Health Care Professional Information
Common Name
Sodium phenylbutyrate, 4-phenylbutyric acid, sodium 4-phenylbutyrate
Brand Name
Buphenyl® (Manuf. by Ucyclyd), triButyrate® (Manuf. by Triple Crown America)
Clinical Summary
Phenylbutyrate is a prodrug of phenylacetate, an aromatic fatty acid. Patients are prescribed phenylbutyrate off-label to treat cancer. Sodium phenylbutyrate is classified by the FDA as an orphan drug for the treatment of urea cycle disorders. Phenylbutyrate and its metabolites have also been shown to increase fetal hemoglobin production in patients with thalassemia (1) and sickle cell disease (2).
Several phase I trials are underway to evaluate phenylbutyrate for leukemias, lymphomas, and refractory solid tumors. Published phase I studies indicate low toxicity and possible activity in these cancers. A number of patients experienced disease stabilization in these trials, although disease regression was not observed (3) (4) (5) (16). Although studies point to a potential role for phenylbutyrate in treating refractory cancers, additional clinical research is required.
Multiple dose escalation trials have been performed in patients with solid tumors (3) (4) (5), Huntington's disease (6), and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (7); however, the optimal dose has yet to be defined. Oral doses up to 36 grams per day have been used with minimal toxicity (4).
Reported adverse events include fatigue, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting (4), body odor, anorexia, menstrual cycle irregularities, hypocalcemia, edema, skin rash, liver toxicity, and renal tubular acidosis. Each 500 mg tablet contains approximately 62 mg of sodium (8).
Purported Uses
- Cancer treatment
- Cystic fibrosis
- Sickle cell disease
- Thalassemia
- Urea cycle disorders
Mechanism of Action
Phenylbutyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, is a prodrug of phenylacetate, an aromatic fatty acid. In urea cycle disorders, phenylacetate reduces or normalizes serum ammonium and glutamate levels (8). Phenylbutyrate and its metabolites have also been shown to increase fetal hemoglobin production in patients with thalassemia (1) and sickle cell disease (2); it also influences the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules such as endothelin-1, possibly reducing erythrocyte attachment to vascular walls (9). In vitro studies suggest that phenylbutyrate causes cancer cell cytostasis, differentiation (10), and apoptosis (11). Phenylbutyrate also increases the sensitivity of head and neck cancer cells to cisplatin (12). Animal studies indicate that phenylbutyrate, when combined with 13-cis retinoic acid, inhibits angiogenesis and causes apoptosis of prostate cancer cells (13). Other studies show that phenylbutyrate and its metabolites up-regulate numerous lipid-metabolizing genes via human peroxisome transcription factors, inhibit p21ras prenylation, resulting in G1 arrest and apoptosis in myeloid cells (14), and down-regulate Bcl-2 in MCF7ras breast cancer cells. In vitro studies with HT-29 colon cancer cells indicate that phenylbutyrate also inactivates NF-kB, resulting in apoptosis (15).
Pharmacokinetics
Following oral administration, phenylbutyrate tablets are roughly 80% bioavailable. Phenylbutyrate has an approximate distribution of 0.3 L/kg. Cmax increases linearly following oral doses of 18, 27, and 36 grams, with blood concentrations of approximately 1670, 2327, and 3508 mM/L, respectively. Following oral or parenteral administration, phenylbutyrate is metabolized rapidly by beta-oxidation in the kidneys and liver to phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine. The biologic half-life is around 1 hour for the parent compound and approximately 1.8 and 2.8 hours for phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine, respectively. Metabolites are eliminated primarily via the kidneys.
(4)
Warnings
Each 500 mg tablet of sodium phenylbutyrate contains approximately 62 mg sodium. (8)
Adverse Reactions
Common: Fatigue, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting (4), body odor, anorexia, menstrual cycle irregularities, and amenorrhea (8)
Reported: Hypocalcemia, edema (possibly related to sodium content), skin rash (4)
Rare: Liver toxicity (elevations in AST, ALT, bilirubin, and alk phos), renal tubular acidosis (8)
Herb-Drug Interactions
No interactions of clinical significance. (8)
Literature Summary and Critique
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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References
- Olivieri NF, Rees DC, Ginder GD, et al. Treatment of thalassaemia major with phenylbutyrate and hydroxyurea. Lancet. Aug 16 1997;350(9076):491-492.
- Hines P, Dover GJ, Resar LM. Pulsed-dosing with oral sodium phenylbutyrate increases hemoglobin F in a patient with sickle cell anemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer. Feb 2008;50(2):357-359.
