Glossary of Medical Terms

An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma in children. It may be used with radiation therapy. COPP-ABV regimen includes the drugs cyclophosphamide, vincristine sulfate (Oncovin), procarbazine hydrochloride, prednisone, doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin), bleomycin sulfate, and vinblastine sulfate. Also called COPP-ABV.

A substance being studied in PET imaging to detect certain types of tumors. Copper Cu 64 is a radioactive substance. It is linked to ATSM, which is taken up by tissues that have low levels of oxygen, such as some tumor tissues. A PET scanner is used to detect which cells in the body have taken up copper Cu 64-ATSM. It is a type of radioimaging agent.

A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. CoQ10 helps mitochondria (small structures in the cell) make energy. It is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). CoQ10 is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in fatty fish, beef, soybeans, peanuts, and spinach. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer and heart disease and in the relief of side effects caused by some cancer treatments. Also called coenzyme Q10, Q10, ubiquinone, and vitamin Q10.

An operation on the vocal cords or on the spinal cord.

A drug used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms that have not gotten better with other drugs. Corderone affects the electrical activity of the heart. It is a type of antiarrhythmic agent. Also called amiodarone hydrochloride.

A surgical procedure that is used to relieve pain by cutting certain nerves in the spinal cord that send pain signals. Cutting these nerves blocks feelings of pain and feelings of hot and cold. In cancer, a cordotomy is usually done for patients near the end of life to relieve severe pain that cannot be relieved by other treatments.

An anticancer drug that belongs to a family of drugs called antitumor antibiotics.

The removal of a tissue sample with a wide needle for examination under a microscope. Also called core needle biopsy.

The removal of a tissue sample with a wide needle for examination under a microscope. Also called core biopsy.

A drug used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart problems. It is also being studied in the prevention and treatment of side effects caused by some anticancer drugs. Coreg blocks certain receptors on nerve cells and causes blood vessels to dilate (widen). It is a type of antihypertensive agent and a type of antianginal agent. Also called carvedilol phosphate.