A medicine used to treat breast cancer that has spread or that has come back within 6months ofchemotherapy treatment. It is being studied in the treatment of newly diagnosed breast cancers. Also called ABI-007, Abraxane, nanoparticle paclitaxel, protein-bound paclitaxel.

Also called Taxol. A medicine used to treat breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It blocks cell growth by stopping cell division and may kill cancer cells.

The point at which a person becomes aware of pain.

Care given to improve the quality of life of people with serious, long-term or life-threatening diseases. The goal of palliative care is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of a disease, side effects caused by treatment of a disease, and the psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to a disease or its treatment. Also called comfort care, supportive care, and symptom management. Pain medicine, emotional support services and surgery to remove painful tumors are all forms of palliation. Palliative care is also available through hospice care for end of life, but may be used at any stage of treatment.

A side effect of some cancer treatments that causes pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or redness of the hands or feet. Also called hand-foot syndrome.

Cancer that can be felt by touch, as you would feel a lump in the breast. These cancers are usually in the lymph nodes, skin, or other organs of the body such as the breast.

A rapid or irregular heartbeat that a person can feel.

Sudden, extreme anxiety or fear that may cause irrational thoughts or actions, include rapid heart rate, flushing (a hot, red face), sweating and trouble breathing.

Also called carboplatin. A medicine being studied in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer and that is used to treat advanced ovarian cancer. Paraplatin is a form of the anticancer agent cisplatin and causes fewer side effects. It attaches to DNA in cells and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of platinum compound.

Also called Paxil. A medicine used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Also called poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. A type of enzyme that helps repair DNA damage caused by normal cell activity, UV light, anticancer medicines and radiation therapy. It is also involved in many other cell functions. Inhibitors of one enzyme, PARP-1, are being studied in the treatment of breast cancer.

Surgery to remove part of one ovary or part of both ovaries.

Also called accelerated partial-breast irradiation. A type of radiation therapy given either internally or externally, to only the part of the breast that has cancer in it. Partial-breast irradiation gives a higher dose over a shorter time than is given in standard whole-breast radiation therapy.

Having to do with the father, coming from the father, or related through the father. For example, your paternal grandfather is your grandfather on your father's side of the family.

The stage of breast cancer, or the amount of cancer in the body or extent of the cancer's reach. A determination of how much breast cancer is present or how much it has spread is based on how different the cancer cells look when compared to healthy cells, as viewed under a microscope in samples of tissue.

A doctor who specializes in identifying the cellular components of tissue and diagnosing specific diseases, such as breast cancer, by examining cells and tissues under a microscope.

A trained professional who helps a person work with others who have an effect on his or her health, including doctors, insurance companies, employers, case managers and lawyers. A patient advocate helps resolve issues about health care, medical bills, and job discrimination related to that individual's medical condition.

A dimpled condition of the skin of the breast that looks like the skin of an orange. It is sometimes found as a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer.

The process by which original articles and grants written by researchers are evaluated for technical and scientific quality and correctness by other experts in the same field.

Also called magnetic resonance perfusion imaging. A special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that uses an injected dye in order to see blood flow through tissues.

Also called cyclic neutropenia. A chronic condition that affects neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). In periodic neutropenia, the number of neutrophils in the blood goes in cycles from a healthy level, to low, and back to a healthy level again. Symptoms include fever, inflamed mucous membranes in the mouth, and infections. Periodic neutropenia is sometimes caused by cancer treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Also called neuropathy. A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body. It usually begins in the hands or feet and can be caused by certain breast cancer medicines.

A collection of information about a person's health. It may include information about allergies, illnesses and surgeries, and dates and results of physical exams, tests, screenings, and immunizations. It may also include information about medicines taken and about diet and exercise. Also called personal history and personal medical history.

A form of medicine that uses information about a person's genes, proteins, and environment to prevent, diagnose and treat disease.

Positron emission tomography scan. A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because breast cancer cells often use more glucose than healthy cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body.

