Abbreviations Used in Cancer Care: An Oncology Glossary for Patients and Families
Reading tools
In this article
Guide to Abbreviations and Terms Used in Oncology
During cancer treatment, “the language of doctors” can sometimes seem complicated. We have brought together the most common terms, from BT to NGS.
Intended Audience
Patient • Family Member • Healthcare Professional
Purpose
Understanding Tests • Following Treatment
I. Basic Oncology Concepts
| Abbreviation / Term | Expansion | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CA | Cancer | Cancer |
| TM | Tumor | Mass |
| Benign | Benign | Does not spread |
| Malignant | Malignant | Can spread |
| Met | Metastasis | Spread to another organ |
| Primary | Primary | The site where it first arose |
| Recurrence | Recurrence | Its return |
II. Diagnostic and Imaging Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Expansion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| BT | Computed Tomography | An imaging method using special X-rays |
| MR | Magnetic Resonance | An imaging method using a magnetic field |
| PET/BT | Positron Emission Tomography | A special imaging method used to determine a tumor's activity and spread |
| USG | Ultrasonography | An imaging method using sound waves |
| MMG | Mammography | A breast X-ray |
| DEXA/DXA | Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry | A method used to determine bone density |
III. Pathology and Molecular Tests
| Abbreviation | Expansion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bx | Biopsy | Taking a tissue sample |
| IHK | Immunohistochemistry | A cell-staining test |
| NGS | Next-Generation Sequencing | Tumor genetics test |
| FISH | Fluorescence in situ hybridization | A confirmatory tumor genetics test |
| PCR | Polymerase Chain Reaction | Used to diagnose inherited diseases, identify genetic mutations and diagnose infectious diseases |
| TMB | Tumor Mutation Burden | Tumor mutation burden |
| MSI | Microsatellite instability | Impaired DNA repair |
| ctDNA | Circulating Tumor DNA | Tumor DNA circulating in the blood |
IV. Tumor Markers (Blood Tests)
| Abbreviation | Expansion | Cancer in Which It Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| CEA | Carcinoembryonic antigen (CarcinoEmbryonic Antigen) | Digestive system cancers, breast and gynecological cancers |
| CA 15-3 | Cancer antigen 15-3 | Breast |
| CA 125 | Cancer antigen 125 | Gynecological cancers, peritoneal cancers |
| AFP | Alpha-Fetoprotein | Liver, germ cell tumors |
| PSA | Prostate-Specific Antigen | Prostate |
| CA 19-9 | Cancer antigen 19-9 | Digestive system cancers |
V. Treatment Types and Timing
| Abbreviation | Expansion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| KT | Chemotherapy | Treatment used to kill cancer cells |
| RT | Radiotherapy | Radiation treatment |
| IT/IO | Immunotherapy | Treatment that activates the immune system |
| TT | Targeted therapy | Targeted treatment (a precision drug) |
| Cer | Surgery | An operation |
| Neo-adj | Neoadjuvant | Treatment given to shrink a tumor |
| Adj | Adjuvant | Treatment given for protection |
| Pal | Palliative | Treatment given for relief |
| BSC | Best Supportive Care | Supportive treatments given to improve quality of life |
VI. Treatment Success and Response Terms
| Abbreviation | Expansion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Overall survival | Overall length of survival |
| PFS | Progression-free survival | Length of survival without disease progression |
| DFS | Disease-free survival | Time without disease |
| ORR | Overall response rate | Response rate |
| CR | Complete response | Complete response to treatment |
| PR | Partial response | Partial response to treatment |
| SD | Stable disease | The disease remaining stable |
| PD | Progressive disease | Disease progression |
VII. Patient Status, Risk and Staging
| Abbreviation | Expansion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ECOG Score | Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Score | A scoring system used to assess the patient's strength and condition |
| PS | Performance status | General condition |
| BMI | Body Mass Index | Body mass index |
| IMDC | International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium | A method used to determine kidney cancer risk |
| TNM | Staging system |
T: Tumor size N: Lymph node M: Spread to a distant organ (Metastasis) |
VIII. Common Laboratory Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Expansion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| WBC | White Blood Cells | White blood cells involved in immunity |
| Hb | Hemoglobin | A red blood cell that carries oxygen to tissues |
| PLT | Platelets | Blood platelets |
| ANC | Absolute Neutrophil Count | Absolute neutrophil count |
| AST/ALT | Aspartate Aminotransferase / Alanine Aminotransferase | Liver enzyme tests |
| Krea | Creatinine | Kidney function test |
IX. Administration Routes and Dosing Expressions
| Abbreviation | Expansion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IV | Intravenous | Into a vein |
| PO | Per oral | By mouth |
| SC | Subcutaneous | Under the skin |
| BID | Bis in die | 2 times a day |
| TID | Ter in die | 3 times a day |
| PRN | Pro re nata | As needed |
X. Genetic / Target and Immunotherapy Markers
| Abbreviation | Expansion / Brief Definition |
|---|---|
| CERBB2/HER2 | Human epidermal growth factor, A test used to determine suitability for drugs such as Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Trastuzumab Emtansine and Lapatinib |
| EGFR | Epidermal growth factor receptor, A test used to determine suitability for drugs such as Osimertinib, Afatinib, Erlotinib and Amivantamab |
| ALK | Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase, a test used to determine suitability for drugs such as Alectinib and Lorlatinib |
| KRAS | Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Virus, a test used to determine suitability for drugs such as Cetuximab, Bevacizumab, Panitumumab and Sotorasib |
| BRAF | A target mutation, particularly in melanoma and lung cancer |
| PD-L1 | Programmed Death Ligand-1, a test used to determine suitability for immunotherapy treatments |
XI. Hospital and Treatment Process Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Expansion |
|---|---|
| MDT | Multidisciplinary team |
| OPD | Outpatient clinic |
| IP | Inpatient |
| OP | Outpatient |
| FU | Follow-up |
| Dx | Diagnosis |
XII. Emergency / Critical Condition Terms
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FN (Febrile Neutropenia) | Febrile neutropenia |
| SE (Side Effect) | Side effect |
| AE (Adverse Event) | Adverse event |
| SAE (Serious Adverse Event) | Serious adverse event |
XIII. The 20 Most Frequently Heard Abbreviations
BT, MR, PET, KT, RT, OS, PFS, HER2, PD-L1, NGS, ECOG, Met, Adj, Neo, CR, PR, SD, PD, IV, PO, FN, ANC.
"Cancer treatment is a journey, and understanding the terminology along the way is like walking with a lantern on a dark road. These abbreviations in your reports are not merely medical codes; they are compasses that help us choose the treatment best suited to you. But remember: the numbers and abbreviations in the reports do not fully define 'you.' Your oncologist, who combines these data with your clinical condition, will provide the most accurate interpretation. Being informed reduces fear and improves adherence to treatment."
Was this article helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content.
Reader comments
Share your comment
Your name and comment are published only after administrator approval. Your email address is never shown to visitors.
Be the first to comment.