P

The p53 gene is used in the cell to make a protein that helps to control the cell cycle. If the p53 gene is changed (mutated) then there is a greater risk of the cell becoming malignant and causing a cancer.

Palliation or palliative care is given to reduce the symptoms or problems from cancer. It is generally not expected to provide a cure for the disease but may be used in addition to other treatments. For example, palliation of pain using drugs or radiotherapy may be used in addition to other treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy.

Inflammation of the whole bowel. Colitis=bowel inflammation, pan=whole.

Normal feature of an organ or tissue that resembles a lump or projection.

Doctor who examines tissues and fluids to make diagnosis and help guide treatment.

Testing and examination of tissues and fluids to make diagnosis and help guide treatment.

The outer layer of bones, made up of a type of connective tissue that wraps around the bone.

The smooth membrane that lines the abdomen and encloses the organs and gut.

A phase 1 study is designed to find out the maximum dose and how often the drug can be given and the side effects of the drug. More information on study phases is available in the patient information booklet on clinical trials.

Testing of new drugs to find the particular cancers which may respond best to the treatment and act as a guide for the next phase of drug trials. More information on study phases is available in the patient information booklet on clinical trials.

A phase 3 study looks at the effect of the new drug on particular types of cancer, usually in comparison to known treatments.
More information on study phases is available in the patient information booklet on clinical trials.

Skin reaction to chemotherapy (usually 5-FU) that causes a temporary red rash to develop on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Assessed by examination of a sample under the microscope, meaning that there is a lot of variation in the shape and size of cells in the tissue. Usually tissues are made up of very similar shapes and sizes of cells. Cancer cells can vary in shape and size and this can help the medical team make an assessment of the type of cancer.

First treatment after diagnosis. For example, the primary treatment for some types of cancer (such as adult sarcoma) is surgery.

Indication of how a patient will respond to treatment. A prognosis will usually be based on information from research studies and clinical experience but may be very difficult to determine with accuracy.

Develop or grow in number.