Glossary
Below is a list of terms and definitions relating to Multiple Myeloma:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Acute
Symptoms or signs that begin and worsen quickly; not chronic.
Alkylating Agent
A drug that is used in the treatment of cancer. It interferes with the cell's DNA and inhibits cancer cell growth.
Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
A procedure in which a person receives stem cells (cells from which all blood cells develop) from a genetically similar, but not identical, donor.
Amyloidosis
A group of diseases in which protein is deposited in specific organs (localized amyloidosis) or throughout the body (systemic amyloidosis). Amyloidosis may be either primary (with no known cause) or secondary (caused by another disease, including some types of cancer). Generally, primary amyloidosis affects the nerves, skin, tongue, joints, heart, and liver; secondary amyloidosis often affects the spleen, kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands.
Analgesic
A drug that reduces pain. Analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Analog
In chemistry, a substance that is similar, but not identical, to another.
Anemia
A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.
Anesthesia
Drugs or substances that cause loss of feeling or awareness. Local anesthetics cause loss of feeling in a part of the body. General anesthetics put the person to sleep.
Angiogenesis
Blood vessel formation. Tumor angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumors to grow. This is caused by the release of chemicals by the tumor.
Angiogenesis inhibitors
A substance that may prevent the formation of blood vessels. In anticancer therapy, an angiogenesis inhibitor prevents the growth of new blood vessels needed for tumors to grow.
Antibiotics
A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.
Antibody
A type of protein made by plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in response to an antigen (foreign substance). Each antibody can bind to only one specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen.
Antiemetic agent
A drug that prevents or reduces nausea and vomiting.
Antifungal agent
A drug that treats infections caused by fungi.
Antigen
A substance that causes the immune system to make a specific immune response.
Antineoplastic agent
A substance that blocks the formation of neoplasms (growths that may become cancerous).
Apheresis
A procedure in which blood is collected, part of the blood such as platelets or white blood cells is taken out, and the rest of the blood is returned to the donor. Also called pheresis.
Apoptosis
A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell leads to its death. This is the body’s normal way of getting rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. The process of apoptosis may be blocked in cancer cells. Also called programmed cell death.
Arsenic trioxide
A drug used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) that has not gotten better or that has come back after treatment with other anticancer drugs. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Also called Trisenox.
Aspiration
Removal of fluid or tissue through a needle. Also, the accidental breathing in of food or fluid into the lungs.
Asymptomatic
Having no signs or symptoms of disease.
Autologous stem cell transplant
A procedure in which blood-forming stem cells (cells from which all blood cells develop) are removed, stored, and later given back to the same person.
B
Basophil
A type of white blood cell. Basophils are granulocytes.
B cell
A white blood cell that comes from bone marrow. As part of the immune system, B cells make antibodies and help fight infections. Also called B lymphocyte.
Bence Jones Protein
A small protein made by plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). It is found in the urine of most people with multiple myeloma (cancer that begins in plasma cells).
Benign
Not cancerous. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body.
Beta 2 Microglobulin (ß2M)
A small protein normally found on the surface of many cells, including lymphocytes, and in small amounts in the blood and urine. An increased amount in the blood or urine may be a sign of certain diseases, including some types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma or lymphoma.
Bias
In a clinical trial, a flaw in the study design or method of collecting or interpreting information. Biases can lead to incorrect conclusions about what the study or trial showed.
Biopsy
The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. There are many different types of biopsy procedures. The most common types include: (1) incisional biopsy, in which only a sample of tissue is removed; (2) excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed; and (3) needle biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Bisphosphonate
A drug or substance used to treat hypercalcemia (abnormally high blood calcium) and bone pain caused by some types of cancer. Forms of bisphosphonates are also used to treat osteoporosis and for bone imaging. Bisphosphonates inhibit a type of bone cell that breaks down bone. Also called diphosphonate.
Blood cell count
A test to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a sample of blood. Also called complete blood count and CBC.
Bone marrow
The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Bone marrow aspiration
The removal of a small sample of bone marrow (usually from the hip) through a needle for examination under a microscope.
Bone marrow biopsy
The removal of a sample of tissue from the bone marrow with a needle for examination under a microscope.
Bone scan
A technique to create images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner.
