Glossary of Terms

Medical test that involves extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence or extent of a disease

A type of internal radiation therapy in which seeds, ribbons, or capsules that contain a radiation source are placed in your body, in or near the tumor.

A form of immunotherapy.

Block adrogen production at the site of the testitcles.

Prostate cancer that has never been treated with hormone therapy (ADT).

Prostate cancer that is resistant to hormones via androgen depletion therapy (ADT).

A genetic test that can determine how quickly prostate cancer is growing. The brand name is Prolaris.

A treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth, injection, or infusion, or on the skin, depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. It may be given alone or with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or biologic therapy.

A biopsy procedure that uses both MRI scans and ultrasound images to guide the needle.

A CT scan uses x-rays to make detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. This test isnÕt often needed for newly diagnosed prostate cancer if the cancer is likely to be confined to the prostate based on other findings (DRE result, PSA level, and Gleason score).

A class of steroids made in the body by the adrenal glands. They are also produced as a drug to help reduce inflammation in the body and support the immune system.

A pattern seen under the microscope in cancer cells that looks like small holes or open spaces.

A treatment that cools the prostate tumor to freeze and kill it.

An examination of the urethra and bladder that uses a small, thin tube with a light and camera that is inserted into the urethra. This allows the doctor to see inside and also take any samples needed.

A robotic surgery system that magnifies the surgical area up to 10 times what the human eye can see. This helps the surgeon to see more clearly. It also allows the surgeon to control tiny, precise tools to perform the surgery with a greater range of motion than a human hand.