Glossary

Selected words and phrases

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

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

fungus (fungi) – parasitic organisms that include moulds, mildews, mushrooms and yeast.

antigen – a protein found on the surface of a virus or bacteria. It is recognised by the immune system which then generates antibodies.

Cmax – highest concentration of a drug after a dose.