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Zafirlukast, also known by the brand name Accolate, is a medicine used to prevent and treat asthma by reducing inflammation in the lungs. It is not a cancer treatment but may be mentioned during cancer care if a patient has asthma or lung problems. Understanding its role helps patients and caregivers recognize it as a supportive medication for breathing issues alongside cancer therapy.
Zaltrap, also called VEGF Trap or ziv-aflibercept, is a cancer drug used with other medicines to treat colorectal cancer that has spread and not improved with other chemotherapy. It works by blocking a protein called VEGF, which tumors need to grow new blood vessels. This may help slow or stop tumor growth. It is also being studied for other cancers.
Zanamivir, also known by the brand name Relenza, is an antiviral medicine used to treat and prevent flu caused by influenza A and B viruses. It works by stopping the virus from spreading in the body. It is inhaled and may cause breathing problems in people with lung conditions like asthma. Its benefits for healthy people are small, and it is not a substitute for flu vaccination.
Zanidatamab, sold as Ziihera, is a targeted cancer drug used to treat adults with HER2-positive biliary tract cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread, and who have already received other treatments. It works by attaching to the HER2 protein on cancer cells, helping to slow or stop their growth. Zanidatamab is a type of monoclonal antibody and is approved by the FDA for this use.
Zanubrutinib, sold as Brukinsa, is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat certain blood cancers in adults. It works by blocking a protein that helps cancer cells grow. It is approved for diseases like mantle cell lymphoma, Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Zanubrutinib can be given alone or with other drugs depending on the cancer type and treatment history.
Zarnestra, also known as tipifarnib or R115777, is a drug being studied for treating certain cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It belongs to a group called farnesyltransferase inhibitors, which work by blocking an enzyme that cancer cells need to grow. Zarnestra is not yet a standard treatment but is being tested in clinical trials.
Zarxio is a medicine used to help the body make more white blood cells, especially neutrophils, which fight infection. It is often given to people with certain cancers who develop low white blood cell counts from chemotherapy or to those with severe chronic neutropenia not caused by cancer treatment. Zarxio supports the immune system but is not a cancer treatment itself. Always ask your care team how Zarxio fits into your care.
ZD0473 is a drug being studied for cancer treatment. It belongs to a group of medicines called platinum analogs, which work by interfering with cancer cell growth. Research is ongoing to understand how effective and safe it might be for different types of cancer. This entry helps connect the word with diagnoses, testing, treatments, supportive care, research notes, protocols, media, books, people, organizations, and safety concerns.
ZD1839, also known as gefitinib or Iressa, is a targeted cancer drug used mainly to treat certain types of lung cancer. It works by blocking a protein called EGFR that helps cancer cells grow. It is often used for non-small cell lung cancer that has spread and has specific changes in the EGFR gene. Patients should talk with their care team about how this drug fits their treatment plan.
ZD4054, also known as zibotentan, is an experimental drug studied for treating prostate cancer and other conditions. It belongs to a group of drugs called endothelin receptor antagonists. While it showed promise and received fast track status from the FDA, it did not succeed in a major prostate cancer trial. Patients should discuss with their care team how this drug might relate to their individual situation.
ZD6126 is a substance studied for cancer treatment that works by damaging blood vessels in tumors, potentially stopping tumors from growing new blood vessels they need. Research on ZD6126 was stopped due to safety concerns, especially effects on the heart. Patients should discuss with their care team what this term means for their specific situation rather than assuming it is a treatment option.
ZD6474, also known as vandetanib or Caprelsa, is a targeted medicine used to treat advanced medullary thyroid cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body. It works by blocking proteins that help cancer cells grow and by stopping the growth of new blood vessels tumors need to survive. It is not a cure but may help control the cancer and improve quality of life.
ZDX, also known as goserelin acetate or Zoladex, is a hormone therapy drug used to treat certain cancers like advanced breast and prostate cancer. It works by lowering hormone levels such as testosterone and estrogen, which some cancer cells need to grow. Patients should discuss with their care team how this medicine fits into their treatment plan.
Zejula (niraparib tosylate monohydrate) is a medicine used to treat certain types of ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. It works by blocking an enzyme that helps cancer cells repair damaged DNA, which may help stop cancer growth. Zejula is taken by mouth and is also part of a combination medicine called Akeega, used for some prostate cancers that no longer respond to hormone treatments.
