Pandemic An outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area across international boundaries and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population. Pathogen A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease. Also referred to as an infectious agent. Patient navigator A person who helps guide a patient through the health care system. This includes help going through the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of a medical condition, such as cancer. A patient navigator helps patients communicate with their health care providers, so they get the information they need to make decisions about their health care. Patient navigators may also help patients set up appointments for doctor visits and medical tests and get financial, legal, and social support. They may also work with insurance companies, employers, case managers, lawyers, and others who may have an effect on a patient’s health care needs. Also called patient advocate. Patient reported outcome (PRO) Any report of the status of a patient’s health condition that comes directly from the patient, without interpretation of the patient’s response by a clinician or anyone else. Patient reported outcome measure (PROM) Standardized, validated tools used to measure patient reported outcomes (PROs). Precision medicine In oncology, precision medicine refers to the tailoring of treatments to the individual characteristics— in particular, the genetics—of patients and their cancer. Programmed death-1 (PD-1) A protein on the surface of immune cells called T cells. When PD-1 attaches to programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on other cells, it sends signals into the T cells to tell them to slow down and stop acting aggressively. Thus, PD-1 acts as an immune checkpoint protein or brake. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) A protein on the surface of many cell types, including some tumor cells. When it attaches to PD-1 on the surface of T cells, it sends signals into the T cells to tell them to slow down and stop acting aggressively. Prostate cancer Cancer that starts in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). In men, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of death from cancer. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) A protein secreted by the prostate gland, increased levels of which are found in the blood of patients with cancer of the prostate. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) A protein that is usually found on the surface of normal prostate cells but is found in higher amounts on prostate cancer cells. PSMA may be used as a target in imaging to help find prostate cancer cells, especially those that may have come back or spread to other parts of the body. Protein A molecule made up of amino acids that is needed for the body to function properly. Psycho-oncology An interdisciplinary field to address the physical, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of the cancer experience for both patients and caregivers. Q Quality of life The overall enjoyment of life. In cancer care, the term refers to an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out activities of daily living. R Radiation Energy released in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, medical X-rays, and energy given off by a radioisotope (unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable). Radionuclide Also called radioisotope, a radionuclide is an unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable. In cancer medicine, radionuclides are used in diagnostic tests to detect the spread of cancer using imaging as well as in therapeutics, called radiopharmaceuticals, to treat cancer. Radiotherapy The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiotherapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called irradiation and radiation therapy. Receptor A protein in a cell that attaches to specific molecules, such as hormones, from outside the cell, in a lockand-key manner, producing a specific effect on the cell—for example, initiating cell proliferation. Receptors are most commonly found spanning the membrane surrounding a cell but can be located within cells. Renal cell carcinoma The most common type of kidney cancer. It begins in the lining of the renal tubules in the kidney. Also called hypernephroma, renal cell adenocarcinoma, and renal cell cancer. Glossary AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 189
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