Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Bombesina
Bombesin (BOM-buh-sin)
A peptide (small protein) found in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs. It causes the release of certain hormones and enzymes. It also causes smooth muscles to contract. Bombesin is found at high levels on small cell lung cancer cells and on other types of cancer cells. It is a type of neuropeptide and a type of hormone.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.