Resources to help you and your family during your prostate cancer journey.

Glossary

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Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be stressful for both you and your family. Understanding a host of new language all while examining your options shouldn’t be an added disruption. The Arkanas Prostate Cancer Foundation is happy to provide resources like the glossary below to help guide you during your prostate cancer journey.

# – C
Abiraterone

Abiraterone is an oral medication that blocks the synthesis of androgens (male hormones), such as testosterone, inside the tumor. Phase III clinical trial results showed that Abiraterone improved overall survival of men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer and is currently under review for approval by the FDA.

Ablation

In medicine, the removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. Ablation may be performed by surgery, hormones, drugs, radio frequency, heat or other methods.

active surveillance

Active surveillance is an option offered to patients with very low-risk prostate cancer (low grade, low stage, localized disease). Patients are monitored carefully over time for signs of disease progression. A PSA blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate biopsy are performed at physician-specified intervals. Signs of disease progression will trigger immediate active treatment.

adjuvant

An additional treatment used to increase the effectiveness of the primary therapy; radiation therapy and hormonal therapy are often used as adjuvant treatments following a radical prostatectomy.

adjuvant therapy

Treatment given after the primary treatment to increase the chances of a cure. Adjuvant therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or biological therapy.

adrenal gland

A small gland that produces steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, which help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other important body functions. There are two adrenal glands, one located on top of each kidney.

analog

In chemistry, a substance that is similar, but not identical, to another.

androgen

A type of hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.

anti-androgen

A drug used to block the production or interfere with the action of male sex hormones.

anti-androgen withdrawal response

A decrease in PSA caused by the withdrawal of an anti-androgen such as Casodex or flutamide after CHT begins to fail; occurs when there are PCa cells that have mutated to feed on the anti-androgen rather than T and DHT; withdrawal kills those cells.

benigh prostatic hyperplasia

benign (non-cancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.

benign

Not cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread to tissues around them or to other parts of the body.

benign

Not cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread to tissues around them or to other parts of the body.

bilateral

Affecting both the right and left sides of the body.

biopsy

The removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy or core biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration.

bone scan

A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner.

brychytherapy

A procedure in which radioactive material sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters is placed directly into or near a tumor.  Also called internal radiation, implant radiation, or interstitial radiation therapy.

Cabazitaxel (JEVTANA)

Cabazitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine approved for treatment of patients that have failed standard chemotherapy. It is a member of a class of medications called taxanes. Cabazitaxel is administered intravenously in combination with oral prednisone. Cabazitaxel kills cancer cells by blocking cell division which results in cancer cell death.

cabazitaxel (JEVTANA)

Cabazitaxel is a chemotherapy medicine approved for treatment of patients that have failed standard chemotherapy. It is a member of a class of medications called taxanes. Cabazitaxel is administered intravenously in combination with oral prednisone. Cabazitaxel kills cancer cells by blocking cell division which results in cancer cell death.

circulating tumor cell (CTC)

A circulating tumor cell (CTC) is a rogue cancer cell that has broken off of the primary tumor and enters the bloodstream. CTC enumeration correlates with therapeutic response. By tracking the number of CTCs in a patient’s blood sample, doctors will be informed earlier whether a treatment is, or is not working. Currently, Veridex (CellSearch) is the only FDA-approved CTC enumeration device. Advanced CTC technology is under development.

D – K
Denosumab

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody against the protein RANKL (RANKL is important for the maintenance of healthy bone but when elevated (in osteoporosis and cancers that spread to bone) it causes osteoporosis). It was FDA approved in June 2010 under the brand name Prolia for use in postmenopausal women with a risk of osteoporosis. In November 2010, denosumab (brand name XGEVA) was FDA-approved for the prevention of fractures in patients with solid tumors metastasized to bone, including prostate cancer. In December 2010, clinical results were presented that show XGEVA also delays the time to first bone metastasis in men with hormone refractory prostate cancer. As of January 25th, 2011 the FDA is still considering these results.

denosumab

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody against the protein RANKL (RANKL is important for the maintenance of healthy bone but when elevated (in osteoporosis and cancers that spread to bone) it causes osteoporosis). It was FDA approved in June 2010 under the brand name Prolia for use in postmenopausal women with a risk of osteoporosis. In November 2010, denosumab (brand name XGEVA) was FDA-approved for the prevention of fractures in patients with solid tumors metastasized to bone, including prostate cancer. In December 2010, clinical results were presented that show XGEVA also delays the time to first bone metastasis in men with hormone refractory prostate cancer. As of January 25th, 2011 the FDA is still considering these results.

