Glossary: technetium Tc 99m demobesin-4

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technetium Tc 99m demobesin-4 (tek-NEE-shee-um … deh-MAH-beh-sin …)

A substance being studied as a way to find certain types of cancer. It contains a radioactive substance called technetium linked to another substance called demobesin. Demobesin binds to the receptor for bombesin (a substance that is found at higher-than-normal levels on some types of cancer cells). Technetium Tc 99m demobsin-4 collects in cancer cells and a machine is used to find where the cancer cells are in the body. It is a type of radiopharmaceutical and a type of radioimaging agent.

bombesin (BOM-beh-sin)

A peptide (small protein) found in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. It causes the release of certain hormones and enzymes. It also causes smooth muscles to contract. Bombesin is found at high levels on small cell lung cancer cells and on other types of cancer cells. It is a type of neuropeptide and a type of hormone.

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)

radioactive (RAY-dee-oh-AK-tiv)

Giving off radiation.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

radioimaging (RAY-dee-oh-IH-muh-jing)

A method that uses radioactive substances to make pictures of areas inside the body. The radioactive substance is injected into the body, and locates and binds to specific cells or tissues, including cancer cells. Images are made using a special machine that detects the radioactive substance. Also called nuclear medicine scan.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

radiopharmaceutical (RAY-dee-oh-FAR-muh-SOO-tih-kul)

A drug that contains a radioactive substance and is used to diagnose or treat disease, including cancer. Also called radioactive drug.

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)