The first step in testing a new treatment in humans. These studies test the best way to give a new treatment (for example, by mouth, intravenous infusion, or injection) and the best dose. The dose is usually increased a little at a time in order to find the highest dose that does not cause harmful side effects. Because little is known about the possible risks and benefits of the treatments being tested, phase I trials usually include only a small number of individuals who have not been helped by other treatments.

A study to test whether a new treatment has an anticancer effect (for example, whether it shrinks a breast tumor or improves blood test results), and whether it works against a certain type of cancer.

A study to compare the results of people taking a new treatment with the results of people taking the standard treatment: for example, which group has better survival rates or fewer side effects. In most cases, studies move into phase III only after a treatment seems to work in phases I and II. Phase III trials may include hundreds or thousands of people.

Also called venipuncture. The puncture of a vein with a needle for the purpose of drawing blood.

Also called CSP and cystosarcoma phyllodes. A rare type of tumor found in breast or prostate tissue that grows quickly and can become very large. Phyllodes tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer), but are usually removed whether they are cancerous or not. Malignant phyllodes tumors are treated with surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy) and sometimes with radiation therapy. Malignant phyllodes tumors can spread to other parts of the body.

A health professional who teaches exercises and physical activities that help condition muscles and restore strength and movement. Some doctors recommend an appointment with a physical therapist after breast cancer surgery, with the goal of preventing or preparing to manage a condition called lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition that may include the swelling of the arms, due to the buildup of lymph fluid. It can occur after breast cancer surgery.

Also called PA. A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a doctor. A physician assistant may take medical histories, do physical exams, take blood and urine samples, care for wounds, and give injections and immunizations.

Having to do with the functions of the body. When used in the phrase 'physiologic age,' it refers to an age assigned by general health, as opposed to calendar age.

A medicine used to increase salivation in people who have dry-mouth caused by opioids or radiation therapy. Pilocarpine belongs to the family of medicines called alkaloids.

Refers to a clinical study in which the individuals in the control group receive a placebo. A placebo is an inactive substance or treatment that looks the same and is administered in the same way as an active medicine or treatment, usually during a clinical trial intended to test a not-yet-approved medicine for its ability to treat a specific illness or medical condition.

In breast cancer treatment, a plastic surgeon helps with reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Some plastic surgeons specialize in the various types of reconstruction surgeries. Plastic surgeons may also perform surgeries to reduce scarring or disfigurement caused by accidents, birth defects, or other disease treatments.

A study of a group of individuals taken from the general population who share a common characteristic, such as age, sex or health condition. This group may be studied for different reasons, such as their response to a medicine or risk of getting a disease.

A test result that reveals the presence of a specific disease or condition for which the test is being done.

An anxiety disorder that develops in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress, such as military combat, violent assault, natural disaster, or other life-threatening events. Symptoms interfere with day-to-day living and include reliving the event in nightmares or flashbacks; avoiding people, places, and things connected to the event; feeling alone and losing interest in daily activities; and having trouble concentrating and sleeping. Having cancer may also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Also called PTSD.

After surgery.

In medicine, the effect of increasing the potency or effectiveness of a medicine or other treatment.

Progesterone receptor-negative. Describes breast cancer cells that do not have a protein to which the hormone progesterone will bind. Cancer cells that are PR- do not need progesterone to grow, and usually do not stop growing when treated with hormones that block progesterone from binding.

Progesterone receptor. A protein found inside the cells of the female reproductive tissue, some other types of tissue, and some breast cancer cells. The hormone progesterone will bind to the receptors inside the cells and may cause the cells to grow.

Also called premalignant. A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer.

A condition or finding that can be used to help predict whether a person's cancer will respond to a specific treatment. Predictive factor may also describe something that increases a person's risk of developing a condition or disease.

Also called precancerous. A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer.

Having to do with the time before menopause. Menopause is the time of life when a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently.

In medicine, action taken to decrease the chance of getting a disease or condition. For example, cancer prevention includes avoiding risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, and radiation exposure) and increasing protective factors (such as getting regular physical activity, staying at a healthy weight, and having a healthy diet).

