Fw: here's an old one, but a good one

[Guest guest]

OK EVERYONE, I FINALLY FOUND THE GLOSSARY OF CML TERMS I KNEW I HAD BUT COULD

NOT LOCATE.  MUST HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH BEING ALMOST 80!!!!!

a (Bobby) Doyle Brecksville, Ohio, USA DX 05/1995 02/2000 - Gleevec

Trial/OHSU 06/2002 - Gleevec/Trisenox Trial/OHSU 06/2003 - Gleevec/Zarnestra

Trial/OHSU 04/2004 - Sprycel Trial/MDACC, CCR in 10 months #840  -  

Zavie's Zero Club 09/2006 -  out of CCR 04/29/08 - XL228 Trial/ U.of Michigan

06/02/08 - CCR ( in 4 weeks)

02/13/09 - XL trial ended due to side effects

04/13/09 - New Trial, Ariad / U. of Mich./ Dr. Talpaz

 

From: ROBERTA DOYLE <rcd1929@...>

Subject: here's an old one, but a good one

taina2044@...

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2008, 4:37 PM

CML Glossary & Abbreviations Index

We know, it's just a bowl of alphabet soup out there. The letters all start to

blend together, and you can't remember the difference between ABL and WBC. We

hope this helps. Just click on the abbreviation, and you'll be taken to its

definition. Or just scan the entire listing. 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 * ABL*

ACOR* ALL * AML * ANC * ARA-C * BCR-ABL * BMA * BMB * BMT * CBC * CCR * CML * CR

* DLI * DX * FISH * FTI * GVHD * HX * IFN * MIU * MUD * NSAID * PCR * PH+(-) *

RBC * STI * SCT * WBC A ABL. A gene (named for a researcher whose last name

was Abelson) on human chromosome #9, involved in normal white blood cell

replication. ABL only causes trouble when it detaches and joins chromosome #22,

creating the BCR-ABL gene known to cause chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Absolute

neutrophil count (ANC). A measure of how many white blood cells you have to

fight infections. Your ANC is the total number of neutrophil cells per

microliter of blood. It is calculated by using the total white blood count (WBC)

and the percentage of neutrophils shown on the laboratory " differential. " Normal

ANC is around 2,500, but is still considered safe at 1,000 or higher. See more

in Understanding Blood. Accelerated phase. The middle phase of CML, occurring

between chronic and blast phase. The actual definition of accelerated phase is

somewhat variable. CML is often considered accelerated when your blasts are

between 10 percent and 30 percent. Evidence of acceleration includes recurrence

of certain clinical findings such as enlarged spleen, night sweats, fatigue,

etc.; increased difficulty in controlling the blood cell counts; increases in

certain cell types such as basophils,

eosinophils, and especially blasts; and the appearance of new chromosomal

abnormalities on cytogenetic analysis. Any one of these may (or may not) be

cause for concern, but the appearance of two or more in combination makes the

diagnosis of accelerated phase more likely. Untreated, the accelerated phase

lasts from a couple of months to year or more before progressing to blast phase.

ACOR. The Association of Cancer Online Resources. Provides information and

listservs about cancer. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). A type of leukemia

in which too many infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes are

found in the blood and bone marrow. Learn

more. Additive. When patients take two or more drugs at the same time that

produce the same biological effect, the resulting effect generally follows one

of three patterns — additive effect, synergism, or potentiation. If drugs have

an additive effect it means that they combine to produce an overall effect that

is equal to the sum of their individual effects (for example: 3 + 2 = 5). That

is, the combined effect of using two drugs together is no better than using the

drugs separately. Allogeneic. Refers to getting bone marrow (or other body

tissue) from another person, not your own body. Allo means other. Also see

Autologous. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). A type of leukemia in which

cancer cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. AML affects the blasts that

are developing into white blood cells called granulocytes. In AML,

the blasts do not mature and become too numerous. These immature blast cells

are then found in the blood and the bone marrow. AML is also called acute

nonlymphocytic leukemia or ANLL. Learn more. Angiogenesis. The growth of new

blood vessels, a process that occurs in the healthy body for healing wounds and

for restoring blood flow to tissues after injury. In diseases like cancer, the

body loses the ability to maintain balanced angiogenesis. New blood vessels feed

diseased tissues, destroy normal tissues, and in the case of some cancers, the

new vessels can allow tumor cells to escape into the circulation and lodge in

other organs (tumor metastases). Angiogenesis inhibitor drugs are a new class of

drugs targeted against this abnormal process to block or slow tumor growth.

Visit the Angiogenesis Foundation to learn more. Apoptosis. Programmed cell

death. Normal cells are " programmed " by your body to die after a certain amount

of time or a certain

number of cell divisions. Cancerous cells lose this ability and go on living

and dividing indefinitely as long as they get the nutrition they need, creating

a huge build up of cells in your body, unless countered by medications. ARA-C.

