Glossary

ARV – a drug that works against a retrovirus, eg treatment for HIV. See: antiretroviral.

cross-over study – where patients in a study ‘roll-over’ to a second related study. For example, this can be after a fixed period in a study (ie after 48 weeks) or after another event (for example, not having a treatment response).

ETR (end of treatment response) – having an undetectable HCV viral load at the end of HCV treatment. See SVR.

X-ray – an abbreviation for x-radiation. An X-ray lung scan is a common way to look for evidence of TB infection. X-rays can also diagnose bone fractures.

free radical – a chemical produced after a molecular reaction, often containing oxygen, that has one ‘free’ unpaired electron on its outer surface. This makes it able to react and damage other cells, and perhaps increase progression of cardiovascular disease, cancers and aging. See antioxidant.