Cancer Biology Glossary

A protein receptor that acts as an immune checkpoint, downregulating immune responses.

Proliferation of fibrous connective tissue around a tumor, creating a dense stromal matrix that can influence drug penet...

The degree to which cancer cells resemble normal cells in appearance and function, with well-differentiated tumors appea...

Treatment approach that promotes cancer cell maturation toward a more differentiated, less aggressive phenotype rather t...

State of cancer cell quiescence where tumor growth is temporarily arrested.

The adverse effects that prevent further dose escalation in cancer treatment, typically defined in clinical trials to es...

A genetic alteration that directly contributes to cancer development and progression.

A sustained tumor response to treatment that persists for an extended period beyond typical expectations.

A cooperative research group that develops cancer treatment protocols and performance status assessment scales.

A standardized scale measuring a cancer patient's functional ability and quality of life during treatment.

Cellular process where epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, promoting metastasis.

Tumor growth extending beyond the capsule of lymph nodes into surrounding soft tissues, indicating advanced local diseas...

A molecular technique using fluorescent probes to detect specific DNA sequences or chromosomal abnormalities in cancer c...

Development of insensitivity to imatinib (Gleevec) therapy in chronic myeloid leukemia or gastrointestinal stromal tumor...

A genetic condition caused by inherited mutations that significantly increase cancer risk.

Malignancy characterized by an unusually high mutation rate, often associated with defective DNA repair mechanisms and e...

Accelerated tumor growth following immunotherapy initiation, exceeding the natural progression rate.

Genetic alteration in isocitrate dehydrogenase genes, particularly important in brain tumors and acute myeloid leukemia.

A class of cancer drugs that block inhibitory signals to enhance immune system attack on tumors.

Mechanisms by which cancer cells evade detection and destruction by the immune system.

Side effects from immunotherapy caused by excessive immune activation against normal tissues.

Modified response evaluation criteria designed to account for unique response patterns seen with immunotherapy treatment...

Laboratory technique using antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue sections.

The leading edge of a tumor where cancer cells actively invade surrounding tissue.