Glossary of Medical Terms

A type of power of attorney. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person (such as a relative, lawyer, or friend) the authority to make legal, medical, or financial decisions for another person. It may go into effect right away, or when that person is no longer able to make decisions for himself or herself. A durable power of attorney remains in effect until the person who grants it dies or cancels it. It does not need to be renewed over time. Also called DPA.

A drug that binds to the protein PD-L1 to help immune cells kill cancer cells better and is used to treat different types of cancer. Durvalumab is used alone or with other drugs to treat adults with certain types of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, stage III non-small cell lung cancer, or urothelial carcinoma (a type of bladder cancer) that is advanced or has spread to other parts of the body. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Durvalumab may block PD-L1 and help the immune system kill cancer cells. It is a type of monoclonal antibody and a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor. Also called Imfinzi.

A drug used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland. It is being studied in the treatment of male hair loss and prostate cancer. Dutasteride blocks enzymes the body needs to make male sex hormones. It is a type of 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Also called Avodart and GG745.

A drug used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma that have relapsed (come back) or have not gotten better after treatment with at least two other therapies. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Duvelisib blocks certain proteins, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It is a type of kinase inhibitor. Also called Copiktra.

The formation of a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg or lower pelvis. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area. Also called deep vein thrombosis.

An anticancer drug that is a type of antitumor antibiotic. It is an anthracycline.

An anticancer drug that is a type of topoisomerase inhibitor. Also called exatecan mesylate.

An imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy levels through the bone. It is used to diagnose osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass and density). Also called BMD scan, bone mineral density scan, DEXA, DEXA scan, dual energy x-ray absorptiometric scan, and dual x-ray absorptiometry.

A condition that affects the part of the nervous system called the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls many important automatic body processes, such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, body temperature, digestion, sweating, urination, and sexual response. Dysautonomia can affect all or part of the ANS and can cause serious problems, such as heart and blood pressure problems, trouble breathing or swallowing, or impotence in males. There are many different types of dysautonomias. They may be inherited or caused by injury or by conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson disease, autoimmune disease, and alcoholism. Sometimes, the cause is not known. Also called autonomic nervous system disorder.

Disease. Usually refers to diseases of the blood.