For further help with terms, visit the National Cancer Institute
website, where you can find a Dictionary of Cancer Terms (containing more
than 4,000 cancer-related terms and updated monthly with approximately 30 terms), and a Clinical Trials Resource (containing
an alphabetical listing of selected terms commonly used in cancer prevention clinical trials).
Adjuvant therapy
Also known as additional therapy, it is a treatment used in addition to the main treatment. An example is chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery, to prevent the return of cancer.
Also known as additional therapy, it is a treatment used in addition to the main treatment. An example is chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery, to prevent the return of cancer.
Androgen deprivation
The use of drugs or surgical castration to suppress the testicular production of male hormones or disrupt their actions, with the aim of preventing androgen-stimulated tumor growth.
The use of drugs or surgical castration to suppress the testicular production of male hormones or disrupt their actions, with the aim of preventing androgen-stimulated tumor growth.
Androgens
Hormones that normally promote the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics.
Hormones that normally promote the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that may cause problems with urination such as trouble starting and stopping the flow.
Non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that may cause problems with urination such as trouble starting and stopping the flow.
Biopsy
The removal of a sample of tissue in order to see whether cancer cells are present.
The removal of a sample of tissue in order to see whether cancer cells are present.
Brachytherapy
Internal radiation treatment given by placing radioactive material directly into the tumor or close to it. Also called interstitial radiation therapy or ‘seed’ implantation.
Internal radiation treatment given by placing radioactive material directly into the tumor or close to it. Also called interstitial radiation therapy or ‘seed’ implantation.
Castration
Surgery to remove the testicles (the medical term is orchiectomy).
Surgery to remove the testicles (the medical term is orchiectomy).
Catheter
A thin, flexible tube through which fluids enter or leave the body. For example, a tube to drain urine.
A thin, flexible tube through which fluids enter or leave the body. For example, a tube to drain urine.
Chemotherapy
Treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells and control disease. Chemotherapy is often used alone or with surgery or radiation to treat cancer.
Treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells and control disease. Chemotherapy is often used alone or with surgery or radiation to treat cancer.
Clinical stage
Describes the extent of cancer present based on results of diagnostic tests and the physical examination.
Describes the extent of cancer present based on results of diagnostic tests and the physical examination.
Clinical trial
Studies of promising new or experimental treatments in patients. Clinical trials are only done when there is some reason to believe that the treatment being studied may be valuable to the patient.
Studies of promising new or experimental treatments in patients. Clinical trials are only done when there is some reason to believe that the treatment being studied may be valuable to the patient.
Core needle biopsy
A procedure in which the doctor uses a narrow needle to remove a bit of tissue which is sent to the laboratory and examined under a microscope to see if cancer is present.
A procedure in which the doctor uses a narrow needle to remove a bit of tissue which is sent to the laboratory and examined under a microscope to see if cancer is present.
Cryosurgery
Surgery performed with the aid of special instruments for local freezing with liquid nitrogen (approximately minus 180°C) to destroy diseased tissue without harming normal adjacent structures.
Surgery performed with the aid of special instruments for local freezing with liquid nitrogen (approximately minus 180°C) to destroy diseased tissue without harming normal adjacent structures.
Differentiation
The degree of similarity of tumor cells to the organ from which they originated. A well differentiated cell is highly specialized, structurally highly organized and clearly recognizable. A poorly differentiated cell is structurally poorly organized and difficult to recognize. Grading tumors in this way is of prognostic value, poorly differentiated tumors having a higher risk of distant metastases/poorer survival.
The degree of similarity of tumor cells to the organ from which they originated. A well differentiated cell is highly specialized, structurally highly organized and clearly recognizable. A poorly differentiated cell is structurally poorly organized and difficult to recognize. Grading tumors in this way is of prognostic value, poorly differentiated tumors having a higher risk of distant metastases/poorer survival.
Digital rectal examination (DRE)
An exam during which the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland’s size, shape and mobility.
An exam during which the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland’s size, shape and mobility.
Dysuria
Difficult or painful urination.
Difficult or painful urination.
Endocrine system
An inter-related series of glands that secrete hormones to regulate the body’s major functions.
An inter-related series of glands that secrete hormones to regulate the body’s major functions.
Erectile dysfunction
Inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection.
Inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection.
External radiation, External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
A form of treatment in which radiation is focused from a source outside the body on the area affected by a cancer to deliver high-energy rays directed at the cancer or tumor. Dividing cells are more susceptible to radiotherapy.