- Carducci MA, Gilbert J, Bowling MK, et al. A Phase I clinical and pharmacological evaluation of sodium phenylbutyrate on an 120-h infusion schedule. Clin Cancer Res. Oct 2001;7(10):3047-3055.
- Gilbert J, Baker SD, Bowling MK, et al. A phase I dose escalation and bioavailability study of oral sodium phenylbutyrate in patients with refractory solid tumor malignancies. Clin Cancer Res. Aug 2001;7(8):2292-2300.
- Camacho LH, Olson J, Tong WP, et al. Phase I dose escalation clinical trial of phenylbutyrate sodium administered twice daily to patients with advanced solid tumors. Invest New Drugs. Apr 2007;25(2):131-138.
- Hogarth P, Lovrecic L, Krainc D. Sodium phenylbutyrate in Huntington's disease: a dose-finding study. Mov Disord. Oct 15 2007;22(13):1962-1964.
- Cudkowicz ME, Andres PL, Macdonald SA, et al. Phase 2 study of sodium phenylbutyrate in ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler. Aug 7 2008:1-8.
- Package Insert: Buphenyl®, sodium phenylbutyrate. Hunt Valley (MD): Ucyclyd Pharma; 1996.
- Odievre MH, Brun M, Krishnamoorthy R, et al. Sodium phenyl butyrate downregulates endothelin-1 expression in cultured human endothelial cells: relevance to sickle-cell disease. Am J Hematol. May 2007;82(5):357-362.
- Svechnikova I, Almqvist PM, Ekstrom TJ. HDAC inhibitors effectively induce cell type-specific differentiation in human glioblastoma cell lines of different origin. Int J Oncol. Apr 2008;32(4):821-827.
- Witzig TE, Timm M, Stenson M, et al. Induction of apoptosis in malignant B cells by phenylbutyrate or phenylacetate in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Clin Cancer Res. Feb 2000;6(2):681-692.
- Burkitt K, Ljungman M. Phenylbutyrate interferes with the Fanconi anemia and BRCA pathway and sensitizes head and neck cancer cells to cisplatin. Mol Cancer. 2008;7:24.
- Pili R, Kruszewski MP, Hager BW, et al. Combination of phenylbutyrate and 12-cis retinoic acid inhibits prostate tumor growth and angiogenesis. Cancer Res. Feb 15 2001;61(4):1477-1485.
- DiGiuseppe JA, Weng LJ, Yu KH, et al. Phenylbutyrate-induced G1 arrest and apoptosis in myeloid leukemia cells: structure function analysis. Leukemia. Aug 1999;13(8):1243-1253.
- Feinman R, Clarke KO, Harrison LE. Phenylbutyrate-induced apoptosis is associated with inactivation of NF-kB in HT-29 colon cancer cells. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. Jan 2002;49(1):27-34.
- Lin J, Gilbert J, Rudek MA, et al. A phase I dose-finding study of 5-azacytidine in combination with sodium phenylbutyrate in patients with refractory solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res. 2009 Oct 1;15(19):6241-9.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Phenylbutyrate is effective in treating certain urea cycle disorders. There is some evidence of its anticancer activity. More studies are needed.
Phenylbutyrate helps remove nitrogen from the body. It is therefore approved for use in urea cycle disorders, in which the body has an impaired capacity to excrete nitrogen and ammonium build up in the blood. Phenylbutyrate has also been shown to increase fetal hemoglobin production in patients with thalassemia (a genetic disease resulting in anemia) and sickle cell disease. In laboratory experiments, phenylbutyrate causes various types of cancer cells to stop growing, differentiate (appear more “normal”), and/or undergo cell death (apoptosis) when it is directly applied to these cells. In an animal model, phenylbutyrate plus retinoic acid (a form of vitamin A) stopped the growth of blood vessels around a prostate tumor and caused cell death in prostate cancer cells. These effects have not been shown in humans.
Purported Uses
- To treat cancer
Although phenylbutyrate stops the growth of certain cancer cells when it is directly applied to them in the laboratory, most of the time such results do not translate into effects in the human body. Four small clinical trials do not support this use.
- To treat cystic fibrosis
One clinical trial weakly supports this use. More studies are needed.
- To treat hemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia (a genetic disease resulting in anemia)
Laboratory studies and clinical data from small case studies support this use; however, larger studies with placebo control groups are needed.
- To treat urea cycle disorders
Phenylbutyrate is approved by the FDA as a drug to treat urea cycle disorders.
