Glossary of Medical Terms

Having to do with preventing or delaying the development of cancer.

Nausea and vomiting that may occur before a chemotherapy treatment session begins in a patient who has had chemotherapy before. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting is caused by triggers, such as the sights, smells, or sounds of the treatment room. For example, a patient who smells an alcohol swab when starting chemotherapy may later become nauseous or vomit at the smell of an alcohol swab. The more chemotherapy sessions a patient has, the more likely it is that anticipatory nausea and vomiting will occur. Also called ANV.

A substance that is used to prevent and treat blood clots in blood vessels and the heart. Also called blood thinner.

A drug or other substance used to prevent or stop seizures or convulsions. Also called antiepileptic.

A drug used to treat depression.

A substance used to treat diarrhea (frequent and watery bowel movements).

A drug that prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting.

A drug or other substance used to prevent or stop seizures or convulsions. Also called anticonvulsant.

A substance that keeps cells from making or using estrogen (a hormone that plays a role in female sex characteristics, the menstrual cycle, and pregnancy). Antiestrogens may stop some cancer cells from growing and are used to prevent and treat breast cancer. They are also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. An antiestrogen is a type of hormone antagonist. Also called estrogen blocker.

A type of drug that helps the blood clot. It prevents the breakdown of a protein called fibrin, which is the main protein in a blood clot. Antifibrinolytic agents may be used to help prevent or treat serious bleeding in patients who have certain conditions, such as hemophilia, very heavy menstrual bleeding, or some types of vascular tumors. They may also be used to help prevent or control bleeding during or after surgery or after a traumatic injury.