Glossary of Medical Terms

A drug used to treat a rare condition called multicentric Castleman disease in patients who do not have HIV or human herpesvirus 8. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer and other conditions. CNTO 328 binds to a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is made by some white blood cells and other cells in the body. CNTO 328 may help reduce inflammation and stop the growth of cancer cells or abnormal blood cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called anti-IL-6 chimeric monoclonal antibody, cCLB8, siltuximab, and Sylvant.

A mixture of two or more different kinds of cells that are grown together.

A drug used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and protozoa. It is a combination of two anti-infection drugs, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.

A T cell that has been coated with monoclonal antibodies to enhance its ability to kill tumor cells.

A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Cobalamin helps make red blood cells, DNA, RNA, energy, and tissues, and keeps nerve cells healthy. It is found in liver, meat, eggs, poultry, shellfish, milk, and milk products. Cobalamin is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Not enough cobalamin can cause certain types of anemia (a condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal) and neurologic disorders. It is being studied with folate in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Also called cyanocobalamin and vitamin B12.

A radioactive form of the metal cobalt, which is used as a source of radiation to treat cancer.

A drug used with vemurafenib to treat melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body. It is used in patients whose cancer has a mutated (changed) form of a gene called BRAF. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Cobimetinib fumarate blocks certain proteins made by the mutated BRAF gene, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It is a type of kinase inhibitor and a type of targeted therapy. Also called Cotellic.

The small bone at the bottom of the spine. It is made up of 3-5 fused bones. Also called tailbone.

A genetic condition characterized by short stature, premature aging, sensitivity to light, and possibly deafness and mental retardation.

A drug used to treat pain, cough, and diarrhea. It is made from opium or morphine and binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Codeine phosphate is a type of opiate, a type of analgesic agent, a type of antitussive agent, and a type of antidiarrheal agent.