Immunotherapy: The artificial stimulation of the body’s immune system to treat or fight disease. The treatment stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies to fight disease. Monoclonal antibodies and anti-cancer vaccines are examples of immunotherapy techniques. Also referred to as Biological Therapy.
Immune Response: The activity of the immune system against foreign substances.
Immunoassay: A test that uses the binding of antibodies to antigens to identify and measure certain substances. Immunoassays may be used to diagnose disease. This can also provide information regarding the planning of treatment for certain diseases.
Implantable Pump: A small device that is installed under the skin to administer a steady dose of a drug used for pain control.
Incisional Biopsy: A surgical procedure in which a portion of a lump or suspicious area is removed for diagnosis. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.
Indolent: A type of cancer that grows slowly.
Inferior Vena Cava: A large vein that empties into the heart. It carries blood from the legs and feet and from organs in the abdomen and pelvis.
Interferon: A group of naturally occurring proteins produced and secreted by cells in the body to help stimulate the immune system to fight infection and disease. Interferon may be given in higher doses than would normally be produced by the body to interfere with the division of cancer cells and to slow tumor growth. It is a type of Biological Response Modifier.
Informed Consent: Written permission given before surgery, research or other kinds of treatments and tests. The individual, or a parent or guardian, must understand the treatment and legally agree to any risks involved.
Interleukin: A biological response modifier (substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease) that helps the immune system fight infection and cancer. The body normally produces these substances. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.
IL 2: The First FDA approved drug for treatment of RCC Interleukin-2. Substances are normally produced by the body. Aldesleukin is IL-2 that is made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases.
IL 2 provides a type of biological response that enhances the ability of the immune system to kill tumor cells and may interfere with blood flow to the tumor. Interleukin-2. is a powerful immune stimulating drug for the treatment of metastatic RCC.
Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): A type of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor.
Investigational Drug: A substance that has been tested in a laboratory and has gotten approval from (FDA) to be tested in people. A drug may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition but be considered investigational in other diseases or condition. Also called an Experimental Drug.
IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram): A series of x-rays of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The x-rays are taken after a dye is injected into a blood vessel. The dye is concentrated in the urine, which outlines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder on the x-rays. |
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