Bortezomib (Velcade)
A drug used to treat multiple myeloma that has gotten worse during treatment with other anticancer drugs. It is also used to treat mantle cell lymphoma in patients who have already received at least one other type of treatment. Bortezomib is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It is a type of proteasome inhibitor and a type of dipeptidyl boronic acid. Also called Velcade and PS-341.
C
Carcinogen
Any substance that causes cancer.
CAT (Computerised Axial Tomography) scan
Computerized axial tomography scan. A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized axial tomography scan, computed tomography scan, CT scan, and computerized tomography.
Catheter
A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.
Cell proliferation
An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division.
Chemotherapy
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
Chromosome
Part of a cell that contains genetic information. Except for sperm and eggs, all human cells contain 46 chromosomes.
Clinical
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Clinical study / trial
A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called a clinical trial.
Complete remission
The disappearance of all signs of cancer in response to treatment. This does not always mean the cancer has been cured. Also called complete response.
Congestive Heart Failure
Weakness of the heart muscle that leads to a buildup of fluid in body tissues.
Control group
In a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the new treatment works.
Conventional / standard treatment
A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional treatment.
Creatinine
A compound that is excreted from the body in urine. Creatinine levels are measured to monitor kidney function.
Cytokine
A substance that is produced by cells of the immune system and can affect the immune response. Cytokines can also be produced in the laboratory by recombinant DNA technology and given to people to affect immune responses.
Cytotoxic
Cell-killing.
D
DEXA Scan
An imaging test that measures bone density (the amount of bone mineral contained in a certain volume of bone) by passing x-rays with two different energy levels through the bone. It is used to diagnose osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass and density). Also called bone mineral density scan, BMD scan, dual energy x-ray absorptiometric scan, dual x-ray absorptiometry, DXA, and DEXA.
Dexamethasone
A synthetic steroid (similar to steroid hormones produced naturally in the adrenal gland). Dexamethasone is used to treat leukemia and lymphoma and may be used to treat some of the problems caused by other cancers and their treatment.
Dialysis
The process of filtering the blood when the kidneys are not able to cleanse it.
Diuretic
A drug that increases the production of urine.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid. The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. Also called deoxyribonucleic acid.
E
Echocardiography
A procedure that uses ultrasonic waves directed over the chest wall to obtain a graphic record of the heart's position, motion of the walls, or internal parts such as the valves.
Edema
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
Enzyme
A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
Erythrocytes
A cell that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Also called Red Blood Cell (RBC)
Erythropoeitin (EPO)
A substance that is naturally produced by the kidneys, and that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. When erythropoietin is made in the laboratory, it is called epoetin alfa or epoetin beta.
G
Gene
The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein.
Genetic
Inherited; having to do with information that is passed from parents to offspring through genes in sperm and egg cells.
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
A reaction of donated stem cells against the patient’s tissue.
Growth Factor
A substance made by the body that functions to regulate cell division and cell survival. Some growth factors are also produced in the laboratory and used in biological therapy.
H
Hemoglobin
The substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it from the lungs to the tissues.
Hematologic cancer
A cancer of the blood or bone marrow, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
Hematologist
A doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders.
Hepatic
Refers to the liver.
Hepatomegaly
Enlarged liver.
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
One of a group of proteins found on the surface of white blood cells and other cells that play an important part in the body's immune response to foreign substances. These antigens vary from person to person, and HLA tests are done before organ transplantation to find out if tissues match between a donor and a recipient. Also called human lymphocyte antigen and human leukocyte antigen.
Hypercalcemia
Abnormally high blood calcium.
I
Immune response
The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens).
Immune system
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.
Immunodeficiency
The decreased ability of the body to fight infections and other diseases.
Immunoglobulin
A protein that acts as an antibody.
Immunosuppression
Suppression of the body's immune system and its ability to fight infections and other diseases. Immunosuppression may be deliberately induced with drugs, as in preparation for bone marrow or other organ transplantation, to prevent rejection of the donor tissue. It may also result from certain diseases such as AIDS or lymphoma or from anticancer drugs.
Induction therapy
Treatment designed to be used as a first step toward shrinking the cancer and in evaluating response to drugs and other agents. Induction therapy is followed by additional therapy to eliminate whatever cancer remains.
