Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia Dictionary

alkylating agents: Chemotherapy medication that prevents cancer cell growth by altering the cells' DNA.

allergens:Substances that induce an allergic response.

allograft: When referring to stem cell transplants allograft refers to stem cells harvested from a donor.

amyloidosis: A condition in which the amyloid proteins are abnormally deposited on organs and/or tissues. It can be a symptom of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia.

anemia: A qualitative or quantitative deficiency of hemoglobin.

antibodies: Proteins found in the blood or other bodily fluids of vertebrates, used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects, such as bacteria and viruses.

antigens: Also known as immunogens, this is any molecule in the body that can stimulate an immune response.

antigens:Substances that cause an allergic reaction when they invade the body.

aspiration: To draw a liquid or substance out of the body.

autograft: When referring to stem cell transplants autograft refers to stem cells previously harvested from the patient.

autoimmunity: A failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as self, which results in an immune response against its own cells and tissues.

B cells: White blood cells that can secrete antibodies and bind to antigens. B cells form in the bone marrow.

B lymphocytes: See B cells.

biopsy: A tissue sample examined microscopically for signs of cancer or other diseases.

bone marrow: The soft tissue inside most bones. Bone marrow produces red and white blood cells as well as platelets.

Bortezomib: A proteasome inhibitor approved for the treatment of myeloma that stops the growth of cancer by blocking the enzymes necessary for tumor cell growth.

chemotherapy: The use of systemic drugs that kill fast-growing cells such as cancer cells.

chlorambucil: A chemotherapy drug used to treat multiple myeloma, lymphomas and leukemia.

chromosome 6: One of 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans that could be the genetic cause of WM.

chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A cancer that triggers the production of excessive amounts of white blood cells.

cladribine: An antimetabolic drug. Antimetabolic medication fights cancer by interfering with the division of cells and altering cell function.

cold agglutinin disease: A symptom that affects 10 percent of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia patients. It results in the destruction of red blood cells if the patient is in an environment with low temperatures.

cryoglobulinemia: A condition that affects 20 percent of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia patients, and is characterized by Raynaud’s phenomenon, kidney problems and pupura.

cryoglobulins: Proteins in the blood that solidify in cold conditions and dissolve when exposed to warmth. Cryoglobulins may develop due to health conditions such as cancer.