Adjuvant Chemotherapy – sometimes referred to as “preventative chemotherapy,” refers to systemic chemotherapy that is given after a complete CRS. The purpose is to delay or reduce the risk of recurrence, especially in patients with aggressive pathology or positive lymph nodes.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy – a type of medical treatment used to lower the levels of male hormones, known as androgens (such as testosterone), in the body. It is commonly used to treat prostate cancer and can be achieved through medications that block androgen production or through surgical procedures that remove the testicles, which are the primary source of testosterone.
Appendectomy – a surgical procedure to remove the appendix, usually associated with treatment for appendicitis (or inflammation of the appendix).
Appendix – a small organ connected to the colon (also called the large intestine or large bowel) in the lower right side of the abdomen. It is also referred to as the vermiform appendix.
Ascites – refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity and can be caused by both benign and cancerous conditions. Normally, there is a balance between fluid absorption and secretion in the abdominal cavity. However, when this is disrupted, the buildup of ascites can cause abdominal bloating, swelling, and discomfort. This may be relieved or controlled using outpatient procedures, such as paracentesis, or more definitive treatments, such as chemotherapy or CRS/HIPEC.
Bevacizumab (Avastin) – an antiangiogenic agent that prevents the formation of new blood vessels. It is used in combination with systemic chemotherapy to treat a variety of cancers including, colon, ovarian, and appendix. Of note, you should not receive this drug within 8 weeks of undergoing major surgery to minimize the risk of complications related to wound healing.
Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy - Removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
BRCA 1/2 – BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two genes that are important for fighting cancer. Mutations in either of these genes impairs their function and is associated with breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. BRCA mutations can be inherited or random. Certain treatments, such as PARP inhibitors, are designed specifically to treat tumors with BRCA mutations.
Cancer Incidence - the number of new cancers of a specific site/type occurring in a specified population during a year, usually expressed as the number of cancers per 100,000 population at risk.
Capecitabine (Xeloda) – an oral chemotherapy medication used to treat several types of cancer, including colon and appendix. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Carcinoid Syndrome – refers to a collection of symptoms that occur in patients with neuroendocrine or carcinoid tumors. It occurs rarely in patients with appendix carcinoid tumors and more commonly in patients with small bowel neuroendocrine tumors. Symptoms include diarrhea, flushing, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. Most symptoms can be managed using a somatostatin analog, such as octreotide.
Carcinoid Tumor (Neuroendocrine Tumor) – refers to rare tumors that develop in cells of the neuroendocrine system, which includes nerve and gland cells. These tumors usually begin in various organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
Carcinosarcomas - A malignant tumor that is a mixture of carcinoma (cancer of epithelial tissue, which is skin and tissue that lines or covers the internal organs) and sarcoma (cancer of connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, and fat).
Cecectomy – also referred to as an extended appendectomy, it is the surgical removal of the appendix and cecum, part of the colon that the appendix is attached to. It may be recommended for low-grade appendix tumors that are pushing close to the cecum in order to achieve negative surgical margins.
Cecum – the first part of the colon (also called the large intestines or large bowel) that connects to the small intestines. The appendix is also attached to the colon at the cecum.
Cervix – the base of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina.
Central Line – an intravenous (IV) catheter that is placed in a large vein leading to the heart to provide long-term access for medications and nutrition.
Chemoradiation – a treatment for cancer that combines chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It is commonly used in rectal cancers and for certain types of recurrence for colon cancers. This combination therapy is meant to increase the effectiveness of both treatments and minimize side effects.
Chest Tube – tubes placed through the skin into the chest cavity to drain fluid and air from around the lungs. These are necessary if a patient’s surgery includes the removal of tumors from around the diaphragm, the breathing muscle that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity.
Clear Cell Carcinomas - A rare type of cancer in which the cells look clear when viewed under a microscope. Clear cell carcinoma occurs most often in the kidney and in the female reproductive organs. Also called clear cell adenocarcinoma.