Informed Consent
A process in which a person is given important facts about a medical procedure or treatment, a clinical trial, or genetic testing before deciding whether or not to participate. It also includes informing the patient when there is new information that may affect his or her decision to continue. Informed consent includes information about the possible risks, benefits, and limits of the procedure, treatment, trial, or genetic testing.
Interferon
A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infections and other diseases). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma. The body normally produces these substances. They are also made in the laboratory to treat cancer and other diseases.
Intravenous
Into or within a vein. Intravenous usually refers to a way of giving a drug or other substance through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Also called I.V.
Investigator
A researcher in a clinical trial or clinical study.
K
Kidney Failure
A condition in which the kidneys stop working and are not able to remove waste and extra water from the blood or keep body chemicals in balance. Acute or severe kidney failure happens suddenly (for example, after an injury) and may be treated and cured. Chronic kidney failure develops over many years, may be caused by conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and cannot be cured. Chronic kidney failure may lead to total and long-lasting kidney failure, called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A person in ESRD needs dialysis (the process of cleaning the blood by passing it through a membrane or filter) or a kidney transplant. Also called renal failure.
L
LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase. One of a group of enzymes found in the blood and other body tissues, and involved in energy production in cells. An increased amount in the blood may be a sign of tissue damage and some types of cancer or other diseases. Also called lactic acid dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase.
Lenalidomide (RevlimidTM)
A drug that is similar to thalidomide, and is used to treat multiple myeloma and certain types of anemia. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Lenalidomide belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. Also called CC-5013 and Revlimid.
Lesion
An area of abnormal tissue. A lesion may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Leukopenia
A condition in which the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the blood is reduced.
Lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infections and other diseases.
Lytic lesion
Destruction of an area of bone due to a disease process, such as cancer.
M
M Protein
An antibody found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of people with multiple myeloma and other types of plasma cell tumors. Also called monoclonal protein.
Maintenance treatment
Treatment that is given to help a primary (original) treatment keep working. Maintenance therapy is often given to help keep cancer in remission.
Malignant
Cancerous. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Metastasize
To spread from one part of the body to another. When cancer cells metastasize and form secondary tumors, the cells in the metastatic tumor are like those in the original (primary) tumor.
MGUS
A benign condition in which there is a higher-than-normal level of a protein called M protein in the blood. Patients with MGUS are at an increased risk of developing cancer. Also called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.
Monoclonal Antibody
A type of protein made in the laboratory that can locate and bind to substances in the body, including tumor cells. There are many kinds of monoclonal antibodies. Each monoclonal antibody is made to find one substance. Monoclonal antibodies are being used to treat some types of cancer and are being studied in the treatment of other types. They can be used alone or to carry drugs, toxins, or radioactive materials directly to a tumor.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or x-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and NMRI.
Mucositis
A complication of some cancer therapies in which the lining of the digestive system becomes inflamed. Often seen as sores in the mouth.
Multiple Myeloma
A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Also called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, or plasma cell myeloma.
Myelodysplastic syndrome
A group of diseases in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells. Also called preleukemia and smoldering leukemia.
Myeloid
Having to do with or resembling the bone marrow. May also refer to certain types of hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells found in the bone marrow. Sometimes used as a synonym for myelogenous; for example, acute myeloid leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia are the same disease.
Myelosuppression
A condition in which bone marrow activity is decreased, resulting in fewer red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Myelosuppression is a side effect of some cancer treatments. When myelosuppression is severe, it is called myeloablation.
N
Neoplasm
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Neoplasms may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Also called tumor.
Neutropenia
An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
Neutrophil
A type of white blood cell.
O
Oncologist
A doctor who specializes in treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation.
Oncogene
A gene that normally directs cell growth. If altered, an oncogene can promote or allow the uncontrolled growth of cancer. Alterations can be inherited or caused by an environmental exposure to carcinogens.
P
Palliative Treatment
Treatment given to relieve the symptoms and reduce the suffering caused by cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Palliative cancer therapies are given together with other cancer treatments, from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, survivorship, recurrent or advanced disease, and at the end of life.
Partial Remission or Partial Response (PR)
A decrease in the size of a tumor, or in the extent of cancer in the body, in response to treatment. Also called partial response.
Peripheral neuropathy
A nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, or muscle weakness in different parts of the body. It usually begins in the hands or feet and gets worse over time. Peripheral neuropathy may be caused by physical injury, infection, toxic substances, disease (such as cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, or malnutrition), or drugs, including anticancer drugs. Also called neuropathy.
