Glossary of Terms Used in our Blog

We've had to learn so much stuff, thought it might be useful to readers to explain some of the terms we now use as everyday language. This part will get updated no doubt...

Rhabdomyosarcoma
The type of cancer that Gavin has. A childhood cancer of the muscle. In his case it's in his pevlic area.


PSI Paul Scherrer Institut
The proton therapy treatment centre, located about 20 miles north west of Zurich. It's primary function is using protons for physics research. Proton therapy for cancer patients is a small part of what they do overall.
Proton Therapy
The aim of radiation therapy at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is to use charged particles, known as protons, to destroy tumour tissue. Protons are especially suited for this purpose because they exert their greatest effect deep within the body, inside the tumour itself. The PSI has developed a unique radiation technique able to adapt the radiation dose extremely accurately to the shape of the tumour, which is usually irregular, thus protecting healthy tissue much better than with the most modern conventional radiation therapy techniques.

http://www.psi.ch/protontherapy/protontherapy
Below is a link to a video deom youtube of Proton Therapy in PSI

Central line/Hickman line
A wire that comes out of Gavin's chest that is used to administer chemotherapy, take blood samples, or give anaesthetics. Essentially a semi-permanent cannula, giving access to the blood stream. 'Freddie' is the term used for/with children.
Neutrophils
A type of white blood cell. They are key players in our immunity systems, and get hit hard by chemo. A blood reading of 0.5 or less indicates neutropenia - high risk of picking up infections, but also limited ability for the body to fight it off. A key indicator as to whether more chemo is given ie whether the body can take it or not. Normal reading are nearer to 5, or above.

Chemotherapy Drugs which Gavin is currently on:
Cyclophosphamide - Cyclophosphamide is used for the treatment of lymphoma, leukemias, multiple myeloma, mycosis fungoides, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and cancers of the breast and ovary. It is also used to treat some non-cancerous conditions
more information:
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/GuidetoCancerDrugs/cyclophosphamide

Vinorelbine
This drug is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Your doctor may also use it to treat other types of cancer, such as breast cancer.
more info:
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/GuidetoCancerDrugs/vinorelbine

Kinderspital
The children's hospital in central Zurich.

Local control
A term to describe the need for killing the cancer in the original site. Chemotherapy is a systemic approach and surgery/radiotherapy/proton therapy provides local control. You need both for the best chance of a cure.


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