Colonoscopy – refers to a non-invasive procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the colon and rectum using a flexible tube/camera called a colonoscope. It is not only a way to screen for colon cancer, but also prevent colon cancer from developing through the removal of precancerous polyps. A colonoscopy may also be recommended as part of the preoperative workup before a CRS/HIPEC procedure.
Colostomy – refers to the re-routing of the large intestine by surgically making an opening in the abdominal wall and creating an outlet with a portion of the large intestine in order for the body to pass stool. A colostomy is sometimes required after surgery involving the intestines, such as a hemicolectomy, and may be permanent or temporary.
Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) – refers to the aggressive surgical removal or destruction of cancer. It is performed through an incision down the midline of the abdomen and may include removal of the omentum, spleen, colon, bowel, ovaries, uterus, appendix, liver, gallbladder, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and other abdominal structures. The amount and length of surgery and specific resections required depend on the location and amount of involvement by tumors. Cytoreductive surgery aims to remove all visible disease or, in some cases, to achieve palliation of symptoms.
Completeness of Cytoreduction Score (CC-Score) – is a measure from 0-3 of the quality of cytoreduction that was performed. CC-0 and CC-1 are considered to be complete cytoreductions and are associated with the best survival outcomes. CC-2 and CC-3 are called incomplete cytoreductions. In high-grade tumors, CC-0 has better outcomes than CC-1 cytoreduction.
Cystic Mesothelioma – very rare non-invasive, likely reactive condition characterized by the presence of mesothelial cysts in the peritoneum. The are commonly called benign cystic mesothelioma or peritoneal inclusion cysts. While considered “benign,” they can cause significant morbidity and are at high risk for recurrence, despite complete surgical removal.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that allows your surgeon to look inside your abdomen without a larger operation. In this procedure, a camera is inserted through a small incision in your abdomen. This can help your CRS/HIPEC surgeons better assess the extent of disease, as well as obtain a biopsy to clarify your diagnosis.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C) – refers to a procedure done under anesthesia to examine the inside of the uterus and removing the endometrial lining the uterus. It can be used to help treat heavy or postmenopausal bleeding and is often the first step in diagnosing endometrial cancer.
Endometrium – refers to the inner lining of the uterus. During a menstrual period, the endometrium is shed as vaginal bleeding. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause is considered abnormal and further testing on the endometrium may be needed to rule out cancer or precancerous lesions.
Endometrial Biopsy – refers to a procedure in which a pipette is inserted into the uterus to obtain a sample of the endometrial lining. It is often recommended for women with abnormal or postmenopausal uterine bleeding and can help to diagnose endometrial cancer or precursors to endometrial cancer. It can be performed at a routine appointment with your gynecologic oncologist.
Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma - A type of cancer that usually forms in the glandular tissue of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) or ovary but may also form in the fallopian tube, cervix, and vagina. The cancer cells tend to look similar to normal gland cells when viewed under a microscope. Endometrioid adenocarcinoma usually grows and spreads slowly, can be treated, and has a good prognosis (chance of recovery). It is the most common type of endometrial cancer. Also called endometrioid cancer.
Endoscopy – a procedure in which a camera is used to examine the digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. It can be used to diagnose (via biopsy) and monitor various conditions, like cancer. Endoscopic techniques can also be used to remove early-stage or precancerous lesions from the digestive tract, known as an endoscopic resection.
Endotracheal (ET) Tube – also referred to as a “breathing tube,” this tube is inserted through a patient’s mouth and throat to the trachea, also known as the windpipe, and is connected to a ventilator, or breathing machine, to help a patient breathe.
Estrogen Receptor (ER) Positive – refers to cancer cells that have estrogen receptors on their surface. These receptors are proteins that bind to the hormone, estrogen. When a cancer is ER-positive, it means that the cancer cells are responsive to estrogen. In these cases, hormone therapy can be used to block estrogen from binding to the receptors or reduce the amount of estrogen in the body, helping to slow or stop the grown of cancer cells.
Exploratory Laparotomy – a surgical procedure that involves making an incision on your abdomen so a surgeon can better examine your organs. It is the first step of performing CRS.
External beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) – refers to a type of radiation therapy in which the radiation beams are directed at the tumor from outside the body. It targets a larger area of the body, such as the pelvis or chest. It is commonly used in endometrial cancer and rectal cancers to help shrink tumors or prevent recurrence.
Fallopian Tubes – a pair of tubes through which the egg released by the ovary travels to reach the uterus. Most ovarian cancers are believed to actually originate in the fallopian tubes. Because of their similar biological characteristics and treatment, fallopian tube cancer is often grouped together with ovarian cancer.
FOLFIRI – a chemotherapy regimen commonly used to treat colon cancers consisting of the combination of 5-FU, folinic acid, and irinotecan. It can also be given with or without Avastin.
FOLFOX – a chemotherapy regimen commonly used to treat colon cancers. It consists of a combination of 5-FU, folinic acid, and oxaliplatin. It is usually the first-choice regimen. However, the oxaliplatin can cause neuropathy so your oncologist may elect to use FOLFIRI if symptoms occur.
Gastrectomy – refers to a surgical procedure in which all (total) or part (subtotal) of the stomach is removed. It can be done through open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Gastrectomy is a common procedure performed as part of gastric cancer management.
Germline Mutation – a gene mutation that is inherited and present in all of the cells of your body. You may be recommended to undergo germline genetic testing (usually a blood or saliva test) based on your family history of cancers. The presence of a germline mutation can make you at greater risk for developing cancer and additional regular screening tests may be recommended.
Gleason Score – a system used to grade prostate cancer based on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and helps determine the aggressiveness of the cancer and its potential to grow or spread. Gleason score ≤6 is considered to be a low grade cancer and is less aggressive, while scores of 8-10 indicate a high grade cancer that is more likely to grow and spread quickly. This score is a key factor in determining the appropriate treatment plan for prostate cancer.
Grade – refers to how aggressive a cancer is, which is determined based on how much cancer cells look like normal healthy cells when viewed with a microscope. A less aggressive cancer would be considered low-grade, and a more aggressive cancer would be considered high-grade.
Goblet Cell Carcinoma – an aggressive type of mucinous appendix cancer that is commonly mistaken for less aggressive carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors. It may be mixed with signet ring cells, which results in a poorer prognosis.
Gynecological Malignancies - Gynecologic cancer is a disease in which cells in a woman's reproductive organs grow out of control.
HAMN – stands for high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, which is a mucin-producing growth in the appendix that is likely to cause PMP or LGMCP. It is similar to LAMN, but the cells have a slightly more complex architecture, increasing the likelihood of PMP development.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – a common type of bacteria that infects your stomach. This infection has been linked to the development of several cancers, particularly gastric cancer.
Hemicolectomy – refers to the surgical removal of part of the colon and surrounding lymph nodes. A right hemicolectomy is recommended for patients with invasive appendix cancers.
HGMCP (PMCA) – stands for high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei, formerly known as PMCA (peritoneal mucinous adenocarcinoma), and refers to the spread of mucin and invasive cancer cells throughout the abdominal cavity. It most commonly originates from a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix.
High-Risk Endometrial Cancer – refers to a more aggressive form of endometrial cancers that are more likely to spread (metastasize) and recur with a significantly lower prognosis compared to low-risk endometrial cancers. They tend to have a higher grade (poorly differentiated). Have deeply invaded the uterus, or have spread to the lymph nodes and other sites. Certain histological subtypes, such as serous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, and carcinosarcomas are considered to be high-risk due to their aggressive nature. Because high-risk endometrial cancers have a poorer prognosis, additional therapies after surgery are often recommended, including chemotherapy and radiation.
Histology – refers to the study of the microscopic structure of tissues. By examining tissue samples (ie. from a biopsy or surgery), the pathologist will determine the histological subtype. This will help your oncologists choose the most appropriate treatment approach and can provide insight into prognosis. Examples of common histological subtypes include adenocarcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, and serous carcinoma.
