Glossary of Medical Terms

A protein on the surface of certain cells that binds another protein called TRAIL, which may kill some cancer cells. An increase in the amount or activity of death receptor 5 on cancer cells may kill more cells. Also called DR5, TRAIL receptor 2, TRAIL-R2, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 10B.

A rare, inherited disorder in which blisters form on the skin and the moist inner lining of some organs and body cavities. The blisters usually appear at birth and may occur on certain parts of the body (such as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees) or all over the body (including the mouth, esophagus, and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the eyes, and the genitourinary tract). This can lead to scarring in the affected areas and thinning of the skin. Other signs and symptoms include small white bumps on the skin; deformities in the fingers, toes, nails, teeth, and joints; trouble chewing and swallowing; vision loss and other eye problems; anemia; slow growth; and poor nutrition. Some people with DEB have a very high risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer at an early age. There are several types of DEB. It is caused by a mutation (change) in the COL7A1 gene. Also called dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Surgical removal of as much of a tumor as possible. Debulking may increase the chance that chemotherapy or radiation therapy will kill all the tumor cells. It may also be done to relieve symptoms or help the patient live longer. Also called tumor debulking.

Dead.

A drug used to treat myelodysplastic syndromes. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Decitabine stops cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite. Also called Dacogen.

A combination of two drugs used to treat adults with certain types of myelodysplastic syndromes, including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Decitabine stops cells from making DNA, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. Cedazuridine prevents the breakdown of decitabine in the body, which may allow more cancer cells to be killed. Decitabine and cedazuridine is a type of antimetabolite and a type of cytidine deaminase inhibitor. Also called Inqovi.

A substance being studied as a way to detect bone growth in patients receiving bisphosphonates (a type of drug used to treat bone pain caused by some types of cancer) for breast cancer. It binds to newly formed bone. A biopsy is done and bone growth is measured using a special microscope. Declomycin is a type of tetracycline antibiotic and a type of bone-labeling agent. Also called demeclocycline hydrochloride.

Deterioration in a person’s ability to cope with life stresses, which may lead to the development of symptoms of psychological distress.

Removal of part or all of the external surface of an organ.

Damage to an area of the skin caused by constant pressure on the area for a long time. This pressure can lessen blood flow to the affected area, which may lead to tissue damage and tissue death. Decubitus ulcers often form on the skin covering bony areas of the body, such as the back, tailbone, hips, buttocks, elbows, heels, and ankles. Patients who are not able to get out of bed or change their position, or who always use a wheelchair have an increased risk of decubitus ulcers. Signs and symptoms include changes in skin color and swelling, warmth, tenderness, and pain in the affected area. If untreated, the skin may crack, blister, or break open and form a sore or ulcer, which may have pus-like drainage. Decubitus ulcers often heal slowly and if not treated can damage tissues deep under the skin, including fat, muscle, and bone. Also called bedsore, pressure sore, and pressure ulcer.