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Disease-free survival rate
(dih-ZEEZ ... ser-VY-vul)
In cancer, the length of time after primary treatment for a cancer ends that the patient survives without any signs or symptoms of that cancer. In a clinical trial, measuring the disease-free survival is one way to see how well a new treatment works. Also called DFS, relapse-free survival, and RFS.
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Disease progression
(dih-ZEEZ pruh-GREH-shun)
Cancer that continues to grow or spread.
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Disinfectant
(DIS-in-fek-tunt)
Any substance or process that is used primarily on non-living objects to kill germs, such as viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause infection and disease. Most disinfectants are harsh chemicals but sometimes heat or radiation may be used.
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Disorder
(dis-OR-der)
In medicine, a disturbance of normal functioning of the mind or body. Disorders may be caused by genetic factors, disease, or trauma.
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Distal
(DIS-tul)
Refers to a part of the body that is farther away from the center of the body than another part. For example, the fingers are distal to the shoulder. The opposite is proximal.
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Distant cancer
(DIS-tunt KAN-ser)
Refers to cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to distant organs or distant lymph nodes. Also known as distant metastasis.
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Diuretics
(DY-yoo-REH-tiks)
A type of drug that causes the kidneys to make more urine. Diuretics help the body get rid of extra fluid and salt. They are used to treat high blood pressure, edema (extra fluid in the tissues), and other conditions. There are many different types of diuretics. They are sometimes called water pills.
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DNA
The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. Also called deoxyribonucleic acid.
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Dose
(dose)
The amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.
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Dose-dense chemotherapy
(dose-dents KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
A chemotherapy treatment plan in which drugs are given with less time between treatments than in a standard chemotherapy treatment plan.
