Dictionary

Rreal time MRI This technique produces MRI images in a fastersequence than traditional MRIs. The increased speed permitsthe visualization of the use of oxygen by the tumor and thebrain tissue. This technique is important because it depicts anarea of the brain “lighting up” when the patient performs atask, such as moving a finger, or speaking. In this way, brainmaps of functional areas are generated, useful for preoperativesurgical planning and intraoperative avoidance of functional or“eloquent” areas of the brain. Also called echoplanar,functional, or Fast MRI.receptor-mediated permeabilizers A way of delivering drugsthrough the blood brain barrier. Receptor-mediatedpermeabilizers are synthetic substances modeled after naturallyoccurring compounds. These substances temporarily increasethe openings of the blood brain barrier, allowing drugs to passinto the brain. Abbreviated RMP.RECIST Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. A set ofrules that defines when tumors shrink (respond), stay the same(stable), or grow (progress) during treatment. Clinical trialsinvestigating new treatments often use RECIST to evaluateresponse to treatment. The basic criteria (simplified) are:Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of a tumor(s)Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in thediameter of a tumorProgressive Disease (PD): At least a 20% increase in thediameter of a tumorStable Disease (SD): Neither PR nor PDrecurrence Reappearance of the tumor. The return of symptomsor the tumor itself, at the same site as the original (primary)tumor or in another location, after the tumor had disappearedfor a time.red blood cells Cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.Also called erythrocytes or RBCs.102registered nurse A trained professional who uses nursingprocess to provide health care and teach patients, their familiesand the public about disease management. Abbreviated RN.rehabilitation The process of restoring mental and/or physicalfunction after illness or injury, often with the assistance ofspecialized healthcare professionals.relapse The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after aperiod of improvement.remission The disappearance of symptoms or the disappearanceof the tumor. A remission can be permanent or temporary.resectable [re sect´ uh bull] Suitable for resection, i.e.,surgical removal.resection [ree sek´ shun] Surgical removal of a tumor. Oftenused with an adjective, for example, macroscopic total resection— removal of all visible tumor; partial or subtotal resection —some visible tumor could not be removed.reservoirs A small “container” such as an Ommaya Reservoir issurgically placed under the scalp. A tube leads from thereservoir into a ventricle of the brain. Medications are injectedvia syringe into the reservoir and then the reservoir is pumped.The pumping begins the flow of drug through the ventriclesand lining of the spine. Chemotherapy administered this wayis usually repeated on a regular schedule.resident A medical doctor who has completed medical schooland internship, and is receiving further training in a specializedarea. Completion of a residency program is required for boardcertification in a medical or surgical specialty.residual tumor [ree zid´ yu al] Tumor remaining after treatment.respiration Breathing. To inhale and exhale.reticular formation [reh tik´ you lar] A network of nerves in thecenter of the brain stem.retinoid Vitamin A or a vitamin A-like compound.R103