Cytosine arabinoside, a chemotherapy drug often used to treat CML and other

leukemias. Learn more. ASH. The American Society of Hematology. Represents

over 10,000 clinicians and scientists committed to further the understanding,

diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood, bone

marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic and

vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training,

and advocacy in hematology. Publishes the journal Blood. AST. Aspartate

aminotransferase. A blood test used to detect liver inflammation. Autologous.

Refers to getting tissue (or marrow) back from yourself (auto means self) in a

transplant. In an autologous stem cell transplant, for example, your marrow

cells are harvested and the " good " ones separated from the " bad. " Your marrow is

then destroyed with radiation and chemotherapy and the autologous cells

re-transfused. Avascular necrosis. The death of the body's bone. It's a rare

complication of some drug therapies, including use of interferon, and is seen in

patients whose platelet count remains abnormally high despite treatment. B

BCR-ABL. The abnormal gene that characterizes the leukemic stem cells of most

people with chronic myelogenous leukemia. For CML to occur the " abl " gene (named

after a researcher named Abelson) comes unglued from its usual location on

chromosome #9, and sticks itself to the " bcr " (breakpoint cluster region) of

chromosome #22, thus creating the bcr-abl hybrid. About 95 percent of CML

patients have this chromosome, as well as patients with some other types of

leukemia. See a patient's photo. Blast phase. The third phase of CML after

chronic and accelerated phases, characterized by the presence of increasing

numbers of highly immature blood cells ( " blasts " or " myeloblasts " ) in the blood

and marrow, usually more than 30 percent. Blast phase is often fatal within

months. However, new treatments show promise in prolonging survival. Bone

marrow aspiration (BMA). A procedure in which liquid contents of your bone

marrow are withdrawn (aspirated) through a needle. This procedure is used to

make a diagnosis and to follow progress of treatment. Bone marrow biopsy

(BMB). Similar to a bone marrow aspiration, but performed with a slightly

different piece of equipment. It is used when a chunk of marrow itself is needed

for diagnostic purposes, or when a BMA is unsuccessful because the marrow is too

fibrotic, that is, when there is too much fibrous tissue and not enough to pull

up through the aspiration needle. Bone marrow transplant (BMT). A procedure in

which your cancerous bone marrow is killed of with high doses of chemotherapy

and radiation and then replaced with healthy donor marrow (sometimes called a

stem cell transplant). C Chemotherapy. The treatment or control of cancer

using drugs that interfere with

the growth and multiplication of cancerous cells. Most chemo drugs are targeted

at a specific phase of the cell cycle and only kill cells that are both

multiplying and in that particular phase. Chimeric. Generally refers to a

combination or hybrid. In CML, the BCR-ABL gene is a chimeric gene, or the

combination of two other parts. Chromosome. In a cell nucleus, a structure

containing a molecule of DNA that transmits genetic information. The normal

number of chromosomes for humans is 46. The chromosomal mutation leading to CML

involves chromosomes number 9 and 22. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). A

type of leukemia in which too many white blood cells grow in the bone marrow.

Learn

more. Clonal evolution. The development of chromosomal mutations that occurs

in untreated CML or other leukemias, and leads to progression of the disease.

Complete blood count (CBC). A blood test that measures white and red blood

cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and other cells. In CML a " white cell

differential " is usually performed along with the CBC. This tells which of

several kinds of white cells are present and in what proportion. See more in

Understanding Blood. Complete cytogenetic response (CCR). One of the types of

positive responses to treatment of leukemia. In this case, it is the complete

absence of leukemic (Ph+) cells in the bone marrow of CML patients by either

conventional or FISH cytogenetic testing.. Cytogenetics. An evaluation

of the genetic material of leukemia patients. Two types of cytogenetics,

" conventional " and FISH, are used to diagnose and follow the course of CML.

Conventional cytogenetics (so-called because it's been around a long time) is a

microscopic exam of up to 25 marrow cells in a phase of cell division when your

chromosomes can be clearly seen and differentiated. Cytogenetic response (CR).

A response to treatment of CML that occurs in the marrow, rather than just in

the blood. There are 3 levels of cytogenetic response: 1) just plain cytogenetic

response (CR); 2) Major cytogenetic response (MCR); and complete cytogenetic

response (CCR). If the number of Ph+ chromosomes decreases at all during

treatment, you have achieved a cytogenetic response (CR); if your Ph+ percentage

drops to 35 percent or less, it is considered a major cytogenetic response

(MCR); 0% Ph+ is a complete cytogenetic response (CCR). D Donor leukocyte

infusion (DLI). A procedure to

treat the relapse of a bone marrow transplant by taking immune system cells

from the original donor and transfusing them to the leukemia patient. Learn

more. Dx. The abbreviation for diagnosis; often found in your medical files.