Hormone Therapy – refers to a type of treatment that uses hormones or hormone-blocking drugs to treat cancer. Hormone-blocking drugs are often used to treat endometrial cancers, which can be influenced by excess estrogen.
Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy (HITHOC) – refers to the infusion of heated chemotherapy throughout the thoracic (chest) cavity. It is used to treat cancers that have spread to the lungs or the pleura (lining of the lungs), such as mesothelioma or other cancers. It is a localized treatment and is considered an experimental or advanced technique. It is usually combined with surgery to remove visible tumors.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) – refers to the infusion of heated chemotherapy throughout the abdominal cavity. It is performed immediately following cytoreductive surgery and the goal is to treat any microscopic tumor cells that may be left behind. Heating chemotherapy drugs increases the penetration into tissues and potentiates the effects of some chemotherapy drugs. Heat alone can also kill cancer cells.
Hysterectomy – a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus. It can be performed with both minimally invasive techniques (ie. laparoscopically or robitically) or through a larger abdominal incision (ie. open or laparotomy). The approach depends on the extent of tumor involvement and can often be combined with other procedures, such as lymph node excisions and ovary removal (oophorectomy).
Ileostomy - refers to the re-routing of the small intestine by surgically making an opening in the abdominal wall, and creating an outlet with the very end portion of the small intestine. An ileostomy is sometimes required after surgery involving the intestines and may be permanent or temporary.
Immunotherapy – refers to a type of drug that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. One type of immunotherapy, PD-1 inhibitors, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in endometrial cancer. It can be used in combination with chemotherapy and/or as maintenance therapy.
Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (IP) – a type of chemotherapy that is infused directly into your abdomen through a port. IP chemotherapy is different from HIPEC because repeated doses at pre-defined intervals and is not heated. IP chemotherapy is most commonly used in ovarian cancer, but it is associated with more port-related complications compared to traditional systemic chemotherapy.
Interval Surgery – also referred to as a “sandwich procedure,” it is a treatment approach that involves having systemic chemotherapy before and after CRS. CRS can be performed with or without HIPEC depending on the institution. This approach is reserved for patients who are not candidates for upfront surgery and require a neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink tumors and improve performance status.
Iterative CRS/HIPEC – also referred to as a repeated CRS/HIPEC, which describes an additional CRS/HIPEC procedure performed for disease recurrence. Each additional CRS/HIPEC poses more challenges for the surgeon given the development of adhesions and scar tissue. However, if the location of the recurrence allows for an additional CRS/HIPEC, this treatment option is likely to provide better survival compared to systemic chemotherapy alone.
Jackson-Pratt (JP) Drain – a device that uses gentle suction to drain blood, body fluids, and medicines such as chemotherapies used in treatment out of the abdomen or other surgical areas.
LAMN – stands for low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, which is a mucin-producing growth in the appendix that is likely to cause PMP or LGMCP.
Leiomyoma (Fibroid) – also known as a fibroid, is a benign tumor that grows in the uterine muscle. Many cases of leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of uterine sarcoma, are often diagnosed after surgery for what was thought to be a benign fibroid.
LGMCP (DPAM) – stands for low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei, formerly known as DPAM (disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis), and refers to the spread of mucin and scant bland epithelial cells throughout the abdominal cavity. It most commonly originates from LAMN or HAMNs.
Low-Risk Endometrial Cancer – refers to a type of endometrial cancer that is less likely to spread or recur and has a more favorable prognosis. Low-risk endometrial cancers include cancers that have a lower grade (well-differentiated), are localized (confined to the uterus), and have not spread beyond the uterus (early stage). The majority of endometrioid adenocarcinomas are considered to be low-risk. Because they have a good prognosis, surgery is the main treatment option and other therapies, such as chemotherapy, are typically not recommended.
Lymph Node – a small structure that is part of the immune system. The body contains hundreds of lymph nodes that are connected by lymph vessels.