A form of treatment in which radiation is focused from a source outside the body on the area affected by a cancer to deliver high-energy rays directed at the cancer or tumor. Dividing cells are more susceptible to radiotherapy.
First-line therapies
Treatments which are chosen first to treat a disease because of their efficacy.
Treatments which are chosen first to treat a disease because of their efficacy.
Gleason system
System for grading prostate cancer tumors based on the extent to which the tumor cells are arranged into recognizable structures. This system assigns a Gleason grade (ranging from 1 through 5) based on how much the cancer cells look like normal prostate cells in the prostate gland. Because prostate cancers often have areas with different grades, a grade is assigned to the 2 areas that make up most of the cancer. These 2 grades are added together to give a Gleason score (on a scale of 2 to 10; also called Gleason sum) describing how aggressive the cancer appears. The score is used to determine the best treatment, and to predict how well a person is likely to respond to treatment. The lower the Gleason score, the closer the cancer cells are to normal cells.
System for grading prostate cancer tumors based on the extent to which the tumor cells are arranged into recognizable structures. This system assigns a Gleason grade (ranging from 1 through 5) based on how much the cancer cells look like normal prostate cells in the prostate gland. Because prostate cancers often have areas with different grades, a grade is assigned to the 2 areas that make up most of the cancer. These 2 grades are added together to give a Gleason score (on a scale of 2 to 10; also called Gleason sum) describing how aggressive the cancer appears. The score is used to determine the best treatment, and to predict how well a person is likely to respond to treatment. The lower the Gleason score, the closer the cancer cells are to normal cells.
Histology
The study of cells and tissues by staining techniques and visualization by microscopy.
The study of cells and tissues by staining techniques and visualization by microscopy.
Hormone therapy
Anticancer therapy that interferes with the influence of sex hormones on tumor cells.
Anticancer therapy that interferes with the influence of sex hormones on tumor cells.
Hyperplasia (increased growth)
Too much growth of cells or tissue in a specific area, such as the prostate; see also benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Too much growth of cells or tissue in a specific area, such as the prostate; see also benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Impotence
Also called erectile dysfunction (ED), it is the inability to get an erection of the penis.
Also called erectile dysfunction (ED), it is the inability to get an erection of the penis.
In situ cancer
A cancer that is discrete and well contained and has not broken through the basement membrane or invaded any other tissue.
A cancer that is discrete and well contained and has not broken through the basement membrane or invaded any other tissue.
Incontinence, urinary
The inability to control the urine stream, resulting in leakage or dribbling of urine. Incontinence is divided into 3 types: stress incontinence, overflow incontinence, and urge incontinence.
The inability to control the urine stream, resulting in leakage or dribbling of urine. Incontinence is divided into 3 types: stress incontinence, overflow incontinence, and urge incontinence.
Informed Consent
Process in which a person learns key facts about a clinical trial, including potential risks and benefits, before deciding whether or not to participate in a study, and then informed consent continues throughout the trial.
Process in which a person learns key facts about a clinical trial, including potential risks and benefits, before deciding whether or not to participate in a study, and then informed consent continues throughout the trial.
Internal radiation
A procedure in which radioactive material is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called brachytherapy, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy.
A procedure in which radioactive material is placed directly into or near a tumor. Also called brachytherapy, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy.
Low dose rate brachytherapy (LDR)
Brachytherapy in which the radiation sources are left in place for the duration of treatment. This includes temporary LDR in which patients are hospitalized for several days of temporary brachytherapy, and permanent LDR in which seeds are permanently placed.
Brachytherapy in which the radiation sources are left in place for the duration of treatment. This includes temporary LDR in which patients are hospitalized for several days of temporary brachytherapy, and permanent LDR in which seeds are permanently placed.
Lymph node (lymph gland)
A small, bean-shaped mass of lymphatic tissue located along lymphatic vessels, containing lymphocytes which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system: they help fight infections and have a role in fighting cancer.
A small, bean-shaped mass of lymphatic tissue located along lymphatic vessels, containing lymphocytes which filter the lymphatic fluid (lymph). Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system: they help fight infections and have a role in fighting cancer.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A method of taking pictures of the inside of the body. Instead of using x-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and transmits radio waves through the body.
A method of taking pictures of the inside of the body. Instead of using x-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and transmits radio waves through the body.
Malignant
Term describing a tumor that invades and destroys the tissue in which it originates.
Term describing a tumor that invades and destroys the tissue in which it originates.
Metastasis
Spread of cancer from one part of the body to another, to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream. Cells in the metastatic (secondary) tumor are the same type as those in the original (primary) tumor. Tumors formed in this way are called metastases.
