basal cell(BAY-sul SEL) A small, round cell found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
basal cell carcinoma(BAY-sul SEL KAR-sih-NOH-muh) A type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells, small round cells found in the lower part (or base) of the…
basal cell nevus syndrome(BAY-sul SEL NEE-vus SIN-drome) A genetic condition that causes unusual facial features and disorders of the skin, bones, nervous system, eyes, and…
baselineAn initial measurement that is taken at an early time point to represent a beginning condition, and is used for comparison over time to look for changes.
basophilA type of white blood cell. Basophils are granulocytes.
batimastatAn anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. Batimastat is a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor.
batracylin(BA-truh-SY-lin) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It may kill cancer cells by causing damage to the DNA.
BAY 12-9566An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors.
BAY 43-9006A drug used to treat advanced kidney cancer and a type of liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.
BAY 56-3722A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called camptothecins.
BAY 59-8862A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called taxanes.
BB-10901A substance that combines a monoclonal antibody (huN901) with an anticancer drug (DM1), and is being studied in the treatment of certain cancers…
BBBDThe 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…
BBICA substance being studied in the prevention of cancer. BBIC is made from soybeans, and is a type of serine proteinase inhibitor.
BBR 2778A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics. Also called pixantrone.
BBR 3464A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of platinum-based drugs.
BCL2A protein that helps control whether a cell lives or dies by blocking a type of cell death called apoptosis.
BCR-ABL fusion gene(... FYOO-zhun JEEN) A gene formed when pieces of chromosomes 9 and 22 break off and trade places.
BCX-1777A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of leukemia and lymphoma. It is a type of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) inhibitor.
BDCA rare type of kidney cancer that grows and spreads quickly. It begins in the duct of Bellini in the kidney. Also called Bellini duct carcinoma.
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndromeA rare, overgrowth disorder in which babies are large at birth and may develop low blood sugar.
beclin 1(BEH-klin â¦) A protein involved in autophagy (the process by which a cell destroys proteins and other substances in its cytoplasm).
beclomethasoneA drug being studied in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease. It belongs to a family of drugs called corticosteroids.
behavior modification(bee-HAY-vyer MAH-dih-fih-KAY-shun) A technique used to help people change the way they react to certain triggers in the environment that cause a negative…
belinostat(beh-LIN-oh-STAT) A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Belinostat blocks enzymes needed for cell division and may kill cancer cells.
Bellini duct carcinoma(beh-LEE-nee dukt KAR-sih-NOH-muh) A rare type of kidney cancer that grows and spreads quickly. It begins in the duct of Bellini in the kidney.
Bence Jones proteinA small protein made by plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies).
bench-to-bedsideA term used to describe the process by which the results of research done in the laboratory are directly used to develop new ways to treat patients.
bendamustine(BEN-duh-MUS-teen) The active ingredient in a drug that is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is being studied in the treatment of other…
bendamustine hydrochloride(BEN-duh-MUS-teen HY-droh-KLOR-ide) A drug that is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is being studied in the treatment of other types…
benign(beh-NINE) Not cancerous. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body.
Benign breast disease(beh-NINE brest dih-ZEEZ) A common condition marked by benign (noncancerous) changes in breast tissue.
benign proliferative breast disease(beh-NINE proh-LIH-fuh-ruh-tiv brest dih-ZEEZ) A group of noncancerous conditions that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
benign prostatic hyperplasia(beh-NINE prah-STA-tik HY-per-PLAY-zhuh) A benign (noncancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the…
benign prostatic hypertrophy(beh-NINE prah-STA-tik hy-PER-troh-fee) A benign (noncancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the…
benign tumor(beh-NINE TOO-mer) A noncancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
benzaldehydeA colorless oily liquid used as a flavoring agent and to make dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Benzaldehyde is chemically related to benzene.
benzeneA chemical that is used widely by the chemical industry, and is also found in tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, and gasoline fumes.
BenzodiazepineA type of CNS depressant prescribed to relieve anxiety and sleep problems. Valium and Xanax are among the most widely prescribed medications.
benzoylphenylureaA substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of antitubulin agent. Also called BPU.
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 CellsCells that produce insulin within the body(endogenous) and found in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
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…
Biologic License Application (BLA)(BLA)Biological products are approved for marketing under the provisions of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act.
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 ProductBiological products include a wide range of products such as vaccines, blood and blood components, allergenics, somatic cells, gene therapy, tissues, and…
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).