Glossary

A protein on the surface of certain types of cells that is shed by tumor cells into the bloodstream; higher-than-normal amounts of CA 19-9 in the blood can sometimes be a sign of colorectal or pancreatic cancer. In pancreatic cancer patients, higher levels of CA 19-9 tend to be associated with more advanced disease. Noncancerous conditions that may elevate CA 19-9 levels include gallstones, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and cholecystitis. Not all pancreatic cancer patients have elevated levels of CA 19-9.

A condition causing weight loss and muscle wasting that occurs in advanced cancer, among other diseases.

Any of a group of diseases in which the cells are abnormal, grow out of control, and can spread.

The use of tests to find cancer before signs of cancer appear.

See Clinical stage, Staging cancer, and Stage.

Subpopulation of cancer cells believed to be responsible for starting and maintaining the cancer.

One of the approved chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer, it gets metabolized into 5-FU; in either form the drug disrupts the cell replication cycle.

A protein that may sometimes be found in the blood of people who have certain types of cancers, and not usually found in healthy persons.

Cancer-causing agent.

Cancer that starts in cells that form the lining of structures of the body.

Abnormal or cancer cells that have not grown into the next layer of tissue.

Persons who provide help with daily activities, coordinate healthcare and other services, and provide emotional and other types of support for patients.

A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into, or withdraw fluids out of, the body.

Supplies oxygenated blood to the stomach, liver, spleen, and parts of the esophagus, duodenum, and pancreas. Also known as the celiac axis.

Complex network of nerves in the abdomen.

Injections of pain medications given to relieve abdominal pain, often used in cancer treatment or chronic pancreatitis.

A problem with thinking and memory that can happen during and especially after chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Also known as chemo fog.

Radiation therapy used in combination with chemotherapy.

Use of drugs to kill cancer cells.

Days of treatment followed by days of rest.

Pre-testing chemotherapies to determine which drugs are most effective against a cancer before undergoing a complete course of therapy.

A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the muscles and bones, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health; it emphasizes manual treatments, including spinal manipulation.

Pain that occurs over a long period of time that may range from mild to severe.

Condition in which inflammation irreversibly damages the pancreas; or chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption.

Cells may shed from tumors and be found in small numbers in the bloodstream of certain cancer patients. These cells are known as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs are considered to be the source of cells that spread and form metastases in other organs.

One of the approved chemotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer, it is a platinum-based drug that disrupts DNA and kills cancer cells.

The rating of the extent of cancer based on tests before treatment. (See also Stage and Staging cancer.)

The study of a drug, procedure, or medical device to determine its safety and effectiveness in people; there are many types of clinical trials used to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, and treat disease, and to improve quality of life. (See also Phases of clinical trials.)

A condition occurring at the same time but independent of another condition or illness.

Treatment methods added to conventional or traditional therapy.

Medical imaging test in which a scanner takes detailed, cross-sectional, X-ray images from many different angles that are combined by a computer.

A condition of the digestive system in which a person experiences hard stools that are difficult to eliminate; constipation may be painful and, in severe cases, may lead to a blockage of the bowel.

A dye or other compound injected into the body to make specific tissue more visible during diagnostic imaging.

How people or family members come to terms with an illness, make decisions, solve problems, and adapt to life’s changes.

Treatment used to fully rid the body of a disease.