PET (positron emission tomography) scan
Positron emission tomography scan. A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. Also called positron emission tomography scan.
Placebo
An inactive substance or treatment that looks the same as, and is given the same way as, an active drug or treatment being tested. The effects of the active drug or treatment are compared to the effects of the placebo.
Plasma
The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma.
Plasma Cell
A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.
Plasmacytoma
A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). A plasmacytoma may turn into multiple myeloma.
Plasmapheresis
The process of separating certain cells from the plasma in the blood by a machine; only the cells are returned to the person. Plasmapheresis can be used to remove excess antibodies from the blood.
Platelet
A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called a thrombocyte.
Progression-Free Survival
The length of time during and after treatment in which a patient is living with a disease that does not get worse. Progression-free survival may be used in a clinical study or trial to help find out how well a new treatment works.
Protocol
An action plan for a clinical trial. The plan states what the study will do, how, and why. It explains how many people will be in it, who is eligible to participate, what study agents or other interventions they will be given, what tests they will receive and how often, and what information will be gathered.
R
Radiation therapy (Radiotherapy)
The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy and irradiation.
Radiologist
A doctor who specializes in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are produced with x-rays, sound waves, or other types of energy.
Randomization
When referring to an experiment or clinical trial, the process by which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments or other interventions. Randomization gives each participant an equal chance of being assigned to any of the groups.
Red Blood Cell(erythrocyte)
A cell that carries oxygen to all parts of the body
Refractory
In medicine, describes a disease or condition that does not respond to treatment.
Relapse
The return of signs and symptoms of cancer after a period of improvement.
Response or Remission
In medicine, an improvement related to treatment.
S
Side effect
A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.
Smoldering myeloma
A very slow-growing type of myeloma in which abnormal plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) make too much of a single type of monoclonal antibody (a protein). This protein builds up in the blood or is passed in the urine. Patients with smoldering myeloma usually have no symptoms, but need to be checked often for signs of progression to fully developed multiple myeloma.
Spleen
An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen makes lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys old blood cells. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach.
Stage
The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
Standard therapy
In medicine, treatment that experts agree is appropriate, accepted, and widely used. Health care providers are obligated to provide patients with standard therapy. Also called standard of care or best practice.
Stem cell
A cell from which other types of cells develop. For example, blood cells develop from blood-forming stem cells.
Supportive care
Care given to improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease. The goal of supportive care is to prevent or treat as early as possible the symptoms of a disease, side effects caused by treatment of a disease, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems related to a disease or its treatment. Also called palliative care, comfort care, and symptom management.
Systemic therapy
Treatment using substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body.
T
Thalidomide
A drug that is used to treat multiple myeloma in patients who have just been diagnosed, and a painful skin disease related to leprosy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Thalidomide belongs to the family of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors. Also called Thalomid.
Thrombocytopenia
A decrease in the number of platelets in the blood that may result in easy bruising and excessive bleeding from wounds or bleeding in mucous membranes and other tissues.
TNF
A protein made by white blood cells in response to an antigen (substance that causes the immune system to make a specific immune response) or infection. TNF can also be made in the laboratory. It may boost a person’s immune response, and also may cause necrosis (cell death) of some types of tumor cells. TNF is being studied in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is a type of cytokine. Also called tumor necrosis factor.
Transfusion
The infusion of components of blood or whole blood into the bloodstream. The blood may be donated from another person, or it may have been taken from the person earlier and stored until needed.
Transplantation
The replacement of tissue with tissue from the person’s own body or from another person.
Tumor
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancerous), or malignant (cancerous). Also called neoplasm.
V
Vaccine
A substance or group of substances meant to cause the immune system to respond to a tumor or to microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. A vaccine can help the body recognize and destroy cancer cells or microorganisms.
W
Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia
An indolent (slow-growing) type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by abnormal levels of IgM antibodies in the blood and an enlarged liver, spleen, or lymph nodes. Also called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.
White Blood Cells (leukocytes)
Refers to a blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin. White blood cells include lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and mast cells. These cells are made by bone marrow and help the body fight infections and other diseases. Also called WBC.
X
X-ray
A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer.
