Q

• Q10
• A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Q10 helps mitochondria (small structures in the cell) make energy. It is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). Q10 is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in fatty fish, beef, soybeans, peanuts, and spinach. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer and heart disease and in the relief of side effects caused by some cancer treatments. Also called coenzyme Q10, CoQ10, ubiquinone, and vitamin Q10.

• QA
• A process that looks at activities or products on a regular basis to make sure they are being done at the required level of excellence. In clinical trials, QA makes sure that all parts of the trial follow the law and the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Also called quality assurance.

• qi
• In traditional Chinese medicine, vital energy or life force that keeps a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health in balance.

• qigong
• A form of traditional Chinese mind/body exercise and meditation that uses slow and precise body movements with controlled breathing and mental focusing to improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and overall health.

• QS21
• A substance from plants that is being studied together with vaccine therapy for its ability to improve the way the immune system responds to disease. It belongs to the family of drugs called saponin adjuvants.

• Quadramet
• A drug used to treat pain caused by bone cancer and other cancers that have spread to the bones. Quadramet is a type of radiopharmaceutical. Also called samarium Sm 153 lexidronam pentasodium.

• quadrantectomy
• Surgical removal of the region of the breast (approximately one quarter) containing cancer.

• quality assurance
• A process that looks at activities or products on a regular basis to make sure they are being done at the required level of excellence. In clinical trials, quality assurance makes sure that all parts of the trial follow the law and the Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Also called QA.

• quality of life
• The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities.