Diccionary of
medical terms

Use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external beam radiation therapy) or from radioactive material placed in the body near the cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates with the blood to tissues throughout the body.

Disease that does not respond to treatment. In some scenarios, as in ovarian cancer, it refers to a relapse during treatment.

Cancer recurrence after remission.

The period of time during which the cancer is responding to treatment or is controlled.