Glossary

malignant – dangerous. A malignant cancer is a dangerous cancer that is growing.

randomised controlled trial (RCT) – a type of research study that produces very high quality results. RCTs are often called gold-standard – ie the best evidence.

Study participants are randomly assigned to one of more study arm. One or more arms might use new drugs and another (the control arm) maybe uses the standard of care, or maybe a placebo.

See: randomise

side effect – an unwanted effect from taking a medicine. Sometimes called an adverse event or drug toxicity.

organogenesis – the process of development of baby’s main organs. This period is the first 12 weeks in the womb.

albumin – a protein made by the liver. It carries drugs, hormones and waste products through the blood and maintains fluid levels within the body. An abnormally low level of albumin is a sign of serious liver damage.