The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. This section describes the latest changes made to this summary as of the date above.

Human/Clinical Studies ¹

Added text ² to state that antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, are an increasing problem worldwide, causing intractable wound infections (cited Sherry et al. as reference 9).

Added text ³ to state that of the two topical MRSA eradication regimens that were compared in hospital patients, both were administered for 5 days, the tea tree oil regimen showed a slightly higher clearance rate than the standard treatment, but the difference was not significant.

Adverse Effects ⁴

Added text ⁵ to state that there is a theoretical concern for women at high risk for hormonally sensitive breast cancer when using lavender and tea tree oils (cited Henley et al. as reference 3).

Glossary Terms

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

PDQ is an online database developed and maintained by the National Cancer Institute. Designed to make the most current, credible, and accurate cancer information available to health professionals and the public, PDQ contains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, genetics, complementary and alternative medicine, and supportive care; a registry of cancer clinical trials from around the world; and directories of physicians, professionals who provide genetics services, and organizations that provide cancer care. Most of this information, and more specific information about PDQ, can be found on the NCI's Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq. Also called Physician Data Query.