Glossary of Medical Terms

A type of chemical in marijuana that causes drug-like effects all through the body, including the central nervous system and the immune system. The main active cannabinoid in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Cannabinoids may help treat the symptoms of cancer or the side effects of cancer treatment.

The dried leaves and flowering tops of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. Cannabis contains active chemicals called cannabinoids that cause drug-like effects all through the body, including the central nervous system and the immune system. Cannabis may help treat the symptoms of cancer or the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea and vomiting, pain, and cachexia (loss of body weight and muscle mass). Also called marijuana.

A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The ingredients thought to be in Cantron have been tested, and none of them have been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer. Cantron is not available in the United States. Also called 126–F, Cancell, Jim’s Juice, JS–101, JS–114, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.

A small piece of a tumor marker called carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). CEA may be found in the blood of people who have colon cancer, other types of cancer or diseases, or who smoke tobacco. CAP-1 is used to make a vaccine that may help stimulate the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells. Also called carcinoembryonic antigen peptide-1 and CEA peptide-1.

A drug used to treat stage III colorectal cancer that was removed by surgery and colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and has not gotten better after treatment with other anticancer drugs. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Capecitabine is taken up by cancer cells and breaks down into 5-fluorouracil, a substance that kills cancer cells. Capecitabine is a type of antimetabolite. Also called Xeloda.

The smallest type of blood vessel. A capillary connects an arteriole (small artery) to a venule (small vein) to form a network of blood vessels in almost all parts of the body. The wall of a capillary is thin and leaky, and capillaries are involved in the exchange of fluids and gases between tissues and the blood.

A condition in which fluid and proteins leak out of tiny blood vessels and flow into surrounding tissues, resulting in dangerously low blood pressure. Capillary leak syndrome may lead to multiple organ failure and shock.

A rare genetic condition that causes abnormalities of blood vessels, including swelling of the capillaries (small blood vessels) near the surface of the skin. The swollen capillaries usually appear as small, round, pink or red spots on the skin of the face, arms, and legs. They may appear at birth or develop during childhood. More serious blood vessel abnormalities that affect the skin, muscle, bone, spine, brain, and heart may also occur. These can lead to serious problems, including abnormal bleeding, migraines, seizures, and congestive heart failure. Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome is a type of disease called a RASopathy that is caused by mutations (changes) in the RASA1 gene. This gene makes a protein involved in a cell signaling pathway that controls many important cell functions. Also called CM-AVM syndrome.

An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used to treat esophageal cancer and stomach cancer that are advanced or have spread to other parts of the body. It includes the drugs capecitabine (Xeloda) and irinotecan hydrochloride. Also called CAPIRI regimen, XELIRI, and XELIRI regimen.

An abbreviation for a chemotherapy combination used to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used to treat esophageal cancer and stomach cancer that are advanced or have spread to other parts of the body. It includes the drugs capecitabine (Xeloda) and irinotecan hydrochloride. Also called CAPIRI, XELIRI, and XELIRI regimen.