Glossary of Medical Terms

A drug that is used to treat certain skin conditions and is being studied in the treatment of cutaneous (skin-related) T-cell cancer and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Alefacept is made by combining part of an antibody with a protein that blocks the growth some types of T cells. It is a type of fusion protein and a type of immunosuppressant. Also called Amevive.

A drug used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Alemtuzumab binds to a protein called CD52, which is found on some types of immune cells and cancer cells. This may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Alemtuzumab is a type of monoclonal antibody. Also called Campath.

A drug used to treat certain bone conditions, such as osteoporosis and Paget disease of the bone. It is also being studied in the treatment of hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) and bone pain caused by cancer. Alendronate sodium slows the breakdown of bone and prevents the loss of calcium. It is a type of bisphosphonate. Also called Fosamax.

A benign (not cancer) condition in which there are more cells than normal in the breast lobules and the cells look abnormal under a microscope. Having ALH increases the risk of breast cancer. Also called atypical lobular breast hyperplasia and atypical lobular hyperplasia.

The organs that food and liquids travel through when they are swallowed, digested, absorbed, and leave the body as feces. These organs include the mouth, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The alimentary tract is part of the digestive system. Also called digestive tract and gastrointestinal tract.

A drug used alone or with cisplatin to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced or has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used with cisplatin to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma in patients whose cancer cannot be treated with surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Alimta stops cells from using folic acid to make DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of folate antagonist. Also called LY231514 and pemetrexed disodium.

A drug used to treat follicular lymphoma that has relapsed (come back) after treatment with at least two other anticancer therapies. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Aliqopa blocks certain proteins, which may help keep cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It is a type of kinase inhibitor. Also called copanlisib hydrochloride.

A gene that makes a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which is involved in cell growth. Mutated (changed) forms of the ALK gene and protein have been found in some types of cancer, including neuroblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. These changes may increase the growth of cancer cells. Checking for changes in the ALK gene in tumor tissue may help to plan cancer treatment. Also called anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene.

A substance that blocks the activity of a protein called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which helps control cell growth. Blocking this protein may help keep cancer cells from growing and spreading. Some ALK inhibitors are used to treat cancer. They are a type of targeted therapy. Also called anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor.

Describes cells that have a change in the structure of the ALK gene or a higher than normal amount of ALK protein on their surface. In normal cells, ALK helps control cell growth. Cancer cells that have the changed ALK gene or make too much ALK protein may grow more quickly. Knowing whether a cancer is ALK positive may help plan treatment. Cancers that may be ALK positive include neuroblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Also called anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive.