apolizumabA type of monoclonal antibody that is being studied as a treatment for hematologic (blood) cancers.
apoptosis(A-pop-TOH-sis) A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell leads to its death.
appendectomy(A-pen-DEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove the appendix (small finger-shaped pouch at the end of the first part of the large intestine).
AppendixA small, fingerlike pouch that sticks out from the cecum (the first part of the large intestine near the end of the small intestine).
appetite(A-peh-tite) A desire to satisfy a physical or mental need, such as for food, sex, or adventure.
ApplicationUnder the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), an oral or written request for an extension of credit that is made in accordance with the procedures…
Approval HistoryThe approval history is a chronological list of all FDA actions involving one drug product having a particular FDA Application number (NDA).
Approval LetterAn official communication from FDA to a new drug application (NDA) sponsor that allows the commercial marketing of the product.
aprepitant(uh-PREH-pih-tunt) A drug used to prevent and control the nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
arctigeninA substance found in certain plants, including burdock. It has shown antiviral and anticancer effects.
arctiinA substance found in certain plants, including burdock. It has shown anticancer effects. Arctiin belongs to a group of substances called lignans.
Areola(a-REE-o-la) The area of dark-colored skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple.
arginine(AR-jih-neen) One of the twenty common amino acids (building blocks of proteins).
arginine butyrateA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
argon beam coagulator ablation(AR-gon beem coh-A-gyuh-LAY-ter uh-BLAY-shun) A procedure that destroys tissue with an electrical current passed through a stream of argon gas to the…
Arixtra(uh-RIKS-truh) A drug used to prevent blood clots from forming inside blood vessels in the leg.
Aromasin(uh-ROH-muh-sin) A drug used to treat advanced breast cancer and to prevent recurrent breast cancer in postmenopausal women who have already been treated…
aromatase inhibitor(uh-ROH-muh-tayz in-HIH-bih-ter) A drug that prevents the formation of estradiol, a female hormone, by interfering with an aromatase enzyme.
aromatherapist(uh-ROH-muh-THAYR-uh-pist) A person who practices a type of complementary medicine called aromatherapy.
aromatherapy(uh-ROH-muh-THAYR-uh-pee) A type of complementary and alternative medicine that uses plant oils that give off strong pleasant aromas (smells) to promote…
aromatherapy infusion(uh-ROH-muh-THAYR-uh-pee in-FYOO-zhun) The process of heating (without boiling) a mixture of water and an essential oil (scented liquid taken from a…
aromatherapy massage(uh-ROH-muh THAYR-uh-pee muh-SAZH) A type of complementary and alternative medicine that uses rubbing and kneading of the skin with plant oils that give…
aromatic(A-ruh-MA-tik) Having an odor, which often is pleasant or spicy.
arousal(uh-ROW-zul) The state of being alert and ready to respond, or waking from sleep.
Arranon(AYR-rah-non) A drug used to treat certain types of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL).
arrhenoblastoma(uh-REE-noh-blas-TOH-muh) A rare type of ovarian tumor in which the tumor cells secrete a male sex hormone.
arsenicA poisonous chemical used to kill weeds and pests. Also used in cancer therapy.
arsenic trioxide(AR-seh-nik try-OK-side) A drug used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) that has not gotten better or that has come back after treatment with…
ArtemisininsA class of drugs used for the treatment (not prevention) of malaria usually as a part of a combination therapy, derived from the sweet wormwood or Qinghao…
arterial embolization(ar-TEER-ee-ul EM-boh-lih-ZAY-zhun) The blocking of an artery by a clot of foreign material.
arteriogram(ar-TEER-ee-oh-gram) An x-ray of arteries. The person receives an injection of a dye that outlines the vessels on the x-ray.
arteriography(ar-TEE-ree-AH-gruh-fee) A procedure to x-ray arteries. The arteries can be seen because of an injection of a dye that outlines the vessels on the x-ray.
artery(AR-tuh-ree) A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to tissues and organs in the body.
arthritisA disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints.
artificial pacemaker(AR-tih-FIH-shul PAYS-may-ker) An electronic device that is implanted in the body to monitor heart rate and rhythm.
arzoxifene hydrochloride(ar-ZOX-ih-feen HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A substance being studied in the treatment of osteoporosis and breast cancer.
asbestosA toxic material that was once used in housing insulation and fireproofing. Because some forms of asbestos have been linked to certain lung diseases, it…
asbestosis(as-bes-TOH-sis) A lung disease caused by breathing in particles of asbestos (a group of minerals that take the form of tiny fibers).
ascites(uh-SY-teez) Abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen that may cause swelling. In late-stage cancer, tumor cells may be found in the fluid in the abdomen.
ascorbic acid(uh-SKOR-bik A-sid) One of several vitamins that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy.
asparaginase(as-PA-ruh-jih-nayz) A drug that is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is being studied in the treatment of some other types of cancer.
aspartate transaminaseAn enzyme found in the liver, heart, and other tissues. A high level of aspartate transaminase released into the blood may be a sign of liver or heart…
aspergillosisAn infectious fungal disease that occurs most often in the skin, ears, nasal sinuses, and lungs of people with suppressed immune systems.
Aspergillus(A-sper-JIH-lus) Fungi commonly found in soil. Certain types of Aspergillus may cause disease, especially in people who have suppressed immune systems.
aspirate(AS-pi-rit) Fluid withdrawn from a lump (often a cyst) or a nipple.
