Health Care Professional Information
Common Name
Rose laurel, adelfa, rosenlorbeer, karavira
Clinical Summary
Nerium oleander is an ornamental shrub native to northern Africa, the eastern Mediterranean basin and Southeast Asia. It is used in traditional medicine to treat hemorrhoids, ulcers, leprosy, and as an abortifacient. The leaf of Nerium oleander is poisonous because of oleandrin. This is a cardiac glycoside with structure and actions similar to those of digoxin. They both exert their effects by inhibiting membrane enzyme Na+, K+ -ATPase (1). However, most studies have been focused on the herb’s anticancer activities because of its apoptotic effects in various cancer cell lines (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8). It also increases the sensitivity of PC-3 human prostate cells to radiotherapy (9) and reduces gentamycin toxicity (10) In other studies oleandrin demonstrated neuroprotective activity (11) and reduced infectivity of HIV virus (24).
A hot water extract of this plant known as Anvirzel™ has been developed as a treatment for cancer, AIDS and congestive heart failure. It consists of a mixture of oleandrin and the glycone oleandrigenin. Results from an earlier study showed that it is safe in humans when injected intramuscularly although adverse effects such as injection site pain, fatigue and other GI symptoms were reported (12).
Anvirzel™ is not an approved cancer treatment in the United States. Until more data regarding its efficacy and toxicity are available, this product should not be used outside of clinical trials.
Purported Uses
- Cancer treatment
- Congestive heart failure
- Hepatitis
- AIDS
Constituents
- Cardiac glycosides: Oleandrin, odoroside, neritaloside, aglycone oleandrigenin
- Polysaccharides
Mechanism of Action
Oleandrin may slow tumor growth by inhibiting the membrane enzyme Na+, K+ -ATPase (1), especially in cells that have higher ratio of alpha 3 to alpha 1 isoform expression (13). It improves cellular export of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2)(4). Oleandrin induces apoptosis through Fas gene expression in tumor cells (14) and by suppressing NF-kB (2) (15). It selectively sensitizes lung cancer cells to apoptosis-inducing ligand Apo2L/TRAIL. This is accompanied by up-regulation of death receptors 4 (DR4) and 5 (DR5) at both the RNA and protein levels (16).
Other proposed mechanisms include the formation of superoxide radicals that cause tumor cell injury via mitochondrial disruption (7), inhibition of interleukin-8 that mediates tumorigenesis (17), activation of caspase-3 (9), induction of tumor cell autophagy (6) and inhibition of P-gp (8).
Pharmacokinetics
In a study of mice, oleandrin was rapidly absorbed when taken orally. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was reached at 20 min with elimination half-life at 2.3 +/- 0.5 h. The oral bioavailability was approximately 30%. Oleandrin concentrated mainly in the liver in the form of the aglycone oleandrigenin. Other components of oleander extract may enhance transport of oleandrin across the blood brain barrier (18). About half of circulating oleandrin is bound to plasma proteins. Both biliary and renal elimination have been shown (7).
Warnings
Unprocessed leaves from the Nerium oleander plant are highly toxic.
Adverse Reactions
- Common (Raw botanical)
Consumption of even one Nerium oleander leaf can be fatal (25). Onset of toxicity occurs several hours following consumption. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, cyanosis, hypotension, hypothermia, vertigo, respiratory paralysis and death. These symptoms can occur at a serum oleandrin level between 1.0 and 2.0 ng/ml (19).
- Reported (Anvirzel™)
Pain at injection site, fatigue, transient erythema, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Consumption of oleander leaves resulted in the death of an adult diabetic male. The oleandrin levels in the blood were roughly 10 ng/ml (20).
- Case Report
Daily intramuscular injections of Nerium oleander extract for two months are suspected as probable cause of death of a 43-year-old patient with Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma of the knee. Her symptoms included nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain and bloating followed by a gradual reduction in liver enzymes, and cardiopulmonary arrest (21).
Herb-Drug Interactions
- Digoxin: Theoretically, the cardiac glycosides in Nerium oleander may have an additive effect with digoxin, causing toxicity.
- P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates: Oleander leaf extract inhibits P-gp and may increase the blood levels of substrate drugs. (8)
Herb Lab Interactions
Digoxin and digitoxin immunoassays: Oleandrin is structurally similar to digoxin and digitoxin, and is known to cross react in various immunoassays. (22) (23)
Literature Summary and Critique
Studies are underway to determine the antitumor effects of Oleandrin.
References
- Lin Y, Ho DH, Newman RA. Human tumor cell sensitivity to oleandrin is dependent on relative expression of Na+, K+ -ATPase subunitst. Journal of experimental therapeutics & oncology. 2010;8(4):271-286.
