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Shark Cartilage

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Glossary of Terms
[ A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O ]
[ P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W ]

-A-

abdominal: Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.

acne: A disorder of the skin marked by inflammation of oil glands and hair glands.

adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have glandular (secretory) properties.

amino acid sequence: The arrangement of amino acids in a protein. Proteins can be made from 20 different kinds of amino acids, and the structure and function of each type of protein are determined by the kinds of amino acids used to make it and how they are arranged.

anal: Having to do with the anus, which is the posterior opening of the large bowel.

angiogenesis: Blood vessel formation. Tumor angiogenesis is the growth of blood vessels from surrounding tissue to a sold tumor. This is caused by the release of chemicals by the tumor. angiogenesis inhibitor: A substance that may prevent the formation of blood vessels. In anticancer therapy, an angiogenesis inhibitor prevents the growth of blood vessels from surrounding tissue to a solid tumor.

antiangiogenic: Refers to reducing the growth of new blood vessels.

antibody: A type of protein produced by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind to only a specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies disable antigens directly. Others make the antigen more vulnerable to destruction by white blood cells.

anti-inflammatory: Refers to reducing inflammation.

antimetastatic: Refers to reducing metastasis.

aqueous: Having to do with water.

arthritis: A disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints.

astrocytoma: A tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small, star-shaped cells called astrocytes.

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-B-

B cells: White blood cells that develop from bone marrow and produce antibodies. Also called B lymphocytes.

basal cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells, small round cells found in the lower part (or base) of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.

binding agent: A substance that makes a loose mixture stick together. For example, binding agents can be used to make solid pills from loose powders.

bioavailable: The 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 mouth can be absorbed and used by the body.

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-C-

carcinoma: Cancer that begins in skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.

cartilage: A type of connective tissue that contains cells (chondrocytes) surrounded by a tough but flexible matrix. The cartilage matrix is made of several types of the protein collagen and several types of proteoglycans, which are combinations of protein and long sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin sulfate is the major glycosaminoglycan in cartilage.

case series: A group or series of case reports involving patients who were given similar treatment. Reports of case series usually contain detailed information about the individual patients. This includes demographic information (for example, age, gender, ethnic origin) and information on diagnosis, treatment, response to treatment, and follow-up after treatment.

cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.

chemotherapy: Treatment with anticancer drugs.

chondrocytes: Cartilage cells. They make the structural components of cartilage.

chondroitin sulfate: The major glycosaminoglycan (a type of sugar molecule) in cartilage.

chorioallantoic membrane: The membrane in hen's eggs that helps chicken embryos get enough oxygen and calcium for development. The calcium comes from the egg shell.

circulatory system: The system that contains the heart and the blood vessels and moves blood throughout the body. This system helps tissues get enough oxygen and nutrients, and it helps them get rid of waste products. The lymph system, which connects with the blood system, is often considered part of the circulatory system.

cisplatin: An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called platinum compounds.

clinical study: A research study in which patients receive treatment in a clinic or other medical facility. Clinical study reports can contain results for single patients (case reports) or many patients (case series or clinical trials).

clinical trial: A research study that evaluates the effectiveness of new interventions in people. Each study is designed to evaluate new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease.

collagen: A fibrous protein found in cartilage and other connective tissue.

collagenase: A type of enzyme that breaks down the protein collagen.

complementary and alternative medicine: CAM. Forms of treatment in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation.

complete response: The disappearance of all signs of cancer. Also called a complete remission.

conjunctiva: A membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and also covers the front part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva.

control group: In a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the new treatment works.

controlled study: An experiment or clinical trial that includes a comparison (control) group.

conventional therapy: A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional treatment.

cornea: The transparent part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil and allows light to enter the inside.

cultured cell line: Cells of a single type that have been grown in the laboratory for several generations (cell divisions).

cytotoxic: Cell-killing.

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-D-

dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin.

diameter: The length of a straight line that extends from one edge of a tumor or other object that is circular or spherical in shape through its center and to the opposite edge. It is a measure of size.

dysgeusia: A bad taste in the mouth. Also called parageusia.

dyspepsia: Upset stomach.