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next.

diethylstibestrol (DES)

A synthetic form of the hormone estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between about 1940 and 1971 because it was thought to prevent miscarriages. DES may increase the risk of uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer in women who took it. DES also has been linked to an increased risk of clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix in daughters exposed to DES before birth.

differentiation

In cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably.

digital rectal examination (DRE)

An examination in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities.

dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Also known as 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone, it is the male hormone which is actually active in the prostate; it is made when an enzyme 5-alpha-reductase transforms testosterone to DHT which stimulates the growth of the prostate

Docetaxel

Docetaxel is the first FDA-approved chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer. This medicine is similar to Cabazitaxel (see below) and is also in a class of medications called taxanes. It works by blocking cell division which results in cancer cell death.

downsizing, downstaging

The use of hormonal or other forms of management to reduce the volume of prostate cancer in and/or around the prostate prior to other attempted curative treatment.

EBR, EBRT

External beam radiation (therapy).

endorectal ultrasound (ERUS)

A procedure in which a probe that sends out high-energy sound waves is inserted into the rectum. The sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissue called a sonogram. ERUS is used to look for abnormalities in the rectum and nearby structures, including the prostate. Also called transrectal ultrasound.

erectile dysfunction (ED)

An inability to have an erection of the penis adequate for sexual intercourse. Also called impotence.

external beam radiation

A form of radiation therapy in which the radiation is delivered by a machine pointed at the area to be radiated. May be known as external beam radiation (EBR, XBR), external beam radiation therapy (EBRT, XBRT). Compare to seed implantation.

Finasteride

A drug used to reduce the amount of male hormone (testosterone) produced by the body.

Finasteride

A drug used to reduce the amount of male hormone (testosterone) produced by the body.

flare

A sudden reaction to starting hormone therapy, sometimes characterized by severe increase in pre-hormone therapy symptoms, such as pain; does not occur in all men; some report it may be prevented by taking an anti-androgen (Casodex, Nilandron) several days before starting hormone therapy.

free PSA

PSA exists in two forms in the blood, either bound to protein or unbound (“free”). Measuring both the bound and free form can better predict risk.

gastrointestinal (GI)

Refers to the stomach and intestines.

gland

An organ that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk. Endocrine glands release the substances directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands release the substances into a duct or opening to the inside or outside of the body.

gleason score – gleason grade

A system of grading prostate cancer cells based on how they look under a microscope. Gleason scores range from 2 to 10 and indicate how likely it is that a tumor will spread. A low Gleason score means the cancer cells are similar to normal prostate cells and are less likely to spread; a high Gleason score means the cancer cells are very different from normal and are more likely to spread.

gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

A hormone made by the hypothalamus (part of the brain). GnRH causes the pituitary gland to make luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones are involved in reproduction.

goserelin acetate

A luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analog used in the palliative hormonal treatment of advanced prostate cancer and sometimes in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant hormonal treatment of earlier stages of prostate cancer. A U.S. brand name is Zoladex. See hormone therapy.

grading

A system for classifying cancer cells in terms of how abnormal they appear when examined under a microscope. The objective of a grading system is to provide information about the probable growth rate of the tumor and its tendency to spread. The systems used to grade tumors vary with each type of cancer. Grading plays a role in treatment decisions.

hi-dose-rate (HDR)

May be combined to be called high-dose-rate remote brachytherapy or high-dose-rate remote radiation. A type of internal radiation treatment in which the radioactive source is removed between treatments. (NCI bklt)

high-dose-rate (HDR)