- Manna SK, Sah NK, Newman RA, et al. Oleandrin suppresses activation of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB, activator protein-1, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase. Cancer research. Jul 15 2000;60(14):3838-3847.
- Pathak S, Multani AS, Narayan S, et al. Anvirzel, an extract of Nerium oleander, induces cell death in human but not murine cancer cells. Anti-cancer drugs. Jul 2000;11(6):455-463.
- Smith JA, Madden T, Vijjeswarapu M, et al. Inhibition of export of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) from the prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145 by Anvirzel and its cardiac glycoside component, oleandrin. Biochemical pharmacology. Aug 15 2001;62(4):469-472.
- Felth J, Rickardson L, Rosen J, et al. Cytotoxic effects of cardiac glycosides in colon cancer cells, alone and in combination with standard chemotherapeutic drugs. Journal of natural products. Nov 2009;72(11):1969-1974.
- Newman RA, Kondo Y, Yokoyama T, et al. Autophagic cell death of human pancreatic tumor cells mediated by oleandrin, a lipid-soluble cardiac glycoside. Integrative cancer therapies. Dec 2007;6(4):354-364.
- Newman RA, Yang P, Hittelman WN, et al. Oleandrin-mediated oxidative stress in human melanoma cells. Journal of experimental therapeutics & oncology. 2006;5(3):167-181.
- Turan N, Akgun-Dar K, Kuruca SE, et al. Cytotoxic effects of leaf, stem and root extracts of Nerium oleander on leukemia cell lines and role of the p-glycoprotein in this effect. Journal of experimental therapeutics & oncology. 2006;6(1):31-38.
- Nasu S, Milas L, Kawabe S, et al. Enhancement of radiotherapy by oleandrin is a caspase-3 dependent process. Cancer letters. Nov 28 2002;185(2):145-151.
- Emanuele E, Olivieri V, Aldeghi A, et al. Topical administration of oleandrin could protect against gentamicin ototoxicity via inhibition of activator protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Medical hypotheses. 2007;68(3):711.
- Dunn DE, He DN, Yang P, et al. In vitro and in vivo neuroprotective activity of the cardiac glycoside oleandrin from Nerium oleander in brain slice-based stroke models. Journal of neurochemistry. Nov 2011;119(4):805-814.
- Mekhail T, Kaur H, Ganapathi R, et al. Phase 1 trial of Anvirzel in patients with refractory solid tumors. Investigational new drugs. Sep 2006;24(5):423-427.
- Yang P, Menter DG, Cartwright C, et al. Oleandrin-mediated inhibition of human tumor cell proliferation: importance of Na,K-ATPase alpha subunits as drug targets. Molecular cancer therapeutics. Aug 2009;8(8):2319-2328.
- Sreenivasan Y, Raghavendra PB, Manna SK. Oleandrin-mediated expression of Fas potentiates apoptosis in tumor cells. Journal of clinical immunology. Jul 2006;26(4):308-322.
- Afaq F, Saleem M, Aziz MH, et al. Inhibition of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced tumor promotion markers in CD-1 mouse skin by oleandrin. Toxicology and applied pharmacology. Mar 15 2004;195(3):361-369.
- Frese S, Frese-Schaper M, Andres AC, et al. Cardiac glycosides initiate Apo2L/TRAIL-induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells by up-regulation of death receptors 4 and 5. Cancer research. Jun 1 2006;66(11):5867-5874.
- Manna SK, Sreenivasan Y, Sarkar A. Cardiac glycoside inhibits IL-8-induced biological responses by downregulating IL-8 receptors through altering membrane fluidity. Journal of cellular physiology. Apr 2006;207(1):195-207.
- Ni D, Madden TL, Johansen M, et al. Murine pharmacokinetics and metabolism of oleandrin, a cytotoxic component of Nerium oleander. Journal of experimental therapeutics & oncology. Sep-Oct 2002;2(5):278-285.
- Pietsch J, Oertel R, Trautmann S, et al. A non-fatal oleander poisoning. International journal of legal medicine. Jul 2005;119(4):236-240.
- Wasfi IA, Zorob O, Al katheeri NA, et al. A fatal case of oleandrin poisoning. Forensic science international. Aug 6 2008;179(2-3):e31-36.
- Altan E, Bitik B, Kalpakci Y, et al. Probable hepatotoxicity related to Nerium oleander extract in a patient with metastatic synovial sarcoma of the knee. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine. Feb 2009;15(2):113.
