Glossary

Cell: Smallest unit of all living organisms.

Chemotherapy: Type of cancer treatment that prevents fast-growing cells (like cancer cells) from dividing or causes cancer cells to die. May also damage fast-growing normal cells.

Clinical trials: A clinical trial (also called clinical research) is a research study in human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people and ways to improve health.

DNA: Genetic material inside the cell that tells the cell what to do and when to do it.

FDA: The Federal Food and Drug Administration—the department of the government that regulates all drugs and medical treatments, reviewing them for their safety and effectiveness.

Molecular Targeted Therapies: Newer cancer treatments that are designed to work by targeting specific parts of cancer cells to slow or stop the growth of cancer.

Molecule: Combination of atoms that forms a unique chemical substance. Molecules combine to make a cell. Radiation therapy: Cancer treatment that uses radioactive energy to slow or stop cancer cells from dividing, or even kill cancer cells, in a specific area of the body.

Tumor: Millions of cancer cells grouped together.