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Glossary

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  • 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 cancer and other diseases. Biological agents include antibodies, interleukins, and vaccines. Also called biologic agent and biological drug.

  • Biological profile

    (BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul PROH-file)

    A summary of the biological actions of a substance. A biological profile may come from patient data or from tests done in the laboratory or in anima.

  • Biological therapy

    (BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul THAYR-uh-pee)

    A type of treatment that uses substances made from living organisms to treat disease. These substances may occur naturally in the body or may be made in the laboratory. Some biological therapies stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection, and other diseases. Other biological therapies attack specific cancer cells, which may help keep them from growing or kill them. They may also lessen certain side effects caused by some cancer treatments. Types of biological therapy include immunotherapy (such as vaccines, cytokines, and some antibodies), gene therapy, and some targeted therapies. Also called biological response modifier therapy, biotherapy, and BRM therapy.

  • 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 disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular marker and signature molecule.

  • Biopsy

    (BY-op-see)

    The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist.

  • Bladder

    (BLA-der)

    The organ that stores urine.

  • Blasts

    Immature blood cells.

  • Blood

    (blud)

    A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.

  • Blood chemistries

    Multiple chemical determinations of the blood content. These tests are helpful in assessing your kidney and liver function.

  • Blood chemistry study

    blud KEH-mih-stree STUH-dee

    A test done on a sample of blood to measure the amount of certain substances in the body. These substances include electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride), fats, proteins, glucose (sugar), and enzymes. Blood chemistry studies give important information about how well a person's kidneys, liver, and other organs are working. An abnormal amount of a substance in the blood can be a sign of disease or side effect of treatment. Blood chemistry studies are used to help diagnose and monitor many conditions before, during, and after treatment. Also called blood chemistry test.