Placebo

Placebo - An inactive substance or treatment which can sometimes cause the same effect in an individual as an active substance, medication, or therapy. The "placebo effect" commonly refers to individuals who positively respond to a placebo, even though (unknown to them) it is actually inert. Placebos are often used as a control in clinical studies and trials to help compare the effects of an active treatment with no treatment. A placebo is sometimes referred to as a "sugar pill."

Previous: Pituitary Gland Cancer Treatment

Next: Platelets

Back to the Cancer Glossary