Dictionary

HIhypoxia [hi pocks´ ee ah] Lack of oxygen.ibuprofen [eye boo pro´ fin] The generic name for a drug usedto control inflammation, relieve mild to moderate pain andreduce fever. Examples: Advil, Motrin, Pamprin, Amersol.ICD International Classification of Diseases.ICDO International Classification of Diseases for Oncology.ICP Intracranial pressure.ictal [ick´ tal] Refers to a seizure or a stroke.ICU Intensive Care Unit.IDE Investigational device exemption. An FDA designationrequired before a new medical device can undergo testing in aclinical trial.IDH-1 Abbreviation for isocitrate dehydrogenase – 1, a genewhich, when mutated, has novel enzyme activity consistent witha cancer-causing gene, or oncogene. It may contribute to theformation and malignant progression of gliomas, the mostcommon type of brain cancers.IF Interferon.IICP Increased intracranial pressure.IL-2 Interleukin-2. One of the several interleukins, IL-2 isa cytokine produced by T cells. It stimulates the growth andactivity of many immune cells that can destroy tumor cells.IL-2 occurs naturally in the body.imagery A technique in which people focus in their minds onpositive images.imaging [ih´ muh jing] Methods, such as scans or x-rays, thatproduce pictures of areas inside the body. “Imaging” waspreviously referred to as “scanning.”imaging procedures Methods, such a scans or x-rays, thatproduce pictures of areas inside the body.imatinib mesylate An anti-cancer drug that belongs to thefamily of drugs called protein kinase inhibitors. Its brand nameis Gleevec.immume enhancer gene Injected into the tumor, it producesan immune response against the tumor.immune response The activity of the immune system againstforeign substances (antigens). A cancer cell can also berecognized as a foreign substance.immune system The immune system is the body’s naturaldefense mechanism. It is composed of several different types ofwhite blood cells and the products of those cells. The immunesystem’s purpose is to attack and destroy harmful substances orobjects it identifies in the body.immunoassay A test using antibodies to identify and quantifysubstances. To accomplish this, the antibody is often linked to amarker such as a fluorescent molecule, a radioactive moleculeor an enzyme.immunocompetent Capable of developing an immuneresponse, having an effective immune system.immunocompromised Having a weakened or ineffectiveimmune system. May be due to disease or treatments.Also called immunodeficient.immunoglobulins Protein substances that function asantibodies.immunosuppression Reduction of the body’s immune response.immunotherapy Treatment that stimulates the body’s immunesystem to fight tumors. Also called biological responsemodifier (BRM) therapy.immunotoxin therapy An immunotoxin is created by linking apoison (toxin) or a radioactive substance to a monoclonalantibody.I5859