- Datta P, Dasgupta A. Interference of oleandrin and oleandrigenin in digitoxin immunoassays: minimal cross reactivity with a new monoclonal chemiluminescent assay and high cross reactivity with the fluorescence polarization assay. Therapeutic drug monitoring. Aug 1997;19(4):465-469.
- Dasgupta A, Risin SA, Reyes M, et al. Rapid detection of oleander poisoning by Digoxin III, a new Digoxin assay: impact on serum Digoxin measurement. American journal of clinical pathology. Apr 2008;129(4):548-553.
- Singh S, Shenoy S, Nehete PN, et al.Nerium oleander derived cardiac glycoside oleandrin is a novel inhibitor of HIV infectivity. Fitoterapia. 2013 Jan;84:32-9.
- Papi L, Luciani AB, Forni D, Giusiani M. Unexpected double lethal oleander poisoning. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2012 Mar;33(1):93-7.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Oleandrin can inhibit the growth of some cancer cells, but it has yet to be shown to be an effective cancer treatment.
Oleandrin is an extract from the plant, Nerium oleander, which contains substances that are similar to the active chemical found in the heart medication, digoxin. In the laboratory, Anvirzel™, a brand of oleandrin, is able to suppress growth and cause cell death in certain cancer cell lines. It also has been seen to increase the sensitivity of prostate cancer cell lines to radiation therapy. However, it is unclear whether these effects occur in the human body. Oleandrin has also been used to treat heart disease, AIDS, and hepatitis.
Purported Uses
- To treat cancer
Laboratory studies show some anticancer activity in cancer cell lines, but clinical trials have not evaluated the anticancer activities of oleandrin in humans.
There is no scientific evidence to support the following claims:
- To treat congestive heart failure
- To treat hepatitis C
- To treat AIDS
Patient Warnings
- The raw plant from which AnvirzelTM is extracted, Nerium oleander, is highly toxic. Consumption of only one Nerium oleander leaf may be fatal. The onset of toxicity occurs several hours after consumption and includes vomiting, abdominal pain, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), low blood pressure, hypothermia (low body temperature), dizziness, respiratory paralysis, and death.
Do Not Take If
- You are taking digoxin (because Anvirzel™ contains the cardiac glycosides, the same active chemical in digoxin, the two medications may have an additive effect, causing toxicity).
- You have hypercalcemia (high blood levels of calcium), hypokalemia (low blood levels of potassium), bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), ventricular tachycardia (abnormally fast ventricular heart rate), or heart failure. (Anvirzel™ contains the cardiac glycosides, the same active chemical in digoxin, and is therefore contraindicated in people with these conditions).
Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Pain at injection site
- Tumor pain
- Mastalgia (breast pain)
- Leukocytosis (abnormally high white blood cell count)
- Tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate)
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Case Report
- Consumption of oleander leaves resulted in the death of an adult diabetic male. The oleandrin levels in the blood were roughly 10 ng/ml.
- Case Report
Daily intramuscular injections of Nerium oleander extract for two months are suspected as probable cause of death of a 43-year-old patient with Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma of the Knee. Her symptoms included nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, and bloating followed by a gradual reduction of liver enzymes and cardiopulmonary arrest.
Special Point
Anvirzel™ is considered an “investigational new drug” in the United States and is not available for use except under approved clinical trials. Until more test results showing this product is effective and safe are published, it should not be used outside of clinical trials.
