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- Prokinetic agentDrugs that increase the force of contractions of the smooth muscle.
- Prophylactic cranial radiotherapy (PCR)Literally means preventative radiotherapy to the head. With some types of cancer that can spread to the brain, doctors like to give a short course of radiotherapy to the brain. The idea is that it kills off any microscopic spread that may already be there. It may also be called prophylactic(...)
- ProstateA gland found in men surrounding the urethra (tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis). The gland makes a thick white fluid which mixes with sperm to make semen.
- Prostate cancerCancer of the prostate gland.
- Prostate specific antigenA substance produced by prostate cells and found in the blood. The level can be measured by a blood test and used as part of tests to diagnose a prostate cancer or check whether treatment is working.
- ProsthesisA false body part. Can be internal (for example, a silicon ball inserted into the scrotum to replace a testicle) or external (for example, a false breast).
- Proteasome inhibitorsProteasomes are substances found in all cells that help break down proteins. Proteasome inhibitors are drugs that interfere with the way proteasomes work, leading to a build up of proteins in the cells. This makes cells die. Research has shown that cancer cells are more sensitive to proteasome(...)
- ProtocolA detailed plan of a research trial.
- Provox valveA type of valve used to help people speak after they have had their voice box removed (total laryngectomy).
- PSA levelThe level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells.
- PsychiatristA doctor who specialises in treating mental illness.
- PsychologistAn expert in psychology. Psychology is the systematic investigation of the human mind, including behaviour, thinking and mood. Clinical psychologists give mental health care and counselling.
- PsychosomaticRelating to the influence of the mind on the body. Having physical symptoms that are caused or influenced by mental or emotional causes.
- PsychotherapistTrained professionals who work with people, couples, families and groups to help them overcome psychological and emotional concerns.
- Quality of lifeTo a researcher, looking at 'quality of life' means looking at how a treatment is affecting your life. For example, can include efect on symptoms or side effects and whether a drug is given as a tablet or injection.
- R-CHOP-14R-CHOP-14 is a chemotherapy regimen given to CD20 positive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. ‘R’ stands for the drug ‘Rituximab’ which is a drug targeted against the CD20 receptor on the lymphoma cells. ‘CHOP’ stands for the chemotherapy drugs ‘cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone.’(...)
- Radiation (radioactivity)Radiation means giving off any energy particles or waves. In cancer it means radioactivity used as a treatment. This means gamma rays, alpha or beta particles from a radioactive source.
- Radical cystectomyAn operation to remove the bladder and lymph nodes. In men the prostate gland is also removed. In women the womb and ovaries may also be removed.
- Radical gallbladder resectionAn operation to take out the gallbladder, a small part of the liver, the common bile duct, and the nearby lymph nodes. It may also involve taking out part or all of your pancreas, liver, or bowel.
- Radical mastectomyAn operation to remove the breast, the lymph glands under the arm and the muscles of the chest wall.
- Radical radiotherapyAn intensive course of radiotherapy given to try to cure a cancer.
- Radical surgeryExtensive surgery aiming to remove all possible body tissue that could be affected by a particular cancer.
- Radical trachelectomyAn operation to remove early cervical cancer. The surgeon removes most of your cervix, but leaves some behind. This is then stitched closed to leave a small opening. You may also have the upper part of the vagina, the area around the lower part of the womb and the pelvic lymph nodes removed.(...)
- Radical treatmentTreatment that aims to completely get rid of a cancer.
- Radio immunotherapy (RIT)This treatment utilizes an antibody labeled with a radionuclie deliver a lethal dose of radiation to the tumor cells.
- RadioactiveA substance or object that gives off high energy rays or particles.
- Radioactive beadsRadiotherapy using small beads made of isotopes of gold or iodine that give off radiation. The beads are put inside the body close to the area of the cancer. This gives a high dose of radiotherapy to the cancer, but a low dose to healthy parts of the body.
- Radioactive drinkA type of internal radiotherapy given in liquid form as a drink – for example, radioactive iodine to treat cancer of the thyroid.
- Radioactive dyeA dye which gives off a small amount of radiation. Used during some types of scan.
- Radioactive injectionInjection into a vein of a tiny amount of a radioactive substance. This is usually done for a scan, for example a bone scan. But it can also be used to give cancer treatments, such as radioactive phosphorous (P32).
- Radioactive liquid (radioactive liquids)A liquid that gives off radiation.
- Radioactive material (radioactive substance)Any substance which gives off radiation.
- Radioactive source (radiation source)A substance or object that gives off radiation. Radiotherapy machines contain radioactive sources. Internal radiotherapy may use radioactive implants, wires, or small metal balls as the source.
- RadiographerA person trained to give radiotherapy treatment and take x-rays. Therapy radiographers give radiotherapy treatment. Diagnostic radiographers take X-rays to diagnose illness.
- RadiologistA doctor who specialises in reading X-rays and scans, and carrying out scans and other specialist X-ray techniques.
- RadionuclideA radionuclide is a radioactive form of an atom. Some are natural and some are manmade. They can be used in tiny amounts to create pictures in a bone scan, for example. Or they may be used as a cancer treatment. Iodine 131 is an example of a radionuclide – it is a radioactive form of iodine.
- Radionuclide therapyInternal radiotherapy using a radioactive liquid that circulates throughout the body and targets particular types of cells.
- RadiosensitisingA drug or substance that increases sensitivity to radiation. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is radiosensitising, so it is sometimes given with radiotherapy to treat some types of cancer.
- RadiosensitiveA cancer that responds well to radiotherapy is said to be radiosensitive.
- RadiotherapistA doctor who specialises in treating patients with radiotherapy.
- Radiotherapy fieldThe area of the body that is treated with radiotherapy. Usually several 'beams' are used for external radiotherapy, and they overlap at the area of the cancer.
- Radiotherapy implant (radioactive implant)A radioactive substance put inside the body to give radiotherapy directly to a cancer. Can be used in many different forms, such as wires or small metal beads. For example, iridium wires can be put into the breast or tongue to treat breast cancer or mouth cancer.
- Radiotherapy limitThe maximum amount of radiotherapy that can be given to a part of the body, or to any one person. Each body organ has its own radiotherapy limit. Some organs are more sensitive to radiotherapy than others.
- Radiotherapy machineA machine used to give external radiotherapy treatment for cancer (and some other illnesses and conditions).
- Radiotherapy nurseA nurse who works in the radiotherapy department and can advise patients about managing radiotherapy treatment and side effects.
- Radiotherapy planningThe process of designing a person's course of radiotherapy treatment.
- Radiotherapy (radiotherapy treatment, radium treatment)Cancer treatment using high energy waves similar to X-rays. Used to be called radium treatment because all radiotherapy used to be given using radium. Radiotherapy treatments now include external beam radiotherapy, internal radiotherapy using radioactive metals or liquids, and treatments that(...)
- Radiotherapy side effectsUnwanted effects on the body of radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can cause tiredness. Other side effects usually only occur in the area of the body being treated. The side effects don't usually begin as soon as you start the treatment. They take a while to build up and then slowly disappear a little(...)
- RadiumA naturally occuring radioactive metal. Gives off radiation. The first radioactive substance used to treat cancer.
- Raloxifene (Evista)A selective oestrogen receptor modulator that can act like oestrogen in some body tissues (eg bones) and oppose the action of oestrogen in other body tissues (eg the breast). It is used in the prevention of breast cancer and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.