lets you make apples-to-apples comparisons of costs and coverage between health plans.
sun protection factor(... proh-TEK-shun FAK-ter) A scale for rating the level of sunburn protection in sunscreen products.
Sun's Soup (sunz soop)A mixture of vegetables and other edible plants that has been studied in the treatment of cancer.
sunitinib(soo-NIH-tih-nib) A drug used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have not responded to treatment with imatinib mesylate (Gleevec).
sunitinib malate(soo-NIH-tih-nib MA-layt) A drug used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that have not responded to treatment with imatinib mesylate…
sunscreenA substance that helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunscreens reflect, absorb, and scatter both ultraviolet A and B radiation to provide…
SuperficialAffecting cells on the surface. Not invasive.
superfractionated radiation therapy(SOO-per FRAK-shuh-NAYT-ed RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee) Radiation therapy that gives smaller doses (fractions) of radiation more often than standard…
superior vena cavaThe large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest to the heart.
superior vena cava syndromeA condition in which a tumor presses against the superior vena cava (the large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and chest to the heart).
SupplementA supplement is an application to allow a company to make changes in a product that already has an approved new drug application (NDA).
Supplement NumberA supplement number is associated with an existing FDA New Drug Application (NDA) number.
Supplement TypeCompanies are allowed to make changes to drugs or their labels after they have been approved.
supplemental nutrition(SUH-pleh-MEN-tul noo-TRIH-shun) A substance or product that is added to a person's diet to make sure they get all the nutrients they need.
supplemental oxygen therapy(SUH-pleh-MEN-tul OK-sih-jen THAYR-uh-pee) Treatment in which a storage tank of oxygen or a machine called a compressor is used to give oxygen to people…
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)(SSI)A monthly benefit paid by Social Security to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 or older.
support groupA group of people with similar disease who meet to discuss how better to cope with their disease and treatment.
Support ServicesGrantee expenditures are limited to core medical services, support services, and administrative expenses.
supportive careCare given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease.
suppository(suh-POZ-ih-TOR-ee) A form of medicine contained in a small piece of solid material, such as cocoa butter or glycerin, that melts at body temperature.
Suppressive treatmentTreatment intended to prevent clinical symptoms and parasitemia through destruction of parasites in red blood cells.
supraclavicular lymph node(SOO-pruh-kla-VIH-kyuh-ler...) A lymph node located above the clavicle (collarbone).
supraglottic laryngectomy(SOO-prah-GLOT-ik LA-rin-JEK-toh-mee) An operation to remove the supraglottis, which is part of the larynx (voice box) above the vocal cords.
supraglottis(SOO-pra-GLOT-is) The upper part of the larynx (voice box), including the epiglottis; the area above the vocal cords.
suprarenal gland(SOO-pruh-REE-nul...) A small gland that makes steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.
supratentorial(soo-pruh-ten-TOR-ee-ul) Having to do with the upper part of the brain.
suramin(SOO-rah-min) A drug that is used to treat infections caused by parasites. It is also being studied in the treatment of cancer.
surface electrode(SER-fuss ee-LEK-trode) A small device that is attached to the skin to measure or cause electrical activity in the tissue under it.
SurgeonA doctor who removes or repairs a part of the body by operating on the patient.
SurgeryA procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present; an operation.
surgical biopsy(SER-jih-kul BY-op-see) The removal of tissues by a surgeon for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope.
surgical castrationSurgical removal of the testicles (orchiectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy) to stop the production of sex hormones.
Surveillance(ser-VAY-lents) In medicine, the ongoing collection of information about a disease, such as cancer, in a certain group of people.
Surveillance Data (Cancer)Data is used to monitor changes in cancer in a population. Included are measures of cancer incidence, morbidity, survival, prevalence and mortality.
Surveillance ReportA report providing information on the number of reported cases of a disease such as AIDS, nationally and for specific sub-populations.
SurvivalSurvival examines how long after diagnosis people live. Cancer survival is measured in a number of different ways depending on the intended purpose.
survival rate(ser-VY-vul ...) The percentage of people in a study or treatment group who are alive for a certain period of time after they were diagnosed with or…
Survival, Cause-specificA measure of net survival that is calculated by using the cause of death listed on death certificates to estimate the proportion of deaths due to cancer.
Survival, NetSurvival from cancer that is calculated in the absence of other causes of death.
Survival, ObservedAn estimate of the probability of surviving all causes of death for a specified time interval calculated from the cohort of cancer cases.