Research Evidence
Cancer treatment:
To date, clinical trials of phenylbutyrate as a cancer treatment have been small, evaluating the safety of different doses of phenylbutyrate:
A treatment schedule for intravenous phenylbutyrate was studied in 21 patients with advanced, solid tumors. The patients received different doses of phenylbutyrate (60-360 mg/kg/d). One course of treatment consisted of two infusions each day for 2 consecutive weeks (M-F); this course was repeated every month. Some patients complained of short-term memory loss, sedation, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. While tumor shrinkage was not detected in any patient, disease stability (no increased tumor growth) was detected in 3 patients for 4-7 months. In this study, the maximum dose that was tolerated by the patients was 300 mg/kg/d. The researchers concluded that this treatment schedule may allow for longer treatments with phenylbutyrate; 1 patient tolerated 8 courses of treatment.
Patient Warnings
- This product may contain high levels of sodium.
- If you take phenylbutyrate, your doctor should monitor your liver function, body weight, blood pressure, kidney function, blood calcium levels, blood electrolytes levels, complete blood count, and menstrual cycle.
- This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Stomach upset
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body odor
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Menstrual cycle irregularities, including amenorrhea (lack of menstruation)
- Less frequent side effects include low blood calcium, edema, and skin rash
- A few cases of liver toxicity and renal tubular acidosis have been reported.
Last updated: March 20, 2012
13-cis retinoic acid (... REH-tih-NOH-ik A-sid)
A drug that is used in the treatment of acne and psoriasis and is being studied in cancer prevention. It is a type of retinoid. Also called isotretinoin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)acid (A-sid)
A chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid. Acidity is measured on a scale called the pH scale. On this scale, a value of 7 is neutral, and a pH value of less than 7 to 0 shows increasing acidity.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)administration (ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)
In medicine, the act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient. It can also refer to the way it is given, the dose, or how often it is given.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)angiogenesis (AN-jee-oh-JEH-neh-sis)
Blood vessel formation. Tumor angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. This is caused by the release of chemicals by the tumor.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)animal model (A-nih-mul MAH-dul)
An animal with a disease either the same as or like a disease in humans. Animal models are used to study the development and progression of diseases and to test new treatments before they are given to humans. Animals with transplanted human cancers or other tissues are called xenograft models.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)anorexia (a-nuh-REK-see-uh)
An abnormal loss of the appetite for food. Anorexia can be caused by cancer, AIDS, a mental disorder (i.e., anorexia nervosa), or other diseases.
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)aromatic (AYR-oh-MA-tik)
Having an odor, which often is pleasant or spicy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)bilirubin (BIH-lih-ROO-bin)
Substance formed when red blood cells are broken down. Bilirubin is part of the bile, which is made in the liver and is stored in the gallbladder. The abnormal buildup of bilirubin causes jaundice.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)bioavailable (BY-oh-uh-VAY-luh-bul)
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.
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)breast (brest)
Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)calcium (KAL-see-um)
A mineral needed for healthy teeth, bones, and other body tissues. It is the most common mineral in the body. A deposit of calcium in body tissues, such as breast tissue, may be a sign of disease.
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)CBC
A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called blood cell count and complete blood count.
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)cisplatin (sis-PLA-tin)
A drug used to treat many types of cancer. Cisplatin contains the metal platinum. It kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA and stopping them from dividing. Cisplatin is a type of alkylating agent.
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)clinical trial (KLIH-nih-kul TRY-ul)
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)colon (KOH-lun)
The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)complete blood count (kum-PLEET blud kownt)
A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called blood cell count and CBC.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)compound (KOM-pownd)
In science, a substance that is made up of more than one ingredient.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)confusion (kun-FYOO-zhun)
A mental state in which one is not thinking clearly.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dietary supplement (DY-uh-TAYR-ee SUH-pleh-ment)
A product that is added to the diet. A dietary supplement is taken by mouth, and usually contains one or more dietary ingredient (such as vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid, and enzyme). Also called nutritional supplement.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)differentiation (DIH-feh-REN-shee-AY-shun)
In cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dose (dose)
The amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dyspepsia (dis-PEP-see-uh)
Upset stomach.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)edema (eh-DEE-muh)
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)erythrocyte (eh-RITH-roh-site)
A cell that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Also called RBC and red blood cell.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)excrete (ek-SKREET)
To get rid of waste material from the blood, tissues, or organs by a normal discharge (such as sweat, urine, or stool).
