Cancer Biology Glossary

A genetic alteration for which targeted therapies or clinical trials are available.

A type of cancer that develops in glandular tissue or epithelial cells that have glandular properties.

Additional cancer treatment given after primary therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Treatment approach involving the extraction, modification, and reinfusion of a patient's immune cells to enhance anti-tu...

Descriptive term for poorly differentiated, highly malignant tumors lacking normal tissue structure.

The process by which new blood vessels form to supply growing tumors with nutrients and oxygen.

Treatment selection based on specific molecular characteristics of a patient's tumor.

Phenomenon where cells that do not directly receive treatment are affected through signals from nearby treated cells, re...

A complex metabolic syndrome characterized by severe weight loss and muscle wasting commonly seen in advanced cancer pat...

Subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal capacity and tumor-initiating properties.

Engineered T-cell therapy where patient's T-cells are genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors targeti...

The process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells.

A form of immunotherapy where a patient's T cells are genetically modified to better recognize and attack cancer cells.

Increased rate of chromosome structure or number alterations during cell division.

Treatment timing strategy that exploits natural circadian rhythms in cellular processes to optimize drug efficacy and mi...

Fragmented DNA released by cancer cells into the bloodstream, detectable through liquid biopsy techniques.

The process by which cancer cells accumulate genetic mutations over time, leading to tumor heterogeneity and potential t...

The disappearance of all detectable cancer following treatment, as measured by imaging or clinical examination.

The study of chromosomal abnormalities in cancer cells that helps classify tumors and guide targeted therapy selection.

A potentially life-threatening immune response characterized by excessive release of inflammatory proteins.

Medical specialty focused on diagnosing disease through examination of individual cells.

A reduction in the number of blood cells, commonly occurring as a side effect of cancer treatment or due to bone marrow...

Surgical removal of as much tumor tissue as possible to reduce cancer burden in the body.

Surgical procedure aimed at removing the maximum amount of visible tumor tissue, typically performed when complete resec...