Spread of cancer from one part of the body to another, to distant areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream. Cells in the metastatic (secondary) tumor are the same type as those in the original (primary) tumor. Tumors formed in this way are called metastases.
Neo-adjuvant treatments
Treatments used prior to surgery or radiation.
Treatments used prior to surgery or radiation.
Neurovascular bundles
Nodes on both sides of the prostate that incorporate nerves and vascular tissue
Nodes on both sides of the prostate that incorporate nerves and vascular tissue
Palladium bacteriopheophorbide
A photosensitizer, also called Tookad, used for Vascular-Targeted Phototherapy (VTP).
A photosensitizer, also called Tookad, used for Vascular-Targeted Phototherapy (VTP).
Palliative therapy
Treatment given to provide relief from the symptoms and complications resulting from disease.
Treatment given to provide relief from the symptoms and complications resulting from disease.
Partin tables
Tables based on a large group of previous cases of prostate cancer, taking into account the clinical stage and Gleason score and PSA level of a man’s cancer; used to predict the likelihood that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.
Tables based on a large group of previous cases of prostate cancer, taking into account the clinical stage and Gleason score and PSA level of a man’s cancer; used to predict the likelihood that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.
Perineum
The skin between the anus and the scrotum.
The skin between the anus and the scrotum.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
A technique used to destroy a target tissue by administering a light-sensitive agent (a photosensitizer) together with the local application of light of a particular wavelength (produced by a laser), in the presence of oxygen. The photosensitizer absorbs the light and transfers the energy to the surrounding tissue, triggering cell destruction.
A technique used to destroy a target tissue by administering a light-sensitive agent (a photosensitizer) together with the local application of light of a particular wavelength (produced by a laser), in the presence of oxygen. The photosensitizer absorbs the light and transfers the energy to the surrounding tissue, triggering cell destruction.
Photosensitizer
A light-sensitive agent that can be activated by light of a particular wavelength. When the photosensitizer is activated by the light, it triggers destruction of the surrounding tissue.
A light-sensitive agent that can be activated by light of a particular wavelength. When the photosensitizer is activated by the light, it triggers destruction of the surrounding tissue.
Prostate
A gland in the male reproductive system, just below the bladder, which surrounds part of the urethra (the canal that empties the bladder) and produces a fluid that forms part of semen.
A gland in the male reproductive system, just below the bladder, which surrounds part of the urethra (the canal that empties the bladder) and produces a fluid that forms part of semen.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
An enzyme secreted by the prostate gland that is used as a marker for prostate disease. A PSA test is used to help find prostate cancer, as well as to monitor the results of a treatment.
An enzyme secreted by the prostate gland that is used as a marker for prostate disease. A PSA test is used to help find prostate cancer, as well as to monitor the results of a treatment.
Prostatectomy
The surgical removal of the prostate gland.
The surgical removal of the prostate gland.
Prostatitis
Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis is not cancer).
Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis is not cancer).
Protocol
Written, detailed action plan providing the background, specifying the objectives, and describing the design and organization of a clinical trial. Every site in the trial uses the same protocol to ensure consistency of procedures, enhance communication, and ensure that results from all sites can be combined and compared.
Written, detailed action plan providing the background, specifying the objectives, and describing the design and organization of a clinical trial. Every site in the trial uses the same protocol to ensure consistency of procedures, enhance communication, and ensure that results from all sites can be combined and compared.
Radiation oncologist
A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer.
A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer.
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
The use of high-energy radiation (from x-rays and other sources) to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy), or from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy).
The use of high-energy radiation (from x-rays and other sources) to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy), or from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy).
Radical prostatectomy
A treatment for prostate cancer in which the entire prostate, seminal vesicles and some adjacent tissue are surgically removed.
A treatment for prostate cancer in which the entire prostate, seminal vesicles and some adjacent tissue are surgically removed.
Salvage radiotherapy
Radiation treatment performed after surgery to help eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
Radiation treatment performed after surgery to help eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
Second-line therapies
Treatments used when a disease is no longer responding to first-line therapies. Second-line treatments may delay the progression of symptoms.
Treatments used when a disease is no longer responding to first-line therapies. Second-line treatments may delay the progression of symptoms.
Seminal vesicles
Two small sacs next to the prostate that store semen, the sperm-rich fluid ejaculated from the penis.
Two small sacs next to the prostate that store semen, the sperm-rich fluid ejaculated from the penis.
Sextant biopsy
A systematic biopsy procedure in which 6 evenly spaced samples from different areas of the prostate are taken for analysis.
A systematic biopsy procedure in which 6 evenly spaced samples from different areas of the prostate are taken for analysis.