May be combined to be called high-dose-rate remote brachytherapy or high-dose-rate remote radiation. A type of internal radiation treatment in which the radioactive source is removed between treatments. (NCI bklt)

hormone antagonists

Chemical substances which inhibit the function of the endocrine glands, the biosynthesis of their secreted hormones, or the action of hormones upon their specific sites, e.g., an anti-androgen.

hormone therapy

Treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones. For certain conditions (such as diabetes or menopause), hormones are given to adjust low hormone levels. To slow or stop the growth of certain cancers (such as prostate and breast cancer), synthetic hormones or other drugs may be given to block the body’s natural hormones. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the gland that makes hormones. Also called hormonal therapy, hormone treatment, or endocrine therapy.

hypertrophy

The enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part due to an increase in size of its constituent cells. Compare to hyperplasia; see benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

IAS

Intermittent androgen suppression; the starting and stopping of the treatment. See hormone therapy.

IAS

Intermittent androgen suppression; the starting and stopping of the treatment. See hormone therapy.

ICHT

Intermittent combined hormone therapy; the starting and stopping of treatment. See hormone therapy.

immunoassay

A test that uses the binding of antibodies to antigens to identify and measure certain substances. Immunoassays may be used to diagnose disease. Also, test results can provide information about a disease that may help in planning treatment (for example, when estrogen receptors are measured in breast cancer).

immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that boosts or restores the immune system to fight cancer, infections and other diseases. There a several different agents used for immunotherapy; Provenge is one example.

indraductal carcinoma

A noninvasive, precancerous condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, intraductal carcinoma may become invasive cancer and spread to other tissues, although it is not known at this time how to predict which lesions will become invasive. Also called ductal carcinoma in situ.

intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)

A type of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor.

ipilimumab

Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody against CTLA-4 under clinical investigation for the treatment of several types of cancer. Ipilimumab binds to and blocks the activity of the molecule, CTLA-4 which is found on the surface of T cells (a type of white blood cell). CTLA-4 is similar to a set of brakes on a car; it stops T cells from killing cancer cells. Blockade of CTLA-4, via Ipilimumab treatment, results in the reactivation or “acceleration” of T cells to attack and kill cancer cells.

Jewett staging system

A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. “A” and “B” refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate. “C” refers to cancer that has grown out of the prostate but has not spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. “D” refers to cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to other places in the body. Also called the ABCD rating or the Whitmore-Jewett staging system.

jewett staging system

A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. “A” and “B” refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate. “C” refers to cancer that has grown out of the prostate but has not spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. “D” refers to cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to other places in the body. Also called the ABCD rating or the Whitmore-Jewett staging system.

L – O
laparoscopy

The insertion of a thin, lighted tube (called a laparoscope) through the abdominal wall to inspect the inside of the abdomen and remove tissue samples.

laparoscopy

The insertion of a thin, lighted tube (called a laparoscope) through the abdominal wall to inspect the inside of the abdomen and remove tissue samples.

luteinizing hormone

The pituitary hormone that causes the testicles in men and ovaries in women to manufacture hormones; also called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone or LHRH.

lymph gland

A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph glands filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called a lymph node.

lymph nodes

A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called a lymph gland.

lymphatic system

The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels (a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells). Lymphatic vessels branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body.

lymphocyte

A type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infection and diseases.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as CT or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

 A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as CT or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

metastasis

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-ta-seez).

neoadjuvant

Done or added before the primary treatment; for example, neoadjuvant hormone therapy could be given prior to another form of treatment such as a radical prostatectomy; compare to adjuvant.

neoadjuvant

Done or added before the primary treatment; for example, neoadjuvant hormone therapy could be given prior to another form of treatment such as a radical prostatectomy; compare to adjuvant.

nerve sparing

A surgical technique during a prostatectomy where one or both of the neurovascular bundles controlling erections are spared. The utilization of this procedure is governed by the extent of the cancer and the skill of the surgeon.

oncologist

A doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation.

oncologist

A doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation.

orchiectomy

Surgery to remove one or both testicles.

osteoporosis

A condition that is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile.

