Glossary of Medical Terms

A substance being studied in the treatment of certain multiple myelomas and other advanced cancers. Azaspirane may block the growth of tumors and may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Azaspirane is a type of signal transduction inhibitor and a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Also called atiprimod and SK&F106615.

A drug used to keep a patient from rejecting a transplanted kidney. It is also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that does not get better with other types of treatment. Azathioprine sodium blocks the growth of white blood cells and the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein. It is a type of immunosuppressant.

A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. AZD0530 blocks enzymes needed for cancer growth. It is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

A substance being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. AZD2171 may prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antiangiogenesis agent and a type of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Also called cediranib maleate and Recentin.

A drug used to treat adults with certain types of prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, or breast cancer. It is also used alone or with bevacizumab to treat adults with certain types of ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. AZD2281 blocks an enzyme involved in many cell functions, including the repair of DNA damage. Blocking this enzyme may help keep cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die. AZD2281 is a type of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor. Also called Lynparza, olaparib, and PARP inhibitor AZD2281.

A drug used to treat a rare genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1. It is used in children aged 2 years and older who have plexiform neurofibromas that are causing symptoms and cannot be removed by surgery. It is also being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. AZD6244 blocks proteins called MEK1 and MEK2, which may help keep abnormal cells or cancer cells from growing and may kill them. It is a type of kinase inhibitor and a type of targeted therapy. Also called Koselugo, MEK inhibitor AZD6244, and selumetinib sulfate.

A drug containing a form of radioactive iodine called I 131 that is used to treat malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. It is used in patients who need treatment with systemic anticancer therapy and whose tumor cells take up radioactive iobenguane and are detected by a scanner. Azedra is used to treat pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma that cannot be removed by surgery, are locally advanced, or have spread to other parts of the body. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Azedra builds up in tumor cells and gives off radiation that may kill the tumor cells. It is a type of radioconjugate. Also called 131I-MIBG, iobenguane I 131, and iodine I 131-metaiodobenzylguanidine.

A condition in which there are no sperm in the semen when a man ejaculates. This may be because the man does not make sperm or because the sperm is blocked from entering the semen. Azoospermia may be caused by hormone problems, certain genetic conditions, previous vasectomy or other surgery, or other conditions. It may also be caused by certain cancer treatments. Azoospermia can cause infertility (the inability to produce children).

A substance that is used in cancer research to cause colon tumors in laboratory animals. This is done to test new diets, drugs, and procedures for use in cancer prevention and treatment.

An anticancer drug that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and kill cancer cells in the central nervous system. Also called diaziquone.