Cancer Terminology: Learn the Lingo

Adjuvant therapy refers to additional cancer treatment given after the primary treatment, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy administered following surgery.

Low levels of healthy red blood cells carrying oxygen can result from various factors, including the effects of treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Symptoms of this condition often include fatigue and dizziness, which may also occur in patients receiving adjuvant therapy.

A non-cancerous growth of cells may sometimes require adjuvant therapy, including options like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, to ensure comprehensive treatment.

The removal of a small sample of tissue, which can be examined to achieve a diagnosis, is often a crucial step in determining the appropriate treatment plan, including options such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or adjuvant therapy.

The clear yellowish fluid part of blood plays a crucial role in transporting red and white blood cells, platelets, proteins, nutrients, waste products, and hormones throughout the body. This fluid is vital, especially in patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, where it aids in the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy and immunotherapy by ensuring essential components are delivered efficiently.

A procedure to collect bone marrow cells for medical testing involves techniques that can aid in treatment decisions, including adjuvant therapy following chemotherapy or immunotherapy. An aspiration withdraws a sample of liquid bone marrow, while a biopsy removes a small core of solid bone marrow. Both procedures are essential for diagnosing conditions affecting blood cells, such as infections, leukemia, or other cancers.

A thin tube inserted into a vein or body cavity to administer medication, which can include adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, or to deliver or remove fluids.

A type of treatment known as immunotherapy involves altering a patient's T cells (a type of immune system cell) in the laboratory so they will specifically target and attack cancer cells, often used in conjunction with adjuvant therapy and chemotherapy for enhanced effectiveness.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing them or preventing their division. This type of treatment may be administered by mouth, injection, or infusion, and can also be applied to the skin, depending on the cancer's type and stage. As a form of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT), chemotherapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. Additionally, it may be part of an adjuvant therapy regimen aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Medical research studies involve participants being assigned to receive one or more health-related interventions, such as adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, to evaluate their effects on health outcomes. There are 4 phases of clinical trials.

Central venous access devices (CVAD) or central venous catheters (CVC) are inserted into the body through a large vein near the heart. These devices facilitate drawing blood samples and administering fluids, blood products, and medications into the bloodstream, which can be crucial during treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as for patients receiving adjuvant therapy.

A substance or process, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, can damage cells or cause them to die, often necessitating the use of adjuvant therapy to enhance treatment outcomes.

The hospital is approved to provide cancer care for young adults aged 19-24 years, offering comprehensive adult cancer services that include adjuvant therapy options such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The ability of an intervention, such as adjuvant therapy, to produce the desired beneficial effect is crucial in healthcare. Efficacy is the measure of how well a medical intervention, like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, works under ideal, controlled conditions, such as those found in a clinical trial.

The study of genes in our DNA, their functions, and their influence on the growth, development, and functioning of the body is crucial, especially when considering treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant therapy.

A protein inside red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs, and carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs, plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy, especially when used alongside chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The study of blood and blood disorders encompasses the examination and treatment of blood-forming tissues like the bone marrow, as well as blood-related disorders and cancers. This includes addressing issues with bleeding and clotting, and may involve adjuvant therapy alongside chemotherapy and immunotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes.

The study of tissues and cells under a microscope is essential in understanding how adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can effectively target and treat various diseases.

The immune system is a complex system of the body that defends it against infection. It is a combination of cells, tissues, and organs that protect against diseases caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, and other parasites. In the context of treating certain illnesses, adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can play crucial roles in enhancing the immune response and fighting off infections.

Drugs that prevent or lower your immune system include those used in adjuvant therapy, as well as treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy utilizes your own immune system to combat cancer by helping it recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach can be used on its own or alongside other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or as an adjuvant therapy. Immunotherapy is a standard treatment option for certain types of cancer and falls under the category of systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT).

Administering fluids, medications, or other nutrients directly into a vein allows for rapid absorption and delivery, which is particularly important in treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, where adjuvant therapy may also be utilized.

The injection of a substance directly into muscle can be a vital part of various treatments, including adjuvant therapy, which often complements chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

This treatment involves the injection of anticancer drugs, such as those used in chemotherapy and adjuvant therapy, into the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Additionally, immunotherapy can also be utilized in this context.

Side effects of cancer treatment, such as those from chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or adjuvant therapy, may not appear for months or even years after the treatment has concluded.

Leukaemia is a cancer of blood cells in the bone marrow, primarily affecting white blood cells. There are various types of leukaemia, classified by the specific type of blood cell involved and the progression of the disease. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant therapy, depending on the individual case.

