Health Care Professional Information
Brand Name
Wobenzym ®, WOBE-MUGOS, Zymactive
Clinical Summary
Proteolytic enzyme (PE) treatments were first popularized in Germany in the 1960s for inflammation, osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. The products usually contain a mixture of pancreatin, papain, bromelain trypsin and chymotrypsin. Studies done in vitro and in mice have shown that PEs have immunomodulatory and tumoricidal properties (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6). Such effects are thought to result from degradation of abnormal immune complexes.
Oral administration of PEs to healthy volunteers resulted in an increase in release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (7).
Although epidemiological studies suggest beneficial effects of PEs as adjuvants in patients with head and neck cancers (8), multiple myeloma (9), breast cancer (10), and cervical cancer (11), conflicting data do not support the findings (12). Further, results from a study involving patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer showed a decrease in overall survival and poorer quality of life with proteolytic enzymes compared to standard gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (14).
Reported adverse effects from use of PEs include mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms (13).
Food Sources
Pineapple stem is a good source of Bromelain. Papain is obtained from Papaya plant and fruits.
Purported Uses
- Cancer treatment
- Hepatitis C
- High cholesterol
- Immunomodulation
- Inflammation
- Viral infections
Constituents
May contain a combination of the following:
- Pancreatin
- Papain
- Bromelain trypsin
- Chymotrypsin
Mechanism of Action
Although the exact mechanism is not clear, PEs are thought to exert immunomodulatory effects by causing an increase in release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (7) or by production of TNF and Interleukins IL-6 and IL-1B that cause cytotoxic effects (1) (2). Bromelain has been shown to lower the tumorigenic/metastatic capacities of Sarcoma L-1 cells (3). It also inhibited glioma cell migration and invasion by affecting expression of integrins, necessary for cellular migration and invasion (5). A study done in mice with B16 melanoma showed inhibition of metastasis when exposed to PEs by reduced expression of CD44 and CD54 molecules (6).
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal disturbance
- See also Bromelain
Literature Summary and Critique
Beuth J. et al. Impact of complementary oral enzyme application on the postoperative treatment results of breast cancer patients - results of an epidemiological multicentre retrolective cohort study. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2001; 47(Suppl):S45-54.This study involved 649 breast cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment (radiation, chemo, or hormonal therapy) at 216 centres. Of these, 239 patients received an oral enzyme comprised of papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, whereas 410 received only conventional treatment. The results showed that symptoms such as infections, skin disorders, tumor pain, headache, and cachexia associated with cancer and cancer treatment were significantly less in patients who received oral enzyme. However, because of the short duration over which these observations were made, they are not conclusive. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these observations.
Gujral MS, et al. Efficacy of hydrolytic enzymes in preventing radiation therapy-induced side effects in patients with head and neck cancers. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2001; 47(Suppl):S23-S28.
One hundred patients with head and neck cancers receiving radiotherapy were randomized for this study. The test group received an oral enzyme made of papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, whereas the control group did not receive the enzyme or placebo. Researchers found statistically significant reduction in symptoms such as mucositis, dysphagia and skin reaction associated with radiotherapy. In addition, the number of patients progressing toward moderate and severe reactions was less in the test group compared to the control group. Another study with larger sample size is being performed to verify the above effects.
Martin T, et al. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial. Radiotherapy and Oncology 2002; 65:17-22.
Fifty-six patients with an indication for pelvic radiation following surgery were randomized to receive an oral enzyme preparation or placebo. Patients were given four capsules three times a day of the enzyme three days before radiation and finishing on the last day of treatment. All patients received similar amounts of radiation. Results did not show any benefits of oral enzyme in reducing the toxic effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting from radiation.
Chabot JA, Tsai WY, Fine RL, et al. Pancreatic Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy Compared With Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Apr 20;28(12):2058-63.
Fifty-five patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer were enrolled in this controlled, observational study. Twenty-three patients chose gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, whereas 32 elected enzyme treatment that consisted of pancreatic enzymes, nutritional supplements, detoxification, and an organic diet. The two groups had no statistically significant differences in quality of life or pathology at enrollment. At one year time point, researchers observed an increase in overall survival (a 9.7 month difference in median survival) and better quality of life (P < .01) in patients who chose gemcitabine-based chemotherapy compared to those in the proteolytic enzyme group.
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References
- Desser L, Rehberger A, Paukovits W. Proteolytic enzymes and amylase induce cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Cancer Biother 1994; 9(3):253-263.
- Desser L, Rehberger A.Induction of tumor necrosis factor in human peripheral-blood mononuclear cells by proteolytic enzymes. Oncology 1990; 47(6):475-477.
- Beuth J, Braun JM. Modulation of murine tumor growth and colonization by bromelaine, an extract of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosum L.) In Vivo 2005; 19(2):483-485.
