Glossary

ablation

The removal or destruction of a part of the body or tissue. Ablation may be performed using drugs, radiofrequency, surgery, heat, cold, hormones, or other methods.

apoptosis

The body’s normal process of eliminating unneeded or abnormal cells; also known as programmed cell death. Cancer cells may inhibit this process.

blood vessels

A network of tubes carrying blood within the body.

child-pugh

A rating system for hepatic function developed to assess surgical risk in patients with cirrhosis of the liver.

diabetes

A complex disorder which causes the body to not make or use insulin properly.

genetic disorders

Diseases that are inherited from a family member.

hepatocytes

Cells that carry out all functions of the liver.

Imaging Studies

Tests used to look at organs and internal body structures. Examples include x-rays, computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound.

mapk

Abbreviation for mitogen-activated protein kinase, a signal transduction superfamily compromising 3 pathways, of which one is the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs).

mitogenic

Activating cell division.

mutagenic

Causing a genetic mutation or a variation in the original expression of a gene.

obesity

Abnormally increased body fat.

oral anticancer medicine

A drug that is given by mouth to treat cancer.

pdgf

Abbreviation for platelet-derived growth factor, a substance regulating blood vessel maturation.

ras/raf/mek/erk pathway

A signal transduction pathway responding to growth factors and other cell division activators. The cellular responses of this pathway include proliferation (growth), development, differentiation, and survival.

serine/threonine kinases

Enzymes that activate other proteins in signal transduction pathways through the addition of a phosphate group (such as from ATP) to a serine or threonine residue within the protein.

targeted therapy

A type of medicine that affects specific parts of cancer cells.

time to tumour progression

The time that it takes for a tumour to advance.

transplantation

Moving tissue or an organ from one individual to another individual.

Ultrasound tests

Tests using high-frequency sound waves to view organs and internal body structure.

vegf

Abbreviation for vascular endothelial growth factor, a substance produced by cells that generates the formation of new blood vessels.