Sponsor
An individual company, institution, or organization which takes responsibility for the initiation, management, or financing of a clinical trial.
An individual company, institution, or organization which takes responsibility for the initiation, management, or financing of a clinical trial.
Stage
The extent of cancer within the body, including whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Determining the stage is essential for choosing the best treatment. The stage is often described using the ‘TNM’ classification system, where T stands for tumor (its size and how far it has spread to nearby organs), N stands for spreading to lymph nodes, and M is for metastasis. Letters or numbers after the T, N, and M provide more details about each of these factors.
The extent of cancer within the body, including whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Determining the stage is essential for choosing the best treatment. The stage is often described using the ‘TNM’ classification system, where T stands for tumor (its size and how far it has spread to nearby organs), N stands for spreading to lymph nodes, and M is for metastasis. Letters or numbers after the T, N, and M provide more details about each of these factors.
Testes, testicles
The male reproductive glands (gonads). They are located in the scrotum and produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone.
The male reproductive glands (gonads). They are located in the scrotum and produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone.
Testosterone
The main male sex hormone responsible for the growth and maintenance of the secondary sexual characteristics (body and facial hair, vocal cord thickening, increased musculature).
The main male sex hormone responsible for the growth and maintenance of the secondary sexual characteristics (body and facial hair, vocal cord thickening, increased musculature).
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT)
This treatment uses sophisticated computers to map very precisely the location of the cancer within the prostate.
This treatment uses sophisticated computers to map very precisely the location of the cancer within the prostate.
Tookad
A drug (palladium bacteriopheophorbide) derived from naturally occurring chlorophyll. Tookad has unique properties that are used in procedures aiming at the targeted elimination of cancer cells.
A drug (palladium bacteriopheophorbide) derived from naturally occurring chlorophyll. Tookad has unique properties that are used in procedures aiming at the targeted elimination of cancer cells.
Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)
Examination of the anatomical structures using an ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum.
Examination of the anatomical structures using an ultrasound probe inserted into the rectum.
Transrectal ultrasonography-guided biopsy
A technique for obtaining samples of tissue in which an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum and the image provided by the ultrasound guides the positioning of a biopsy needle to the correct area for sampling.
A technique for obtaining samples of tissue in which an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum and the image provided by the ultrasound guides the positioning of a biopsy needle to the correct area for sampling.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
An operation performed via the urethra that involves the surgical removal of one or more sections of tissue from the prostate.
An operation performed via the urethra that involves the surgical removal of one or more sections of tissue from the prostate.
Ultrasound
A test that bounces sound waves off tissues and organs and changes the echoes into pictures (sonograms).
A test that bounces sound waves off tissues and organs and changes the echoes into pictures (sonograms).
Ultrasonography
Technique that provides imaging of anatomical structures using high-frequency sound waves.
Technique that provides imaging of anatomical structures using high-frequency sound waves.
Urethra
The canal that carries urine from the bladder.
The canal that carries urine from the bladder.
Urinary incontinence
Loss of control of urination.
Loss of control of urination.
Urologist
A doctor who specializes in treating problems of the urinary tract in men and women, and of the genital area in men. Urologists often perform surgery as well.
A doctor who specializes in treating problems of the urinary tract in men and women, and of the genital area in men. Urologists often perform surgery as well.
Vascular-Targeted Phototherapy (VTP)
A form of treatment based on the use of the photosensitizer Tookad. After intravenous injection, Tookad remains within the blood vessels and its activation by light of an appropriate wavelength causes vascular damage, leading to necrosis of the surrounding tissue. Due to these unique effects of Tookad, the procedure is referred to as 'Vascular-Targeted Phototherapy', or 'VTP'.
A form of treatment based on the use of the photosensitizer Tookad. After intravenous injection, Tookad remains within the blood vessels and its activation by light of an appropriate wavelength causes vascular damage, leading to necrosis of the surrounding tissue. Due to these unique effects of Tookad, the procedure is referred to as 'Vascular-Targeted Phototherapy', or 'VTP'.
Watchful waiting
A treatment approach in which no immediate action is taken to treat the patient: instead, patients are counseled and monitored regularly. If the situation changes, active treatment can be started. Also called expectant management, watchful expectancy, observation, or surveillance.
A treatment approach in which no immediate action is taken to treat the patient: instead, patients are counseled and monitored regularly. If the situation changes, active treatment can be started. Also called expectant management, watchful expectancy, observation, or surveillance.
X-ray
High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases and in high doses to treat cancer.
High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases and in high doses to treat cancer.