Lynch Syndrome – refers to an inherited genetic disorder that results in an increased risk for developing cancer, particularly colorectal cancer and endometrial cancers. It is caused by a genetic mutation in at least one of 5 genes (MLHL1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM), collectively called DNA mismatch repair genes. Genetic testing, which typically involves a blood or saliva test, for people with a family history or diagnosis of certain cancers may be recommended to determine if you have Lynch syndrome. Your tumor sample can also be tested for lynch syndrome.
Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma – refers to an aggressive form of cancer that originates in the mesothelial cells that line the peritoneal cavity. It has been linked to past asbestos exposure and includes 3 pathologic subtypes, epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic (mixed epithelioid and sarcomatoid).
Mesentery – a fold of tissue that attaches the bowel to the abdominal cavity. It contains blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and fat that support the small bowel and colon. Tumor involvement of the small bowel mesentery is a critical factor in determining whether a cancer can be surgically removed or not.
Mesothelium – a membrane made up of epithelial cells that lines internal organs and body cavities, including the peritoneal cavity.
Metastasis – refers to the spread of cancer cells from the area or organ where they first formed to other organs or other parts of the body. Cancer cells can travel from the original tumor (also referred to as “primary tumor”) through the blood vessels or lymphatic system and form a new, metastatic tumor in a different area. When this happens, the metastatic tumor is made of the same cancer cells as the primary tumor. You may also see references to “metastases,” or “metastasize.”
Metastatic - Cancer that has spread from where it started to another part of the body. The original cancer is called the primary tumour. The cancer in another part of the body is called metastatic cancer.
Morcellation – is a surgical technique often used during a hysterectomy to grind uterine tissue into smaller pieces so it can be removed through minimally invasive surgery. However, if cancer is present in the tissue being removed, this procedure can spread cancer cells throughout the abdominal cavity, resulting in a poor prognosis.
Mucin – a jelly-like substance that the body produces to protect the lining of the stomach, intestines, and the appendix. Certain types of cancer cells produce mucin that may cause organs to rupture, such as the appendix, and build up in the abdomen. This leads to a condition called pseudomyxoma peritonei, or PMP.
Mucinous Carcinomas - a rare type of cancer. In mucinous carcinoma, cancer cells form in mucin, the main component of mucus. Mucins are proteins that help with the function of healthy cells. In mucinous carcinoma, the mucin around cancer cells becomes part of the tumor.
Myomectomy – a surgical procedure to remove fibroids (also called leiomyomas) from the uterus.
Myometrium – refers to the thick muscle layer of the uterus and is responsible for uterine contractions. Uterine sarcomas can arise from the myometrium.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (NACT) – refers to the cycles of chemotherapy that are given before interval surgery to shrink tumors and help to make them more amenable to be surgically removed.
Nasogastric (NG) Tube – a tube placed in a patient’s nose that runs down into the stomach to drain the stomach of any contents until the intestines regain function.
Omentectomy – a surgical procedure that removes the omentum. The omentum is a fatty apron that lies on top of the intestines and abdominal organs. It is often one of the first sites of tumor spread within the abdominal cavity and should be removed during cytoreductive surgery.
Ostomy (Colostomy / Ileostomy) – An ostomy is a surgical procedure where a part of the colon or small bowel is diverted through an opening in the abdominal wall. It can be reversible (temporary) or permanent. It may be required depending on the location of the tumor and the extent of involvement of the colon. The purpose is to allow for complete tumor removal, prevent high-risk postoperative complications, and maintain quality of life.
Overall Survival – is used to measure the length of time until death. In cancer research, it is often measured from the time of a certain treatment or diagnosis until death from any cause and helps to provide an expected survival in certain groups of patients. The median overall survival is the amount of time (usually in months) and helps to define the “average” survival time.
p53 – a protein that helps to regulate cell growth. When p53 is mutated, it can no longer effectively control cell growth, potentially leading to tumor development. Pathologists will sometimes check to see if your tumor has a molecular alteration that caused a mutation in p53. This information can help your oncologist make treatment decisions and gives insight into information like your cancer’s origin and prognosis.
Palliative Treatment – refers to a treatment that is performed with the purpose to improve or alleviate symptoms rather than for the goal of achieving a cure.