Aspiration(as-per-AY-shun) Removal of fluid or tissue through a needle. Also, the accidental breathing in of food or fluid into the lungs.
aspirinA drug that reduces pain, fever, inflammation, and blood clotting. Aspirin belongs to the family of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
assay(AS-say) A laboratory test to find and measure the amount of a specific substance.
AssessmentCharges levied against a property for tax purposes or to pay for municipal or association improvements such as curbs, sewers, or grounds maintenance.
assistive device(uh-SISS-tivâ¦) A tool that helps a person with a disability to do a certain task.
assistive technology(uh-SIS-tiv tek-NAH-loh-jee) Any device or technology that helps a disabled person.
asthma(AZ-muh) A chronic disease in which the bronchial airways in the lungs become narrowed and swollen, making it difficult to breathe.
Astrocyte(AS-troh-site) A star-shaped cell that helps nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord work the way they should. An astrocyte is a type of glial cell.
astrocytoma(AS-troh-sy-TOH-muh) A tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small, star-shaped cells called astrocytes.
asymmetryLack or absence of balanced proportions between parts of a thing.
asymptomaticHaving no signs or symptoms of disease.
AT/RTAn aggressive cancer of the central nervous system, kidney, or liver that occurs in very young children.
AT7519MA substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. AT7519M blocks enzymes needed for cells to divide.
AT9283A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It blocks enzymes (Aurora kinases) involved in cell division and may kill cancer cells.
atamestaneA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. Atamestane blocks the production of the hormone estrogen in the body.
ataxia-telangiectasiaA rare, inherited, progressive, degenerative disease of childhood that causes loss of muscle control, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of…
atelectasis(at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis) Failure of the lung to expand (inflate) completely. This may be caused by a blocked airway, a tumor, general anesthesia, pneumonia or…
AtherosclerosisA chronic disease in which excessive amounts of fat and cholesterol remaining in the bloodstream collect on the inside walls of arteries, forming plaque…
athymic nude mouseA type of laboratory mouse that is hairless, lacks a normal thymus gland, and has a defective immune system because of a genetic mutation.
atiprimod(uh-TIH-prih-mod) A substance being studied in the treatment of certain multiple myelomas and other advanced cancers.
ATLLAn aggressive (fast-growing) type of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused by the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1).
ATN-161A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. ATN-161 may prevent the spread of tumor cells and the growth of new blood vessels from…
atorvastatin(uh-TOR-vuh-STA-tin) The active ingredient in a drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood and to prevent stroke, heart attack, and angina…
atorvastatin calcium(uh-TOR-vuh-STA-tin KAL-see-um) A drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood and to prevent stroke, heart attack, and angina (chest pain).
AtovaquoneA drug used against malaria. It is found in the combination atovaquone-proguanil which can be used for both prevention and treatment.
ATPA substance present in all living cells that provides energy for many metabolic processes and is involved in making RNA.
ATRAA form of vitamin A that is made by the body, and can also be made in the laboratory.
atrasentanA substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called endothelin-1 protein receptor antagonists.
ATT/RHTAn aggressive cancer of the central nervous system, kidney, or liver that occurs in very young children.
attenuatedWeakened or thinned. Attenuated strains of disease-causing bacteria and viruses are often used as vaccines.
Atypical(a-tip'ih-kul) irregular; not conformable to the type; an unusual type.
atypical hyperplasia(AY-TIP-ih-kul HY-per-PLAY-zhuh) A benign (noncancerous) condition in which cells look abnormal under a microscope and are increased in number.
atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor(AY-TIH-pih-kul TER-uh-toyd/RAB-doyd TOO-mer) An aggressive cancer of the central nervous system, kidney, or liver that occurs in very young children.
Augmentin(awg-MEN-tin) A drug used to treat bacterial infections. Adding the chemical clavulanate potassium to the antibiotic amoxicillin increases the amount of…
augmerosen(awg-MER-oh-sen) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It may kill cancer cells by blocking the production of a protein that makes cancer…
auricular(aw-RIK-yoo-ler) Having to do with the ear.
Aurimmune(AW-rih-MYOON) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
Aurora kinase inhibitor AT9283(uh-ROR-uh KY-nayz in-HIH-bih-ter...) A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer.
AutochthonousRegarding malaria, it refers to local transmission by mosquitoes. This can either be indigenous (a geographic area where malaria occurs regularly) or…
autoclave(AW-toh-KLAYV) A device that uses steam under high pressure to sterilize medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.
autoclave-resistant factorA substance found in soybeans that may slow down or stop the spread of cancer. This substance does not break down in an autoclave (a device that uses…
Autoimmune disease(AW-toh-ih-MYOON...) A condition in which the body recognizes its own tissues as foreign and directs an immune response against them.
autoimmune enteropathy(AW-toh-ih-MYOON en-teh-RAH-puh-thee) A rare disease in which certain cells in the intestine are destroyed by a patient's immune system.
autoimmune hemolytic anemia(AW-toh-ih-MYOON hee-moh-LIH-tik uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which the body's immune system stops red blood cells from forming or causes them to clump…
Autoimmune processA process where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys body tissue that it mistakes for foreign matter.
Autologous(aw-TAH-luh-gus) Taken from an individual's own tissues, cells, or DNA.
autologous bone marrow(aw-TAH-luh-gus bone MAYR-oh) In transplantation, refers to a person's own bone marrow.