P – Z
palliative

Designed to produce relief from symptoms without curing, e.g., aspirin for a headache is palliative.

palliative care

Care given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease. The goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of the disease, side effects caused by treatment of the disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to the disease or its treatment. Also called comfort care, supportive care, and symptom management.

palpable

Capable of being felt during a physical examination by a physician; e.g., when the prostate which can be felt during a digital rectal examination.

Partin Tables

These are tables constructed on the basis of the PSA, stage, grade and surgical findings of over 4,000 men. The tables are used to predict the probability that the prostate cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and/or seminal vesicles, penetrated the capsule, or remains confined to the prostate. They were initially developed by a group of urologists at the Brady Institute for Urology at Johns Hopkins University. They are called “Partin tables” after just one of the original contributors to this research.

patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)

A method in which the patient controls the amount of pain medicine that is used. When pain relief is needed, the person can receive a preset dose of pain medicine by pressing a button on a computerized pump that is connected to a small tube in the body.

positron emission tomography scan (PET scan)

A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body.

prostate gland

A gland in the male reproductive system just below the bladder. The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, the canal that empties the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of semen.

prostate-specific antigen

A substance produced by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or infection or inflammation of the prostate.

proton therapy

Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy which delivers a beam of protons to irradiate tumors. The advantage of proton therapy might be its ability to more precisely localize the radiation dosage to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and requires fewer treatment sessions than standard external beam radiation.

radical prostatectomy

Surgery to remove the entire prostate. The two types of radical prostatectomy are retropubic prostatectomy and perineal prostatectomy.

radiotherapy

The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiotherapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiation therapy.

remission

A decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer. In partial remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. In complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared, although cancer still may be in the body.

resectoscope

Instrument inserted through the urethra and used by a urologist to cut out tissue (usually from the prostate) while the physician can actually see precisely where he is cutting.

screening

Checking for disease when there are no symptoms.

seed, seeding

Brachytherapy, the implantation of radioactive seeds or pellets (may also be called “capsules”) which emit low energy radiation in order to kill surrounding tissue, e.g., the prostate, including prostate cancer cells. Also known as “seed implantation” or “SI”.

Sipulence-T

The first FDA-approved cellular immunotherapy used to treat cancer was approved for use in patients with advanced prostate cancer which is asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. Patient’s immune cells are stimulated to attack and kill cancer cells. Immune cells are isolated from a patient’s blood, stimulated in a laboratory and are returned to the clinic where they are infused into the patient three times.

SPINK1

SPINK1 is a protein that is elevated in ~10% of prostate cancer cases and is correlated with a more aggressive form of the disease. Studies are ongoing to assess the value of measuring SPINK1 as a diagnostic test for aggressive prostate cancer.

testicle

One of two egg-shaped glands found inside the scrotum that produce sperm and male hormones. Also called a testis.

TNM staging system

A system for describing the extent of cancer in a patient’s body. T describes the size of the tumor and whether it has invaded nearby tissue, N describes any lymph nodes that are involved, and M describes metastasis (spread of cancer from one body part to another).

transrectal ultrascount

A procedure in which a probe that sends out high-energy sound waves is inserted into the rectum. The sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissue called a sonogram. TRUS is used to look for abnormalities in the rectum and nearby structures, including the prostate. Also called endorectal ultrasound.

ultrasound

A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Also called ultrasonography.

ultrasound (US)

A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Also called ultrasonography.

watchful waiting (WW)

Closely monitoring a patient’s condition but withholding treatment until symptoms appear or change. Also called observation.

Watchful waiting (WW)

Closely monitoring a patient’s condition but withholding treatment until symptoms appear or change. Also called observation.

Whitmore-Jewett staging system

A staging system for prostate cancer that uses ABCD. “A” and “B” refer to cancer that is confined to the prostate. “C” refers to cancer that has grown out of the prostate but has not spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body. “D” refers to cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or to other places in the body. Also called the ABCD rating or the Jewett staging system.

Zoladex

Trade or brand name for goserelin acetate, an LHRH used in hormone therapy.

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