Glossary of Medical Terms

A substance being studied in the treatment of cancer. Endostatin is made from a type of collagen (a protein found in cartilage and other connective tissue). It may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Endostatin is a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Also called COL18A1.

The main type of cell found in the inside lining of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart.

A drug that blocks the hormone endothelin and may prevent prostate cancer from spreading to the bones. It may also prevent the growth and spread of other types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.

A substance that blocks the binding of the endothelin-1 protein to its receptor. Endothelin-1 is a small molecule that causes changes in blood vessels and helps regulate blood pressure. It can also stimulate the growth of some types of cells.

In clinical trials, an event or outcome that can be measured objectively to determine whether the intervention being studied is beneficial. The endpoints of a clinical trial are usually included in the study objectives. Some examples of endpoints are survival, improvements in quality of life, relief of symptoms, and disappearance of the tumor.

The injection of a liquid through the anus into the large bowel.

In biology, the state at which the number of calories eaten equals the number of calories used. Energy balance is affected by physical activity, body size, amount of body fat and muscle, and genetics.

A form of complementary and alternative medicine based on the belief that a vital energy flows through the human body. The goal of energy healing is to balance the energy flow in the patient. It is used to reduce stress and anxiety and promote well-being. Energy healing is being studied in patients receiving cancer therapy, to find out if it can improve quality of life, boost the immune system, or reduce side effects. Also called energy therapy.

A form of complementary and alternative medicine based on the belief that a vital energy flows through the human body. The goal of energy therapy is to balance the energy flow in the patient. It is used to reduce stress and anxiety and promote well-being. Energy therapy is being studied in patients receiving cancer therapy, to find out if it can improve quality of life, boost the immune system, or reduce side effects. Also called energy healing.

A drug used to treat adults with urothelial cancer (a type of bladder cancer) that is locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body. It is used in patients whose cancer has already been treated with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor (types of anticancer drugs) and platinum chemotherapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Enfortumab vedotin contains a monoclonal antibody that binds to a protein called nectin-4, which is found on some cancer cells. It also contains an anticancer drug, which may help kill cancer cells. Enfortumab vedotin is a type of antibody-drug conjugate. Also called Padcev.