Glossary: bleomycin

A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.

Blocking the formation of neoplasms (growths that may become cancer).

The active ingredient in a drug that is used to treat many types of cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It comes from the bacterium . Bleomycin damages DNA and may kill rapidly growing cancer cells. It is a type of antineoplastic antibiotic.

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.

The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. Also called deoxyribonucleic acid.

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.