Understanding Medical Terms

A targeted cancer therapy that combines an antibody (which targets specific cancer cells) with a cytotoxic drug (which kills cells).

An abnormal fusion gene created by a chromosomal translocation (Philadelphia chromosome), which drives chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

A cell membrane protein expressed on activated T and B cells, and highly expressed in Hodgkin lymphoma and some other lymphomas.

A type of immunotherapy drug that blocks checkpoint proteins from binding with their partner proteins, preventing the 'off' signal from being sent and allowing T cells to kill cancer cells.

A type of blood cancer characterized by increased production of myeloid cells in the bone marrow and accumulation in the blood.

The disappearance of all signs of cancer in response to treatment, though cancer may still be present in the body.

A type of cancer that tests positive for HER2 protein, which promotes the growth of cancer cells.

Cancers that start in the squamous cells lining the moist surfaces inside the head and neck, including the mouth, nose, and throat.

A type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.

Side effects caused by immunotherapy when the activated immune system attacks normal organs and tissues.

A type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer by using substances made by the body or in a laboratory to boost or restore immune system function.

A method of delivering medication directly into a vein over a period of time, typically 30-90 minutes.

Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) tumors have defects in DNA repair mechanisms, making them highly responsive to immunotherapy.

A type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin.

A laboratory-made protein that acts like human antibodies in the immune system, designed to attach to specific targets on cells.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all lung cancer cases.

The length of time from treatment start that patients remain alive, the gold standard endpoint in cancer trials.

A type of immunotherapy that blocks the PD-1 protein on immune cells, allowing them to attack cancer cells more effectively.

The level of PD-L1 protein present on tumor cells or immune cells, used as a biomarker to predict response to immunotherapy.

A type of immunotherapy that blocks the PD-L1 protein on cancer cells, preventing it from binding to PD-1 on immune cells.

The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives with cancer without it getting worse.

The most common type of kidney cancer in adults, originating from the lining of the kidney tubules.

The schedule of when a treatment is given, including the treatment period and rest period.

A type of targeted therapy that blocks enzymes called tyrosine kinases, which help send growth signals in cells.

Cancer that begins in the urothelial cells lining the bladder, ureters, or renal pelvis.