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-E-

edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

embryo: Refers to an early stage in the development of a plant or an animal. In vertebrate animals, this stage lasts from shortly after fertilization until all major body parts appear. In particular, in humans, this stage lasts from about 2 weeks after fertilization until the end of the seventh or eighth week of pregnancy.

endothelial cell: The main type of cell found in the inside lining of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart.

enema: The injection of a liquid through the anus into the large bowel.

enzyme: A protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place in the body.

evaluable patients: Patients whose response to a treatment can be measured because enough information has been collected.

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-F-

filler: An inactive substance used to make a product bigger or easier to handle. For example, fillers are often used to make pills or capsules because the amount of active drug is too small to be handled conveniently.

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-G-

gliosarcoma: A type of glioma.

glycosaminoglycan: A type of long, unbranched polysaccharide molecule. Glycosaminoglycans are major structural components of cartilage and are also found in the cornea of the eye.

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-H-

hemorrhoid: An enlarged or swollen blood vessel, usually located near the anus or the rectum.

hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver.

hormone therapy: Treatment of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding hormones. Also called hormone therapy or endocrine therapy.

hypercalcemia: Abnormally high blood calcium.

hyperglycemia: Abnormally high blood sugar

hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure.

hypothesis: A tentative proposal made to explain certain observations or facts that requires further investigation to be verified.

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-I-

in vitro: In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).

in vivo: In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body).

inflammation: A response of redness, swelling, pain, and a feeling of heat in certain areas, which is meant to protect tissues affected by injury or disease.

intraperitoneal: IP. Within the peritoneal cavity (the area that contains the abdominal organs).

intravenous: IV. Into a vein.

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-K-

keratan sulfate: A glycosaminoglycan (a type of polysaccharide) found in cartilage and in the cornea of the eye.

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-L-

lymphocyte: White blood cells. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infection and diseases.

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-M-

macrophage: A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells.

malignant: Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

matrix metalloproteinase: A member of a group of enzymes that can break down proteins, such as collagen, that are normally found in the spaces between cells in tissues (i.e., extracellular matrix proteins). Because these enzymes need zinc or calcium atoms to work properly, they are called metalloproteinases. Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in wound healing, angiogenesis, and tumor cell metastasis.

mesenteric membrane: The peritoneal membrane that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall near the back.

metastasis: The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Tumors formed from cells that have spread are called "secondary tumors," and contain cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural is metastases.

metastatic: Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.

milligram: A measure of weight. A milligram is approximately 450,000-times smaller than a pound and 28,000-times smaller than an ounce.

milliliter: A measure of volume for a liquid. A milliliter is approximately 950-times smaller than a quart and 30-times smaller than a fluid ounce. A milliliter of liquid and a cubic centimeter (cc) of liquid are the same.

millimeter: A measure of length. A millimeter is approximately 26-times smaller than an inch.

molecular mass: The sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule, based on a scale in which the atomic masses of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are 1, 12, 14, and 16, respectively. For example, the molecular mass of water, which has two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, is 18 (i.e., 2 + 16).

molecule: A chemical made up of two or more atoms. The atoms in a molecule can be the same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA, can be made up of many thousands of atoms.

myeloma: Cancer that arises in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell.

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-N-

nonmalignant: Not cancerous.

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-O-

oral: By or having to do with the mouth.

osteoporosis: A condition that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile.