Last updated: June 13, 2013
abdominal (ab-DAH-mih-nul)
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.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)AIDS
A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People with AIDS are at an increased risk for developing certain cancers and for infections that usually occur only in individuals with a weak immune system. Also called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antitumor (AN-tee-TOO-mer)
Having to do with stopping abnormal cell growth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)apoptosis (A-pop-TOH-sis)
A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell leads to its death. This is the body’s normal way of getting rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. The process of apoptosis may be blocked in cancer cells. Also called programmed cell death.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)autophagy (aw-TAH-fuh-jee)
A normal process in which a cell destroys proteins and other substances in its cytoplasm (the fluid inside the cell membrane but outside the nucleus), which may lead to cell death. Autophagy may prevent normal cells from developing into cancer cells, but it may also protect cancer cells by destroying anticancer drugs or substances taken up by them.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)biliary (BIH-lee-AYR-ee)
Having to do with the liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)bloating (BLOH-ting)
A swelling or feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Bloating is usually the result of gas in the intestines and can be caused by many things, including overeating, lactose intolerance, and constipation. Bloating can also be a side effect of cancer or cancer treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood pressure (blud PREH-sher)
The force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the heart beats, when blood pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured between heart beats, when blood pressure is at its lowest). Blood pressure is written with the systolic blood pressure first, followed by the diastolic blood pressure (for example 120/80).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cardiac (KAR-dee-ak)
Having to do with the heart.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cardiopulmonary (KAR-dee-oh-PUL-muh-NAYR-ee)
Having to do with the heart and lungs.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chemical (KEH-mih-kul)
A substance made up of elements, such as hydrogen or sodium.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)congestive heart failure (kun-JES-tiv hart FAYL-yer)
Weakness of the heart muscle that leads to a buildup of fluid in body tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cyanosis (SY-uh-NOH-sis)
Blue-colored skin caused by too little oxygen in the blood.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diarrhea (dy-uh-REE-uh)
Frequent and watery bowel movements.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)digoxin (dih-JOK-sin)
A drug used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. Digoxin helps the heart work normally by controlling the amount of calcium that goes into the heart muscle. It also may kill cancer cells and make them more sensitive to anticancer drugs. It is a type of cardiac glycoside. Also called Lanoxin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)efficacy (EH-fih-kuh-see)
Effectiveness. In medicine, the ability of an intervention (for example, a drug or surgery) to produce the desired beneficial effect.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)erythema (AYR-ih-THEE-muh)
Redness of the skin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)extract (EK-strakt)
In medicine, a preparation of a substance obtained from plants, animals, or bacteria and used as a drug or in drugs.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fatigue (fuh-TEEG)
A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fibroblast (FY-broh-blast)
A connective tissue cell that makes and secretes collagen proteins.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)gene (jeen)
The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)GI
Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called gastrointestinal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hepatitis (HEH-puh-TY-tis)
Disease of the liver causing inflammation. Symptoms include an enlarged liver, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark urine.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)HIV
The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Also called human immunodeficiency virus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hypercalcemia (HY-per-kal-SEE-mee-uh)
Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some types of cancer increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hypotension (HY-poh-TEN-shun)
Abnormally low blood pressure.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)injection (in-JEK-shun)
Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot."
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)intramuscular (IN-truh-MUS-kyoo-ler)
Within or into muscle. Also called IM.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)liver (LIH-ver)
A large organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lung (lung)
One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)medication (MEH-dih-KAY-shun)
A legal drug that is used to prevent, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)metastatic (meh-tuh-STA-tik)
Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the primary site (place where it started) to other places in the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)nausea (NAW-zee-uh)
A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)paralysis (puh-RA-lih-sis)
Loss of ability to move all or part of the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)plasma (PLAZ-muh)
The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate (PROS-tayt)
A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate cancer (PROS-tayt KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)protein (PROH-teen)
A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)radiation (RAY-dee-AY-shun)
Energy released in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, medical x-rays, and energy given off by a radioisotope (unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)radiotherapy (RAY-dee-oh-THAYR-uh-pee)
The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiotherapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called irradiation and radiation therapy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)reduction (ree-DUK-shun)
A chemical reaction that takes place when a substance comes into contact with hydrogen or another reducing substance.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)RNA
One of two types of nucleic acid made by cells. RNA contains information that has been copied from DNA (the other type of nucleic acid). Cells make several different forms of RNA, and each form has a specific job in the cell. Many forms of RNA have functions related to making proteins. RNA is also the genetic material of some viruses instead of DNA. RNA can be made in the laboratory and used in research studies. Also called ribonucleic acid.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)sarcoma (sar-KOH-muh)
A cancer of the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)sensitivity (SEN-sih-TIH-vih-tee)
When referring to a medical test, sensitivity refers to the percentage of people who test positive for a specific disease among a group of people who have the disease. No test has 100% sensitivity because some people who have the disease will test negative for it (false negatives).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)serum (SEER-um)
The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)stomach (STUH-muk)
An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)synovial sarcoma (sih-NOH-vee-ul sar-KOH-muh)
A malignant tumor that develops in the synovial membrane of the joints.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)tachycardia (TA-kih-KAR-dee-uh)
Rapid beating of the heart, usually defined as greater than 100 beats per minute.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)toxic (TOK-sik)
Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)toxicity (tok-SIH-sih-tee)
The extent to which something is poisonous or harmful.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)tumor (TOO-mer)
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)virus (VY-rus)
In medicine, a very simple microorganism that infects cells and may cause disease. Because viruses can multiply only inside infected cells, they are not considered to be alive.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)white blood cell (hwite blud sel)
A type of immune cell. Most white blood cells are made in the bone marrow and are found in the blood and lymph tissue. White blood cells help the body fight infections and other diseases. Granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes are white blood cells. Also called leukocyte and WBC.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