Paracentesis – an outpatient procedure usually performed by interventional radiology that is used to drain ascites. This may be repeated as needed to alleviate symptoms.
PARP Inhibitor – stands for poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and is a special class of drugs used to treat ovarian cancers. They are oral medications, such as Olaparib or Niraparib, that can be used in combination with systemic chemotherapy or alone as maintenance therapy.
Patient Controlled Analgesic (PCA) Pump – a device that delivers a prescribed amount of pain medication at a continuous rate via IV and allows a patient to initiate additional medication as needed.
PD-1 Inhibitor - A protein found on T cells (a type of immune cell) that helps keep the body’s immune responses in check. When PD-1 is bound to another protein called PD-L1, it helps keep T cells from killing other cells, including cancer cells. Some anticancer drugs, called immune checkpoint inhibitors, are used to block PD-1. When this protein is blocked, the “brakes” on the immune system are released and the ability of T cells to kill cancer cells is increased.
Pelvic Washings – also referred to as peritoneal washings, is a diagnostic procedure that involves irrigating the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity and then collecting the fluid for laboratory analysis. It is often performed during gynecologic surgeries to help determine if microscopic cancer cells have spread to the abdominal cavity.
Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) – a score from 0-39 that surgeons and researchers use to quantify the amount of tumor in the abdominal cavity. This score divides the abdominal cavity into 13 regions and each region is given a score of 0-3 depending on the amount of tumor in that location. While some may try to estimate this on a CT scan or diagnostic laparoscopy, the only accurate way to know this value is at the time of exploratory laparotomy.
Peritoneal Carcinomatosis / Peritoneal Metastases – refers to the spread of tumors throughout the abdominal cavity. This can originate from a wide variety of tumors, including the appendix, colon, ovaries, and many other abdominal organs.
Peritoneal Sarcomatosis – refers to the spread of sarcoma tumors to the peritoneum. This occurs when sarcomas that originate from a wide variety of tissues, including the uterus, muscles, or other connective tissues, metastasize to the abdominal cavity.
Peritoneum and Peritoneal Cavity – the smooth, thin membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum provides a frictionless surface such that internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis may move freely. The space lined by the peritoneum and containing the abdominal and pelvic organs is also referred to as the peritoneal cavity.
Platinum Resistant – refers to tumors that do not respond to platinum-based chemotherapy agents, such as carboplatin or cisplatin. Tumors that recur within 6 months – 1 year from the date of the last platinum-based treatment are considered to be platinum resistant, limiting the available treatment options.
Polypectomy – a procedure in which a polyp is removed from the inside of the colon. Polyps can be cancerous or pre-cancerous. Removing polyps during a colonoscopy is one way to prevent advanced colorectal cancer from developing.
Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosolized Chemotherapy (PIPAC) – an emerging treatment for peritoneal disease, specifically in end-stage cancers like gastric cancer. During a laparoscopic procedure, chemotherapy is pressurized to form a fine mist (aerosol) and then sprayed into the abdominal cavity. The increased pressure is thought to enhance the penetration of chemotherapy into deeper tissues, while the aerosol form allows for more extensive coverage of the peritoneal surfaces. PIPAC is currently being investigated as a way to improve quality of life and control tumor growth by providing more localized, targeted treatment.
Progesterone Receptor (PR) Positive – refers to cancer cells that have progesterone receptors, which are proteins that bind to the hormone progesterone. When a cancer is PR-positive, it means the cancer cells are responsive to progesterone. In such cases, hormone therapy can be used to block the effects of progesterone or lower its levels in the body, which can help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Progression Free Survival – also referred to as recurrence-free survival, is the period of time without tumor recurrence or progression. In cancer research, it is often measured from the start of a treatment or diagnosis.
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) – the clinical syndrome of a mucinous tumor that has spread throughout the abdominal cavity. It is most commonly caused by mucinous tumors of the appendix and is categorized into LGMCP or HGMCP depending on the architecture of the cancer cells in the mucin.