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-P-

pancreas: A glandular organ located in the abdomen. It makes pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin. The pancreas is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs.

partial response: The shrinking, but not complete disappearance, of a tumor in response to therapy. Also called partial remission.

phase I trial: Phase I trials are the first step in testing a new treatment in humans. These studies test the best way to give a new treatment (for example, by mouth, intravenous infusion, or injection), and the best dose. The drug is usually given in progressively higher doses to determine the highest dose that does not cause harmful side effects. Because little is known about the possible risks and benefits of treatments being tested, phase I trials usually include only a limited number of patients who have not been helped by other known treatments.

phase I/II trial: A trial to study the safety, dosage levels, and response to a new treatment.

phase II trial: Phase II trials focus on learning whether the new treatment has an anticancer effect (for example, whether it shrinks a tumor, or improves blood test results), and whether it is effective for a particular type of cancer.

phase III trial: Phase III trials compare the results of people taking a new treatment with the results of people taking the standard treatment (for example, which group has better survival rates, and/or fewer side effects). In most cases, studies move into phase III trials only after a treatment shows promise in phases I and II. Phase III trials may include hundreds of people around the country or the world.

placebo: An inactive substance that looks the same as, and is administered in the same way as, a drug in a clinical trial.

polysaccharide: A type of carbohydrate. It contains sugar molecules that are linked together chemically.

progressive disease: Cancer that is increasing in scope or severity.

proteoglycan: A molecule that contains both protein and glycosaminoglycans, which are a type of polysaccharide. Proteoglycans are found in cartilage and other connective tissues.

psoriasis: A chronic disease of the skin marked by red patches covered with white scales.

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-Q-

quality of life: The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials measure aspects of a person's sense of well-being and ability to perform various tasks in order to assess the effects that cancer and its treatment have on the person.

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-R-

radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, neutrons, 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 materials (radioisotopes) that produce radiation that are placed in or near a tumor or in the area where cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy involves giving a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy.

randomized: Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments.

randomized clinical trial: A study in which the participants are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments. Neither the researcher nor the participant can choose the group. Using chance to assign people means that the groups will be similar and that the treatments they receive can be compared objectively. At the time of the trial, it is not known which of the treatments is best. It is the patient's choice to be in a randomized trial or not.

recurrent cancer: Cancer that has returned, at the same site as the original (primary) tumor or in another location, after the tumor had disappeared.

regional enteritis: Inflammation of the intestines, but usually only of the small intestine. Also called Crohn's disease.

regression: A decrease in the extent or size of cancer.

renal cell cancer: Cancer that develops in the lining of the renal tubules, which filter the blood and produce urine.

response: In medicine, an improvement related to treatment.

retrospective: Looking back at events that have already taken place.

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-S-

sarcoma: A cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels or other connective or supportive tissue.

scleroderma: A chronic disorder marked by hardening and thickening of the skin. Scleroderma can be localized or it can affect the entire body (systemic).

scrotum: In males, the external sac that contains the testicles.

selection bias: An error in choosing the individuals or groups to take part in a study. Ideally, the subjects in a study should be very similar to one another and to the larger population (for example, all individuals with the same disease or condition) from which they are drawn. If there are important differences, the results of the study may not be valid.

skeleton: The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs. The skeletons of vertebrates are made of bone and/or cartilage.

squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells resembling fish scales. Squamous cells are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Also called epidermoid carcinoma.

stable disease: Cancer that is not decreasing or increasing in extent or severity.

stage: The extent of a cancer within the body, including whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Staging refers to the determination of the extent of cancer.

stage III non-small cell lung cancer: Cancer has spread to structures near the lung; to the lymph nodes in the area that separates the two lungs (mediastinum); or it has spread to the lymph nodes on the other side of the chest or in the neck. Stage III is further divided into stage IIIA (usually can be resected) and stage IIIB (usually cannot be resected).

subcutaneous: Beneath the skin.

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-T-

T cell: One type of white blood cell that attacks virus-infected cells, foreign cells, and cancer cells. They also produce a number of substances that regulate the immune response.

therapeutic: Used to treat disease and help healing take place.

topical: On the surface of the body.

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-U-

ulcerative colitis: Chronic inflammation of the colon that produces ulcers in its lining. This condition is marked by abdominal pain, cramps, and loose discharges of pus, blood, and mucus from the bowel.

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-V-

vascular endothelial growth factor: Also known as VEGF. A substance made by cells that stimulates new blood vessel formation.

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-W-

white blood cell: Refers to cells in the immune system that help the body fight infection and disease. White blood cells include lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages, and others.

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