Zelboraf (also called vemurafenib, PLX4032, or RG7204) is a targeted cancer drug used to treat advanced melanoma and Erdheim-Chester disease that have a specific mutation in the BRAF gene. It works by blocking proteins made by this mutated gene to help slow or stop cancer growth. Zelboraf is part of a personalized treatment approach and may cause side effects that your doctor will monitor.
Zenapax, also known as dacliximab or daclizumab, is a lab-made monoclonal antibody drug. It works by attaching to certain immune cell receptors to reduce immune activity. Originally used to prevent kidney transplant rejection, it has also been studied for cancer treatment and other conditions. Patients may see this term in medical reports or treatment discussions and should ask their care team how it applies to their care.
Zenocutuzumab, sold as Bizengri, is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat adults with certain advanced lung or pancreatic cancers that have a rare genetic change called an NRG1 gene fusion. It works by attaching to proteins on cancer cells to help slow their growth and support the immune system. It is given when cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery after other treatments.
Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) is a medicine used to treat adults with small cell lung cancer that has spread and worsened after platinum chemotherapy. It works by damaging cancer cells’ DNA to stop their growth. It may be used alone or combined with other drugs like atezolizumab and hyaluronidase for certain advanced cases. Patients should discuss with their care team how it fits their treatment plan.
Zestril is a brand name for lisinopril, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney problems related to diabetes. It belongs to a group called ACE inhibitors that help relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure. You might see Zestril also called lisinopril or Prinivil in medical records or prescriptions. Always ask your care team what it means for your specific health situation.
Zevalin (also called ibritumomab tiuxetan) is a medicine used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It combines a lab-made antibody that targets cancer cells with a small amount of radiation to help kill them. Zevalin may also be used in scans to find lymphoma cells in the body. Knowing its different names can help avoid confusion during care discussions.
Zheng is a traditional Chinese medicine way of understanding health by observing a person’s signs and symptoms. A practitioner looks, listens, smells, asks questions, and feels the pulse and body to assess Zheng. For patients, it’s important to discuss with your care team how Zheng relates to your individual health rather than using it alone as a diagnosis or treatment guide.
Zibotentan is an experimental drug studied mainly for prostate cancer. It works by blocking certain receptors that may help cancer cells grow. Although it received fast track status from the FDA, it did not succeed in a major prostate cancer trial. Patients should discuss with their care team how zibotentan might relate to their individual situation rather than assuming it is a current treatment option.
Ziconotide, also known as Prialt or SNX 111, is a medication used to treat severe chronic pain. It is given directly into the fluid around the spinal cord using a special pump. This method is usually reserved for patients who have not found relief with other pain treatments or cannot tolerate them. If you see this term in your medical records, ask your care team how it applies to your situation.
Zidovudine, also called AZT, is a medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It helps slow the virus’s growth but does not cure HIV. While not a cancer treatment, zidovudine may be mentioned in cancer care because people with HIV have a higher risk of some cancers. It is important to understand its role in managing HIV alongside cancer treatment and to discuss its use with your healthcare team.
Ziextenzo is a medicine used to help prevent infections in adults and children who have low white blood cell counts caused by chemotherapy. It works by helping the bone marrow make more white blood cells and stays in the body longer than similar drugs, so it is given less often. Ziextenzo is also known by other names like Fulphila, Neulasta, Nyvepria, Pegfilgrastim, and Udenyca.
Ziihera (zanidatamab) is a targeted cancer drug used to treat adults with HER2-positive biliary tract cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread. It works by attaching to the HER2 protein on cancer cells, helping to slow or stop their growth. Ziihera is a monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA for patients who have already received other treatments.
Zileuton is a medicine used to prevent asthma symptoms by blocking substances called leukotrienes. It is also being studied for possible use in preventing lung cancer. If you see this term, it’s important to talk with your healthcare team about what it means for your care, rather than assuming it is a treatment or diagnosis on its own.