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)FDA
An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The FDA also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called Food and Drug Administration.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fetal (FEE-tul)
Having to do with a fetus. A fetus is an unborn baby that develops and grows inside the uterus. In humans, the fetal period begins 8 weeks after fertilization of an egg by a sperm and ends at birth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)genetic (jeh-NEH-tik)
Inherited; having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring through genes in sperm and egg cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)head and neck cancer (... KAN-ser)
Cancer that arises in the head or neck region (in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat, or larynx [voice box]).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hemoglobin (HEE-moh-GLOH-bin)
The substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)histone (HIS-tone)
A type of protein found in chromosomes. Histones bind to DNA, help give chromosomes their shape, and help control the activity of genes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)in vitro (in VEE-troh)
In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)intravenous (IN-truh-VEE-nus)
Into or within a vein. Intravenous usually refers to a way of giving a drug or other substance through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Also called IV.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)kidney (KID-nee)
One of a pair of organs in the abdomen. Kidneys remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin (a substance that stimulates red blood cell production), and play a role in blood pressure regulation.
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)M
In chemistry, M is the amount of a substance that has 6.023 x 10(23) atoms or molecules of that substance. Also called mole (chemical).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)maximum tolerated dose (MAK-sih-mum TAH-leh-RAY-ted …)
The highest dose of a drug or treatment that does not cause unacceptable side effects. The maximum tolerated dose is determined in clinical trials by testing increasing doses on different groups of people until the highest dose with acceptable side effects is found. Also called MTD.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)menstrual cycle (MEN-stroo-ul SY-kul)
The monthly cycle of hormonal changes from the beginning of one menstrual period to the beginning of the next.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)menstruation (MEN-stroo-WAY-shun)
Periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus. From puberty until menopause, menstruation occurs about every 28 days when a woman is not pregnant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)monitor (MAH-nih-ter)
In medicine, to regularly watch and check a person or condition to see if there is any change. Also refers to a device that records and/or displays patient data, such as for an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)myeloid (MY-eh-loyd)
Having to do with or resembling the bone marrow. May also refer to certain types of hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells found in the bone marrow. Sometimes used as a synonym for myelogenous; for example, acute myeloid leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia are the same disease.
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)odor (OH-der)
A smell.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)oral (OR-ul)
By or having to do with the mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)phenylacetate (FEH-nil-A-seh-tayt)
A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)phenylbutyrate (FEH-nil-BYOO-tuh-rayt)
A substance that is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called differentiating agents.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)placebo (pluh-SEE-boh)
An inactive substance or treatment that looks the same as, and is given the same way as, an active drug or treatment being tested. The effects of the active drug or treatment are compared to the effects of the placebo.
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)refractory (reh-FRAK-tor-ee)
In medicine, describes a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)regression (reh-GREH-shun)
A decrease in the size of a tumor or in the extent of cancer in the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)renal tubular acidosis (REE-nul TOO-byoo-ler A-sih-DOH-sis)
A rare disorder in which structures in the kidney that filter the blood are impaired, producing urine that is more acid than normal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)retinoic acid (REH-tih-NOH-ik A-sid)
A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Retinoic acid is made in the body from vitamin A and helps cells to grow and develop, especially in the embryo. A form of retinoic acid made in the laboratory is put on the skin to treat conditions such as acne and is taken by mouth to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (a fast-growing cancer in which there are too many immature blood-forming cells in the blood and bone marrow). Retinoic acid is being studied in the prevention and treatment of other types of cancer. Also called all-trans retinoic acid, ATRA, tretinoin, and vitamin A acid.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)schedule (SKEH-jool)
In a clinical setting, the step-by-step plan for how patients are to be treated; for example, the drug or type of radiation therapy that is to be given, the method by which it is to be given, the amount of time between courses, and the total length of treatment.
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)sickle cell disease (SIH-kul sel dih-ZEEZ)
An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels, and do not last as long as normal red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation (change) in one of the genes for hemoglobin (the substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it from the lungs to the tissues). It is most common in people of West and Central African descent. Also called sickle cell anemia.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)sodium (SOH-dee-um)
A mineral needed by the body to keep body fluids in balance. Sodium is found in table salt and in many processed foods. Too much sodium can cause the body to retain water.
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)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)transcription (tran-SKRIP-shun)
In biology, the process by which a cell makes an RNA copy of a sequence of DNA that is a gene.
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)urea (yoo-REE-uh)
A substance formed by the breakdown of protein in the liver. The kidneys filter urea out of the blood and into the urine. Urea can also be made in the laboratory. A topical form of urea is being studied in the treatment of hand-foot syndrome (pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or redness of the hands or feet that may occur as a side effect of certain anticancer drugs). Also called carbamide.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)vitamin (VY-tuh-min)
A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Sources of vitamins are plant and animal food products and dietary supplements. Some vitamins are made in the human body from food products. Vitamins are either fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) or water-soluble (can dissolve in water). Excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue, but excess water-soluble vitamins are removed in the urine. Examples are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