Lymphocytes are a type of immune cell produced in the bone marrow. These important cells help the body combat disease and infection by recognizing and responding to specific foreign invaders called antigens. In treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, lymphocytes play a crucial role, and they may also be enhanced through adjuvant therapy to improve the body’s response against illnesses.

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the immune system's ability to fight infection. There are different types of lymphoma, classified based on how the cells are affected and how the lymphoma behaves. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment options for lymphoma often include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant therapy to enhance the effectiveness of the primary treatment.

These are cancerous cells or tumours characterised by uncontrolled growth that can invade nearby tissues and may spread (metastasise) to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Treatment options such as adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are often employed to manage and combat this aggressive growth.

The spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed to another part of the body can often necessitate treatments such as chemotherapy, adjuvant therapy, or immunotherapy to help manage the disease effectively.

Laboratory-produced proteins that mimic the body's natural antibodies are crucial in modern medicine. They are designed to target specific antigens, such as those found on cancer cells or pathogens, aiding in diagnosis and treatment. These proteins play a significant role in adjuvant therapy, complementing chemotherapy and immunotherapy to enhance the body's response against diseases.

Adjuvant therapy, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, is administered before the main treatment to shrink the tumor, for example, using chemotherapy prior to surgery.

A low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cells) in the blood can leave the patient more susceptible to infection, especially during treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. This condition might lead to neutropenic sepsis, which can be further managed with adjuvant therapy.

A modified diet for people undergoing adjuvant therapy, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, is crucial for those with weakened immune systems (neutropenia) to reduce the risk of infection from foodborne bacteria. This diet involves eating only well-cooked foods and avoiding raw or undercooked items, unpasteurized dairy, and unwashed produce to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

A type of white blood cell that acts as the first line of defense in the body's innate immune system, playing a crucial role in responses to treatments such as adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

The Operational Delivery Network is a structured framework within a healthcare system, designed to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of specialised services, such as adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, across different locations and providers.

A branch of medicine focused on the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, which often includes various approaches such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant therapy.

Relating to the branch of medicine that deals with children and their diseases, which may involve treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant therapy.

Specialised medical care focused on improving the quality of life for people with serious illnesses and their families, by managing symptoms and providing emotional and practical support, regardless of whether a cure is possible. This includes options like adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to enhance comfort and well-being.

Detailed plans or guidelines that outline specific procedures, treatments, or interventions, such as adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, for managing a particular medical condition, disease, or situation, aim to improve patient care quality and safety.

The science dealing with X-rays and other high-energy radiation, particularly in the context of using such radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, plays a crucial role in various therapeutic approaches, including adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources, alongside adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, aims to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.

A disease, condition, or symptom that does not respond to treatment, such as certain cases where chemotherapy or immunotherapy fail, or one that becomes resistant after initially responding, may require adjuvant therapy for better management.

When cancer returns after a period where it was not detectable, it may be necessary to explore treatment options such as adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

When there is no sign of cancer in the body after treatment, it may indicate the effectiveness of therapies such as adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy is a term that encompasses all drug treatments used to treat or control cancer, including approaches such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant therapy.

Unique cells with the ability to develop into various specialised cell types play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. These cells, which can be utilized in adjuvant therapy alongside chemotherapy and immunotherapy, are broadly classified into embryonic and adult stem cells.

Stem cells are collected from the bloodstream or bone marrow, either from your own bloodstream or bone marrow or from a donor. Before the transplant, you will undergo conditioning treatment, which typically involves chemotherapy but may also include adjuvant therapy such as radiotherapy and targeted cancer drugs. This conditioning treatment aims to kill cancer cells, but it also affects stem cells. After the treatment is complete, stem cells are infused through a drip into your bloodstream, which may be complemented by immunotherapy to enhance recovery.

The insertion of medications beneath the skin, either by injection or infusion, can play a crucial role in treatment plans that include adjuvant therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Targeted therapies are types of cancer treatments that utilize drugs to attack specific abnormalities in cancer cells, which aid in their growth and survival. Often referred to as precision medicine, these therapies are designed to provide a more personalized approach for treating specific types of cancer. Examples of targeted therapies include monoclonal antibodies and PARP inhibitors. They can be employed alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or adjuvant therapy, and may also complement immunotherapy for enhanced effectiveness.

This refers to the potential of a drug to cause harm to a patient, which is an important consideration in treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and even in the use of adjuvant therapy.

The process of preparing a teenager to transition from children's to adult (TYA) healthcare often involves understanding various treatment options such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and even adjuvant therapy as they navigate their health journey.

Teenagers and young adults often face unique challenges when dealing with serious health conditions. In these cases, treatment options such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant therapy can play a critical role in their recovery and overall health.