Salpingo-oophorectomy – a surgical procedure in which the fallopian tubes (salpingectomy) and ovaries (oophorectomy) are removed. It can be unilateral (left or right) or bilateral (both left and right). It is often performed at the same time as a hysterectomy. Removing the ovaries stops hormone production, resulting in “surgical menopause” for premenopausal women.
Serous Carcinomas - The second most common endometrial carcinoma, accounting for approximately 10% of all cases. Serous carcinomas are solid and cystic tumors that frequently show areas of necrosis and hemorrhage.
Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma – an aggressive type of mucinous appendix cancer characterized by ring-shaped cells in the mucin. It has a propensity to metastasize to the lymph nodes and may require systemic chemotherapy in addition to CRS/HIPEC.
Somatic Mutation – a type of gene mutation that is acquired from environmental triggers or random chance. It is not passed on to or inherited from family members. Cancers develop from somatic mutations and testing on a sample of the tumor can help decipher what is driving your tumor growth and qualify you for targeted treatments or certain clinical trials.
Somatostatin Analog – a type of medicine that works like a natural hormone called somatostatin, which helps control the release of other hormones in your body. In people with neuroendocrine tumors, these drugs help by slowing down or stopping the extra hormone production from these tumors. This can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Examples of somatostatin analogs include octreotide and lanreotide.
Systemic Chemotherapy – also referred to as intravenous (IV) chemotherapy, it is traditional chemotherapy that is given directly into a vein. In this method, the treatment can reach all cells in the body. However, systemic chemotherapy has poor penetration into the peritoneal cavity and localized treatments, such as HIPEC or IP chemotherapy, are more successful at treating this type of metastases.
Targeted Therapy – a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to specifically target and interfere with certain molecules or molecular changes within cancer cells that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidy dividing cells, target therapy is more precise, aiming to disrupt cancer cell processes while minimizing damage to normal cells. Genetic sequencing of the tumor can help identify specific molecular targets, guiding the use of targeted therapies that may be more effective for your particular cancer.
Thoracentesis – an outpatient procedure usually performed by interventional radiology to drain pleural effusions or fluid accumulated around the lungs (pleural cavity). This may be repeated as needed to alleviate symptoms, such as shortness of breath.
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and Intralipids – nutrition that is administered directly into a patient’s vein to provide the body with nutrients (including intralipids, or “liquid fat”) needed to heal until they are able to eat food again.
Tumor Grade – refers to how closely the cancer cells resemble normal cells. This information is determined when the pathologist examines your tumor cells from a biopsy or surgery under a microscope. Tumor grade ranges from well differentiated (grade 1) to poorly differentiated (grade 3). Higher grades typically suggest more aggressive cancers.
Tumor Markers – substances that are produced by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer in the body. They can be measured with blood tests and can be used to help diagnose, monitor, and assess the treatment of cancer. Some common tumor markers include 125, CA 19-9, CEA, and PSA.
Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) – refers to the total number of mutations present within the DNA of a tumor. A high TMB suggests that the tumor has accumulated many genetic alterations, which may result in the production of abnormal proteins that the immune system can recognize and target. Tumors with high TMB are more likely to respond to certain immunotherapies, whereas tumors with low TMB hve fewer mutations making them less visible to the immune system and less responsive to immunotherapy. TMB is reported on tumor genetic sequencing reports and helps guide treatment decisions, particularly for immunotherapy.
Uterine sarcoma - a rare type of cancer that originates in the muscle tissue of the uterus. Sarcoma refers to a type of cancer that begins in bone or in the soft tissues of the body, including cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, fibrous tissue, or other connective or supportive tissue.
Uterus - a small, pear-shaped organ in a female's pelvis. The uterus is where a fetus develops and grows.
Vaginal Brachytherapy (VBT) – refers to a type of radiation therapy that uses a radioactive applicator placed in the vagina to deliver radiation directly to a localized area. It is commonly used for endometrial/uterine cancers after a hysterectomy to prevent recurrence at the vaginal cuff, which is the most common site of recurrence.