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Gemcitabine: Generic name for the drug Gemzar. A chemotherapy agent used to treat platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.

Gemzar: Trade na,e for the drug Gemcitabine.

Gene: The basic unit of DNA that contains information on hereditary characteristics, such as hair, eye color, height, as well as susceptibility to certain diseases.

Genetic Counseling: A communication process between a specially trained health professional (a genetic counselor) and a person concerned about the genetic risk of a disease. The person's family and personal medical history may be discussed, as well as whether or not the person would benefit from genetic testing.

Genetic Testing: Analyzing DNA to see if a person has certain gene changes that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder.

Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer: An abnormal mass of tissue that forms in germ (egg) cells in the ovary. These tumors usually occur in teenage girls or young women, usually affect one ovary, and can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). The most common Ovarian Germ Cell tumor is called Dysgerminoma. 

Gynecologic Cancer: Cancer of the female reproductive tract, including the ovaries, cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.

Gynecologic Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs. The training to become a gynecologic oncologist is that of an obstetrician/gynecologist, followed by 2-4 years of training in all effective forms of treatment of gynecologic cancers and experimental treatments, as well as in the biology and pathology of gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic oncologists are expert surgeons.

Hematologist: A doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders.

Histology: The study of cells and tissue on the microscopic level.

Hormones: Naturally occurring substances made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs.

Hormone Therapy: Treatment that removes female hormones or blocks their actions as a way to prevent ovarian cancer cells from getting or using the hormones they may need. For certain conditions such as menopause, hormones are given tp adjust low hormone levels.

Hospice: A type of philosophy of care that focuses on the relief of a terminally ill or seriously ill patient's symptoms, rather than on the cure of the disease.

HRT: Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, or both) given to women after menopause to replace the hormones no longer produced by the ovaries. Also called Hormone Replacement Therapy and Menopausal Hormone Therapy. 

Hycamtin: Trade name for the drug Topotecan.

Hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus and, sometimes, the cervix. When the uterus and cervix are removed, it is called a tola hysterectomy. When only the uterus is removes, it is called a partial hysterectomy.

Immunotherapy: Treatment to boost or restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer, infections, and other diseases. Also used to lessen the side effects that may be caused by some other cancer treatments.

Induction Therapy: Initial treatment used to reduce ovarian cancer. Induction therapy is followed by other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to get rid of cancer that remains. Also called first-line therapy and primary treatment.

Informed Consent: A process by which individuals are given important information, including possible risks and benefits, about a medical procedure, a clinical trial, or genetic testing. This is to help them decide if they want to be treated, tested or take part in the trial.

Infusion: A method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. Also called Intravenous Infusion.

Integrative Medicine: A type of medical care that combines conventional (standard) medical treatment with complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies that have been shown to be safe and effective. CAM therapies treat the mind, body, and spirit.

Intraperitoneal (IP) Chemotherapy: Treatment in which chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdomen through a thin tube.

Intravenous: Into or within a vein. It usually refers to a way of giving a drug through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Also called IV.

Investigational: In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be tested in human subjects. Also called experimental.

Source: Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance