Glossary of Medical Terms

A substance that keeps androgens (male sex hormones) from binding to proteins called androgen receptors, which are found in normal prostate cells, some prostate cancer cells, and in cells of some other tissues. Preventing this binding blocks the effects of these hormones in the body. Treatment with androgen receptor antagonists may keep prostate cancer cells from growing. Examples of androgen receptor antagonists used to treat prostate cancer are apalutamide, bicalutamide, enzalutamide, flutamide, and nilutamide. Also called androgen receptor blocker and antiandrogen.

A substance that keeps androgens (male sex hormones) from binding to proteins called androgen receptors, which are found in normal prostate cells, some prostate cancer cells, and in cells of some other tissues. Preventing this binding blocks the effects of these hormones in the body. Treatment with androgen receptor blockers may keep prostate cancer cells from growing. Examples of androgen receptor blockers used to treat prostate cancer are apalutamide, bicalutamide, enzalutamide, flutamide, and nilutamide. Also called androgen receptor antagonist and antiandrogen.

Describes cells that do not have a protein that binds to androgens (male hormones). Cancer cells that are androgen receptor negative do not need androgens to grow. This means that they will keep growing when androgens are not present and do not stop growing when treatments that block androgens in the body are used. This can affect how the cancer is treated. Also called AR negative.

Describes cells that have a protein that binds to androgens (male hormones). Cancer cells that are androgen receptor positive may need androgens to grow. These cells may stop growing or die when they are treated with substances that block the binding and actions of androgen hormones. Also called AR positive.

Treatment to suppress or block the production or action of male hormones. This is done by having the testicles removed, by taking female sex hormones, or by taking drugs called antiandrogens. Also called androgen ablation and androgen deprivation.

Describes the ability of tumor cells to grow in the absence of androgens (hormones that promote the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics). Many early prostate cancers require androgens for growth, but advanced prostate cancers are often androgen-independent.

A hormone made from testosterone in the prostate, testes, and certain other tissues. It is needed to develop and maintain male sex characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth. High amounts of androstanolone may increase the growth of prostate cancer and make it harder to treat. Also called DHT and dihydrotestosterone.

An incomplete description of the medical and treatment history of one or more patients. Anecdotal reports may be published in places other than peer-reviewed, scientific journals.

A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.

A loss of feeling or awareness caused by drugs or other substances. Anesthesia keeps patients from feeling pain during surgery or other procedures. Local anesthesia is a loss of feeling in one small area of the body. Regional anesthesia is a loss of feeling in a part of the body, such as an arm or leg. General anesthesia is a loss of feeling and a complete loss of awareness that feels like a very deep sleep.