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Glossary

Showing 41-50 out of 1156 Terms

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  • Anorexia nervosa

    (a-nuh-REK-see-uh ner-VOH-suh)

    An eating disorder marked by an intense fear of gaining weight, a refusal to maintain a healthy weight, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia nervosa have an abnormal loss of appetite for food, try to avoid eating, and eat as little as possible.

  • Anthracycline

    (AN-thruh-SY-klin)

    A type of antibiotic that comes from certain types of Streptomyces bacteria. Anthracyclines are used to treat many types of cancer. Anthracyclines damage the DNA in cancer cells, causing them to die. Daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and epirubicin are anthracyclines.

  • Anthracyclines

    A type of antibiotic that comes from certain types of Streptomyces bacteria. Anthracyclines are used to treat many types of cancer. Anthracyclines damage the DNA in cancer cells, causing them to die. Daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and epirubicin are anthracyclines.

  • Antibiotic

    (AN-tee-by-AH-tik)

    Drug used to kill organisms that cause disease. Since some cancer treatments can reduce your body's ability to fight infection, antibiotics may be used to treat or prevent (prophylactic) these infections.

  • Antibodies

    (AN-tee-BAH-deez)

    Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances.

  • Antibody

    (AN-tee-BAH-dee)

    A protein produced by immune system cells and released into the blood. Antibodies defend against foreign agents, such as bacteria. These agents contain certain substances called antigens. Each antibody works against a specific antigen.

  • Antibody Therapy

    (AN-tee-BAH-dee THAYR-uh-pee)

    Treatment that uses antibodies to help the body fight cancer, infection, or other diseases. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that bind to specific markers on cells or tissues. Monoclonal antibodies are a type of antibody made in the laboratory that can be used in diagnosis or treatment. In cancer treatment, monoclonal antibodies may kill cancer cells directly, they may block development of tumor blood vessels, or they may help the immune system kill cancer cells.

  • Anticoagulant

    (AN-tee-koh-A-gyuh-lunt)

    Drug that reduces the blood's ability to clot.

  • Anticonvulsant

    (AN-tee-kun-VUL-sunt)

    A drug or other substance used to prevent or stop seizures or convulsions. Also called antiepileptic.

  • Antiemetic

    (AN-tee-eh-MEH-tik)

    A drug that prevents or relieves nausea and vomiting, common side effects of chemotherapy.