Also called prophylactic mastectomy. Surgery to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by removing one or both breasts before disease develops.

Health services that meet most basic health care needs over time. Primary care includes physical exams, treatment of common medical conditions, and preventive care such as immunizations and screenings. Primary care doctors are usually the first health professionals an individual will see for basic medical care. Primary care doctors may refer to a specialist, if treatment for breast cancer is needed.

Initial treatment used to reduce a cancer. Primary therapy is followed by other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy to get rid of cancer that remains. Also called first-line therapy, induction therapy, primary treatment.

The original tumor, which determines how doctors will refer to the illness and what medicines they'll use to treat it. For example, when the original tumor is found in the breast, the cancer is referred to as 'breast cancer.' Specific medicines are considered standard for treatment of the various types of breast cancer.

A medicine used to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. It belongs to the family of medicines called antiemetics.

A lab test to find out if cancer cells have progesterone receptors (proteins to which the hormone progesterone will bind). If the cells have progesterone receptors, they may need progesterone to grow, and this can affect how breast cancer is treated.

Also called PR+. Describes cells that have a protein to which the hormone progesterone will bind. Breast cancer cells that are progesterone receptor positive need progesterone to grow and will usually stop growing when treated with hormones that block progesterone from binding.

Any natural or lab-made substance that has some or all of the biologic effects of progesterone, a female hormone.

A situation or condition, or a characteristic of an individual, that can be used to estimate the chance of recovery from a disease or the chance of the disease recurring (coming back).

In medicine, the course of a disease such as breast cancer as it becomes worse or spreads in the body.

Also called denosumab and Xgeva. Under the brand name Xgeva, the medicine is used to prevent broken bones and other bone problems caused by solid tumors that have metastasized (spread) to bone. Under the brand name Prolia, it is used to treat osteoporosis (a decrease in bone mass and density) in postmenopausal women who have a high risk of breaking bones. Prolia binds to a protein called RANKL, which keeps RANKL from binding to another protein called RANK on the surface of certain bone cells. This may help keep bone from breaking down. Prolia is a type of monoclonal antibody.

A medicine given during chemotherapy to increase blood cell regeneration. Promegapoietin is a colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the production of blood cells, especially platelets. It is a cytokine and belongs to the family of medicines called hematopoietic (blood-forming) agents.

Surgery intended to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by removing the ovaries before disease develops. Women at high risk for breast cancer, such as BRCA (breast cancer) gene mutation carriers, are sometimes advised to undergo a prophylactic oophorectomy.

In medicine, something that prevents or protects.

In medicine, a study or clinical trial in which participants are identified and then followed forward in time.

An artificial device that replaces a portion of the body such as a breast form, worn under clothing, that is used to replace a breast removed by mastectomy.

Refers to the amount of a protein made in a cell. The study of protein expression in cancer cells may give information about a specific type of cancer, the best treatment to use, and how well a treatment works.

A medicine used to treat breast cancer that has spread or come back within 6 months after chemotherapy ends. It is also being studied in the treatment of newly diagnosed breast cancer and other types of cancer. Protein-bound paclitaxel is a type of mitotic inhibitor. Also called ABI-007, Abraxane, nanoparticle paclitaxel, and paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation.

A detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment or procedure. In clinical trials, it states what the study will do, how it will be done, and why it is being done. It explains how many people will be in the study, who is eligible to take part in it, what study medicines or other interventions will be given, what tests will be done and how often, and what information will be collected.

A small particle of matter with a positive charge, found in the atoms of all elements. Streams of protons generated by special equipment can be used for radiation treatment.

A medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.

A specialist who can talk with individuals and their families about emotional and personal matters, and can help them make decisions.

Also called talk therapy. Treatment of mental, emotional, personality and behavioral disorders using methods such as discussion, listening and counseling.

A device that is used to give a controlled amount of a liquid at a specific rate. For example, pumps are used to give medicines (such as chemotherapy or pain medicine) or nutrients.