Antiemetics Drugs given to prevent or minimize nausea and vomiting. Ascites An abnormal fluid collection in the abdomen from cancer or other causes. The surgical removal of a small portion of tissue for diagnosis. Blood cells Cells that make up blood are formed in the bone marrow. White blood cells - cells that help the body defend against foreign substances.
Neutrophils are the most important type.
Platelets - cells necessary to help form a clot and stop bleeding. This allows a very high, localized dose of radiation to be given to a tumor, while limiting significant radiation exposure to other tissues. The treatment of cancer by drugs designed to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. For more information see Chemotherapy and You booklet. The process by which new cancer treatments are tested in humans.