In English | En español
Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

Page Options

  • Print This Page

Widget



recombinant tissue plasminogen activator  listen  (ree-KOM-bih-nunt TIH-shoo plaz-MIN-oh-jen AK-tih-vay-ter)

  A form of tissue plasminogen activator that is made in the laboratory. It helps dissolve blood clots and is used to treat heart attacks, strokes, and clots in the lungs. It is also being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of systemic thrombolytic agent. Also called Activase, Alteplase, and r-tPA.