- Desser L, Rehberger A, Kokron E, Paukovits W. Cytokine synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after oral administration of polyenzyme preparations. Oncology 1993; 50(6):403-407.
- Tysnes BB, Maurer HR, Porwol T, Probst B, Bjerkvig R, Hoover F. Bromelain reversibly inhibits invasive properties of glioma cells. Neoplasia 2001; 3(6):469-479.
- Wald M, Olejar T, Sebkova V, Zadinova M, Boubelik M, Pouckova P. Mixture of trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain reduces formation of metastases and extends survival time of C57Bl6 mice with syngeneic melanoma B16. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2001; 47 Suppl:S16-S22.
- Zavadova E, Desser L, Mohr T. Stimulation of reactive oxygen species production and cytotoxicity in human neutrophils in vitro and after oral administration of a polyenzyme preparation. Cancer Biother 1995; 10(2):147-152.
- Gujral MS, Patnaik PM, Kaul R et al. Efficacy of hydrolytic enzymes in preventing radiation therapy-induced side effects in patients with head and neck cancers. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2001; 47 Suppl:S23-S28.
- Sakalova A, Bock PR, Dedik L et al. Retrolective cohort study of an additive therapy with an oral enzyme preparation in patients with multiple myeloma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2001; 47 Suppl:S38-S44.
- Beuth J, Ost B, Pakdaman A et al. Impact of complementary oral enzyme application on the postoperative treatment results of breast cancer patients—results of an epidemiological multicentre retrolective cohort study. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2001; 47 Suppl:S45-S54.
- Dale PS, Tamhankar CP, George D, Daftary GV. Co-medication with hydrolytic enzymes in radiation therapy of uterine cervix: evidence of the reduction of acute side effects. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2001; 47 Suppl:S29-S34.
- Martin T, Uhder K, Kurek R et al. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial. Radiother Oncol 2002; 65(1):17-22.
- Popiela T, Kulig J, Hanisch J, Bock PR. Influence of a complementary treatment with oral enzymes on patients with colorectal cancers—an epidemiological retrolective cohort study. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2001; 47 Suppl:S55-S63.
- Chabot JA, Tsai WY, Fine RL, et AL. Pancreatic Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy Compared With Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2010;28(12):2058-63.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Proteolytic enzymes have not been shown to treat cancer.
Proteolytic enzyme (PE) treatments were first used in Germany in the 1960s for inflammation, osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. The products usually contain a mixture of pancreatin, papain, bromelain trypsin and chymotrypsin. Laboratory studies have shown that PEs can affect the growth of cancer cells. Although PEs were reported to benefit patients with cancer, evidence from recent studies does not support such claims.
Gastrointestinal disturbance has been reported from use of PEs.
Purported Uses
- Inflammation
Observational studies suggest beneficial effects but clinical data are lacking.
- Autoimmune diseases
This use is not backed by clinical data.
- Viral infections
There is no scientific evidence to support this use.
- Cancer treatment
Data from some observational studies suggest beneficial effects but randomized controlled trials are needed to verify such effects.
- Hepatitis C
This use is not supported by scientific evidence.
Research Evidence
Cancer Treatment
An epidemiological study was conducted to observe the effects of an oral enzyme (made up of papain, trypsin and chymotrypsin) in patients with breast cancer. Out of 649 patients, 239 received the oral enzyme whereas 410 patients received only conventional treatment. Researchers found that symptoms such as infections, skin disorders, tumor pain, and headache resulting both from cancer and cancer treatments were less in patients who took the oral enzyme. Since the observations were made over a short period of time, more research is needed.
One hundred patients with head and neck cancers receiving radiotherapy participated in another study. Patients in the study group received three tablets of an oral enzyme (made of papain, trypsin and chymotrypsin) three times a day from 3 days prior to beginning radiotherapy until 5 days after completing radiotherapy. Patients in the control group did not receive the enzyme. Researchers found a reduction in symptoms such as mucositis (inflammation of mucus membrane), dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) and skin reaction associated with radiotherapy in patients from the study group. Studies with more patients are needed to verify the above effects.
Another study involved 56 cancer patients who were given either four capsules of an oral enzyme preparation three times a day, three days before pelvic radiation and finishing on the last day of treatment or placebo. All patients received similar amounts of radiation. Results did not show any benefits of the oral enzyme in reducing the severe side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting due to radiotherapy.
Fifty-five patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer were enrolled in this controlled, observational study. Twenty-three patients chose gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, whereas 32 elected enzyme treatment that consisted of pancreatic enzymes, nutritional supplements, detoxification, and an organic diet. The two groups had no significant differences in quality of life or pathology at enrollment. At one year time point, researchers observed an increase in overall survival and better quality of life in patients who chose gemcitabine-based chemotherapy compared to those in the proteolytic enzyme group.
Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbance has been reported with use of proteolytic enzymes.
- See also Bromelain
Last updated: June 1, 2012
abnormal (ab-NOR-mul)
Not normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancer, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign (not cancer).
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)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)breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)bromelain (BROH-meh-layn)
An enzyme found in pineapples that breaks down other proteins, such as collagen and muscle fiber, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as a meat tenderizer in the food industry.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cachexia (kuh-KEK-see-uh)
Loss of body weight and muscle mass, and weakness that may occur in patients with cancer, AIDS, or other chronic diseases.
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)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)cervical (SER-vih-kul)
Relating to the neck, or to the neck of any organ or structure. Cervical lymph nodes are located in the neck. Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the uterine cervix, which is the lower, narrow end (the “neck”) of the uterus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
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)control group (kun-TROLE groop)
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.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)conventional treatment (kun-VEN-shuh-nul TREET-ment)
A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional therapy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cytotoxic (SY-toh-TOK-sik)
Cell-killing.
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)diet (DY-et)
The things a person eats and drinks.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dysphagia (dis-FAY-jee-uh)
Difficulty swallowing.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)enzyme (EN-zime)
A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul)
Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)glioma (glee-OH-muh)
A cancer of the brain that begins in glial cells (cells that surround and support nerve cells).
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)IL-1B
One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. IL-1B, one form of IL-1, is made mainly by one type of white blood cell, the macrophage, and helps another type of white blood cell, the lymphocyte, fight infections. It also helps leukocytes pass through blood vessel walls to sites of infection and causes fever by affecting areas of the brain that control body temperature. The other form of IL-1, IL-1-alpha, acts the same as IL-1B. IL-1B made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. IL-1B is a type of cytokine. Also called IL-1-beta and interleukin-1-beta.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)IL-6
One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. IL-6 is made mainly by some T lymphocytes. It causes B lymphocytes to make more antibodies and also causes fever by affecting areas of the brain that control body temperature. IL-6 made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. IL-6 is a type of cytokine. Also called interleukin-6.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)indication (IN-dih-KAY-shun)
In medicine, a sign, symptom, or medical condition that leads to the recommendation of a treatment, test, or procedure.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inflammation (IN-fluh-MAY-shun)
Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inoperable (in-AH-peh-ruh-bul)
Describes a condition that cannot be treated by surgery.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)L
A measure of volume for a liquid, using the metric system. One L is equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cc), 1,000 milliliters (mm), or 1.0567 quarts (qt). Also called liter.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)median (MEE-dee-un)
A statistics term. The middle value in a set of measurements.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)melanoma (MEH-luh-NOH-muh)
A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)metastasis (meh-TAS-tuh-sis)
The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-tuh-SEEZ).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)mucositis (myoo-koh-SY-tis)
A complication of some cancer therapies in which the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Often seen as sores in the mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)mucus (MYOO-kus)
A thick, slippery fluid made by the membranes that line certain organs of the body, including the nose, mouth, throat, and vagina.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)multiple myeloma (MUL-tih-pul MY-eh-LOH-muh)
A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Also called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma.
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)observational study (OB-ser-VAY-shuh-nul STUH-dee)
A type of study in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured. No attempt is made to affect the outcome (for example, no treatment is given).
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)oxygen (OK-sih-jen)
A colorless, odorless gas. It is needed for animal and plant life. Oxygen that is breathed in enters the blood from the lungs and travels to the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pancreatic (PAN-kree-A-tik)
Having to do with the pancreas.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pancreatic cancer (PAN-kree-A-tik KAN-ser)
A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. Also called exocrine cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pelvic (PEL-vik)
Having to do with the pelvis (the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones).
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)quality of life (KWAH-lih-tee ... life)
The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities.
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)randomized
Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments.
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)reactive oxygen species (ree-AK-tive OK-sih-jen SPEE-sees)
A type of unstable molecule that contains oxygen and that easily reacts with other molecules in a cell. A build up of reactive oxygen species in cells may cause damage to DNA, RNA, and proteins, and may cause cell death. Reactive oxygen species are free radicals. Also called oxygen radical.
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)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)significant (sig-NIH-fih-kunt)
In statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called statistically significant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)statistically significant (stuh-TIS-tih-kuh-lee sig-NIH-fih-kunt)
Describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be statistically significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called significant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)TNF
A protein made by white blood cells in response to an antigen (substance that causes the immune system to make a specific immune response) or infection. TNF can also be made in the laboratory. It may boost a person’s immune response, and also may cause necrosis (cell death) of some types of tumor cells. TNF is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a type of cytokine. Also called tumor necrosis factor.
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)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)viral (VY-rul)
Having to do with a virus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
