Oncology Glossary

Treatment given after primary surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

The formation of new blood vessels, often co-opted by tumors to sustain their growth.

Programmed cell death, a normal biological process that cancer cells often learn to evade.

An abnormal growth that is not cancerous, does not invade surrounding tissues, and does not metastasize.

The removal of a sample of tissue for microscopic examination to determine whether cancer is present.

A type of cancer that originates in epithelial cells, accounting for 80-90% of all cancers.

The use of cytotoxic drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells.

A research study that tests new treatments, drugs, or procedures in human patients to evaluate safety and efficacy.

Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Associated protein 4, an immune checkpoint receptor targeted by ipilimumab.

The degree to which cancer cells resemble normal cells of the tissue of origin; well-differentiated tumors are less aggressive.

A genetic mutation that directly contributes to cancer development by conferring a growth advantage to cells.

Abnormal cell growth or development that may be a precursor to cancer but is not yet malignant.

Treatment that harnesses or enhances the body's own immune system to fight cancer.

A group of cancers originating in blood-forming tissues, resulting in abnormal white blood cell production.

A cancer of the lymphatic system, broadly classified as Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Describes a tumor that is cancerous, capable of invading nearby tissues and spreading to other parts of the body.

Treatment administered before the primary treatment (usually surgery) to reduce tumor size.

A novel protein fragment displayed on the surface of cancer cells resulting from tumor-specific mutations, recognizable by the immune system.

A gene that has the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at abnormally high levels.

Programmed Death-1 and its ligand; an immune checkpoint pathway exploited by tumors to evade immune detection.

The likely course and expected outcome of a disease based on clinical and pathological factors.

The use of high-energy ionizing radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells and cause their death.

A decrease or disappearance of signs and symptoms of cancer; can be partial or complete.

A type of cancer arising from mesenchymal tissue such as bone, cartilage, fat, or muscle.

A gene that normally acts to restrain cell growth; loss of function contributes to cancer development.