Zinc is an essential mineral important for immune function and tissue repair. In cancer care, zinc deficiency can affect healing and taste, while abnormal zinc activity is seen in some tumors. Zinc supplements may help with certain side effects, but high doses or long-term use can have risks. Patients should discuss zinc use with their care team rather than using it alone as a treatment.
Zinc oxide is a compound sometimes used in cancer care to support immune function and help with side effects like skin irritation or mouth sores. It has a long history in medicine and is found in products like ointments and sunscreens. Patients should talk with their care team about how zinc oxide might fit into their treatment or symptom management, rather than using it alone as a treatment.
Zinc sulfate is a mineral supplement that provides zinc, an essential nutrient important for immune health and tissue repair. In cancer care, zinc sulfate may be used to help manage side effects like mouth sores or taste changes. It is important to discuss zinc use with your healthcare team, as it is not a cancer treatment by itself and taking too much can cause side effects.
Zinecard is a medicine containing dexrazoxane used during certain chemotherapy treatments to help protect the heart from damage. It is often given to women receiving doxorubicin for breast cancer that has spread. Zinecard is a type of chemoprotective agent, which means it helps reduce side effects caused by cancer drugs but does not treat cancer itself. Patients should ask their care team how Zinecard fits into their treatment plan.
Zirabev is a cancer medicine containing bevacizumab, used alone or with other drugs to treat several cancers including cervical, colorectal, lung, kidney, brain, and ovarian cancers. It works by blocking a protein called VEGF, which tumors need to grow new blood vessels. Zirabev helps slow tumor growth by cutting off their blood supply. Patients should discuss with their care team how Zirabev fits into their specific treatment plan.
Ziv-aflibercept, also called VEGF Trap or Zaltrap, is a cancer drug used with other medicines to treat colorectal cancer that has spread and not improved with other chemotherapy. It works by blocking a protein called VEGF, which tumors need to grow new blood vessels. This may help slow or stop tumor growth. It is also being studied for other cancers.
Zocor, also known as simvastatin, is a medication that lowers cholesterol and other fats in the blood. It belongs to a group called statins, which help reduce the risk of heart problems. It is taken by mouth, often alongside diet and exercise. In cancer care, it may be used to manage heart health but is not a cancer treatment itself. Always ask your care team how it applies to your personal health.
Zofran, also called ondansetron hydrochloride, is a medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It works by blocking serotonin, a chemical in the body that can trigger these symptoms. Zofran is approved for use in both adults and children and is commonly prescribed to help manage side effects during cancer treatment.
Zoladex (also called goserelin acetate or ZDX) is a hormone therapy medicine used to lower sex hormone levels like testosterone and estrogen. It is often used to treat prostate cancer and advanced breast cancer by slowing cancer growth that depends on these hormones. Zoladex works by affecting hormone signals from the brain, leading to reduced hormone production.
Zolbetuximab, sold as Vyloy, is a targeted cancer drug used with chemotherapy to treat certain advanced stomach (gastric) and gastroesophageal junction cancers. It works by attaching to a protein called CLDN18.2 on some cancer cells, helping the immune system attack them. It is approved for adults whose cancer is HER2-negative, has spread, and cannot be removed by surgery.
Zoledronate, also called zoledronic acid and sold as Zometa, is a medicine used to treat bone problems caused by cancer and other diseases. It helps prevent bone breakdown, high calcium levels in the blood, and bone fractures. It is given by injection and is often used in cancers that have spread to the bone, such as multiple myeloma and prostate cancer.
Zoledronic acid (also called zoledronate or Zometa) is a medicine used to treat bone problems caused by cancer. It helps prevent bone breakdown and lowers high calcium levels in the blood. It is given by injection and is often used for cancers that have spread to the bones or for multiple myeloma. Zoledronic acid belongs to a group of drugs called bisphosphonates.
Zolinza, also known as vorinostat or SAHA, is a cancer drug used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (a type of skin lymphoma) when other treatments have not worked or the cancer has returned. It works by blocking enzymes that cancer cells need to grow and divide. Zolinza is being studied for use in other cancers as well.
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a rare condition where tumors in the pancreas produce too much gastrin, a hormone that causes the stomach to make excess acid. This extra acid can lead to painful ulcers in the stomach or upper small intestine. If you hear this term, it’s important to talk with your healthcare team about what it means for your specific situation.
Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is a medicine used to treat depression and anxiety. It belongs to a group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which help improve mood by increasing serotonin in the brain. In cancer care, it may be prescribed to support emotional well-being during or after treatment. It is important to talk with your care team about how Zoloft fits into your care.
Zolpidem, also known by the brand name Ambien, is a medication used to help people who have trouble sleeping. It is often prescribed for short-term use to ease sleep problems that can occur during cancer care. Zolpidem is not a cancer treatment but a supportive medicine to improve rest and comfort. If you see this term in your care, ask your healthcare team how it applies to your situation.
Zometa, also called zoledronic acid or zoledronate, is a medicine given by vein injection to help protect bones. It is used to treat bone problems caused by cancer, such as bone damage or high calcium levels in the blood. Zometa helps slow bone breakdown, reduce pain, and prevent fractures, especially in cancers that have spread to the bones like multiple myeloma and prostate cancer.
Zortress is a brand name for the drug everolimus, which lowers the body’s immune response to help prevent rejection of kidney or liver transplants. It is an immunosuppressant and kinase inhibitor. While Zortress is mainly used to prevent organ rejection, everolimus under other brand names is also used to treat certain tumors and related symptoms.
Zosuquidar Trihydrochloride, also known as LY335979, is a substance being studied in cancer treatment. It may help kill cancer cells that have become resistant to other anticancer drugs. Patients might see this term in medical reports or discussions. It’s important to understand it in context and ask your care team how it relates to your specific situation.
Zyban is a medicine also known as bupropion hydrochloride or Wellbutrin. It is used to treat depression and to help people quit smoking by balancing brain chemicals that affect mood and nicotine cravings. In cancer care, Zyban may support emotional health or assist patients who want to stop smoking, which can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Zyclara is a prescription cream containing imiquimod, used to treat certain skin conditions like actinic keratosis and genital or perianal warts in adults and children aged 12 and older. It works by helping the immune system recognize and fight abnormal skin cells. It is important to discuss with your healthcare team how Zyclara applies to your specific situation.
Zydelig, also known as idelalisib, is a cancer medicine taken by mouth that helps block proteins involved in the growth of certain blood cancers. It is mainly used with another drug called rituximab to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that has returned after earlier treatment. Zydelig is being studied for other cancers but is not usually a first-choice treatment.
The zygomatic bone, also called the cheekbone, is one of two bones on the upper sides of the face. It shapes the cheeks and part of the eye socket, connects to nearby bones like the jaw and forehead, and supports muscles that help move the jaw. In cancer care, knowing about the cheekbone helps understand how tumors or treatments might affect the face or nearby areas.
Zykadia (ceritinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread and tests positive for changes in the ALK gene. It works by blocking proteins made by the ALK gene to help slow or stop cancer growth. Zykadia is a targeted therapy taken by mouth and is used when the cancer has specific genetic features.
Zynlonta (loncastuximab tesirine) is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including large B-cell lymphoma and high-grade B-cell lymphoma. It is given to adults whose lymphoma has returned or not improved after at least two other treatments. Zynlonta combines an antibody that targets cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug to help kill them.
Zynyz (retifanlimab) is a medicine used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare skin cancer that has spread or returned. It works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Zynyz may also be used to treat certain anal cancers, sometimes combined with chemotherapy. It is given through an IV infusion, usually every few weeks. If you see this name in your care, ask your healthcare team how it applies to your treatment.
Zyprexa, also known as olanzapine or Zyprexa Zydis, is a medication mainly used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In cancer care, it is sometimes used to help control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Patients should always ask their care team how this medication applies to their specific situation, as it is not a cancer treatment itself.
Zyprexa Zydis is a brand name for olanzapine, a medication mainly used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In cancer care, it is sometimes used to help control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It is important to ask your healthcare team how this medication applies to your specific situation, as it is not a cancer treatment itself.
Zytiga is a medicine used to treat prostate cancer that has spread or is high risk. It works by lowering male hormones like testosterone, which can help slow cancer growth. Zytiga is often given with other medicines, such as corticosteroids, and is used when cancer no longer responds to initial hormone-lowering treatments or when it still responds but is high risk.