gefitinib
(geh-FIH-tih-nib)
A drug that is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It is a type of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called Iressa and ZD1839.
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(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)
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)
epidermal growth factor (eh-pih-DER-mul grothe FAK-ter)
A protein made by many cells in the body and by some types of tumors. It causes cells to grow and differentiate (become more specialized). It is a type of growth factor and a type of cytokine. Also called EGF.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
Iressa (i-REH-suh)
A drug that is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It is a type of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called gefitinib and ZD1839.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
kinase (KY-nays)
A type of enzyme that causes other molecules in the cell to become active. Some kinases work by adding chemicals called phosphates to other molecules, such as sugars or proteins. Kinases are a part of many cell processes. Some cancer treatments target certain kinases that are linked to cancer.
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)
receptor (reh-SEP-ter)
A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
ZD1839
A drug that is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It is a type of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called gefitinib and Iressa.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
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