A form of tissue plasminogen activator that is made in the laboratory. It helps dissolve blood clots and is used to treat heart attacks, strokes, and clots in the lungs. It is also being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of systemic thrombolytic agent. Also called Activase, Alteplase, and r-tPA.
( ree-KOM-bih-nunt TIH-shoo plaz-MIN-oh-jen AK-tih-vay-ter )
Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
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