E Enzyme. A protein that catalyzes changes in other biological substances. Too

many white cells are produced in CML because of an abnormal tyrosine kinase

enzyme whose sole activity is sticking phosphate molecules onto tyrosine

molecules. F Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A powerful

molecular cytogenetics technique that uses a fluorescent-labeled DNA probe to

determine the presence or absence of a particular segment of DNA — the BCR-ABL

gene in the case of CML. It combines the ability to identify a specific gene or

gene region (molecular) with direct visualization of the cells and/or

chromosomes under the microscope (cytogenetics). In the FISH test, about 200 of

your cells are generally examined. The examined cells are usually from your bone

marrow but also can be from your peripheral blood (that is, the blood in your

veins). FISH can detect the BCR-ABL gene in CML patients even when your bone

marrow shows you are Philadelphia-chromosome negative. Farnesyl transferase

inhibitor (FTI). Not to be confused with STI. FTI is an experimental drug that

that inhibits a cancer-causing gene known as ras, which causes cancer by

producing a growth-stimulating protein that signals uncontrolled cell division.

FTIs are being studied in

CML and other cancers. G Gleevec. A new drug used in the treatment of CML

and other cancers that works by inhibiting the enzyme that causes the cancer.

Imatinib mesylate is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the

Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, the constitutive abnormal tyrosine kinase created by

the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality in CML. It inhibits proliferation and

induces apoptosis in Bcr-Abl positive cell lines as well as fresh leukemic cells

from Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia. In colony

formation assays using ex vivo peripheral blood and bone marrow samples,

imatinib shows inhibition of Bcr-Abl positive colonies from CML patients. Learn

more. Also known as Glivec (outside of the United States) and STI571. Gleevec

(imatinib mesylate) is made by Novartis. Read more on the

Novartis site. Graft vs. host disease (GVHD). A collection of ailments that

sometimes arises after bone marrow transplants, when the donor's immune system

(the " graft " ) attacks various tissues (the gut, skin, etc.) of the patient.

H Hematologic response. Normalization of the white blood cell counts in the

blood, though not necessarily in the bone marrow. The response can be partial

(reduction in white cells, but not down to normal range) or complete (white

blood count is at or 10 or 12 — the normal range varies by lab).

Hematologist. A physician who specializes in disorders of the blood (heme means

blood in Greek), including blood cancers such as leukemia. Heme-onc. Short for

hematologist-oncologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of both blood

diseases and solid cancers. Hydrea. A chemotherapy drug — generic name is

hydroxyurea — which is often used first in the treatment of CML which works to

kill leukemic white blood cells and bring elevated white blood counts (WBCs)

back toward normal. Learn more. Hx. The abbreviation for history (as in your

medical history). I Interferon (IFN). A glycoprotein chemical produced

normally by mammalian cells in order to fight infection and cancer. It is now

produced by recombinant DNA techniques and used as a drug to treat CML and other

cancers. Also known as Intron-A. Learn more. L

Leukemia. A cancer of the blood. Literally means " white blood. " Leukocyte.

Another name for white blood cell (leukos means white; cytos means cell in

Greek). M Million international units (MIU). A dosage amount, such as 5miu

(also written MU, or million units). Matched unrelated donor (MUD). A bone

marrow donor whose HLA matches the patients, but who is not related to the

patient. Most transplant patients do not find donors from within their own

families and must rely on strangers. Learn more. Myelofibrosis. Abnormal

replacement of blood stem cells in the bone marrow with fibrous tissue.

Myelofibrosis occurs as a complication of CML and its treatments,

especially interferon. Multiple myeloma. A malignant disorder of plasma.

Multiple myeloma frequently is associated with bone pain and susceptibility to

infection. Learn more. N Nonmyeloablative. A bone marrow transplant in

which the patient's marrow is not completely destroyed prior to receiving the

donor's marrow or stem cells (myelo means marrow; ablative means destructive).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Drugs used to treat inflammation

and fever. NSAID drugs mainly inhibit the body's ability to synthesize

prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are a family of hormone-like chemicals, some of

which are made in response to cell injury. Learn more.

O Oncogene. A gene that has mutated, causing cells to become cancerous.

Oncologist. Cancer specialist (oncos means cancer in Greek). P Pegyllated

interferon. A type of interferon (IFN) that has PolyEthylene Glycol (PEG)

molecules attached to it. This gives IFN a longer half-life in the body, and is

therefore hoped to reduce the drug's toxicity and increase its effectiveness.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A very sensitive test used to detect very low

levels of bcr-abl in marrow stem cells. Philadelphia chromosome (PH). The

hallmark of CML. This is the term used to describe the abnormal appearing human

chromosome 22, which is found in 95 percent of people who have CML. It results

from a mutation that involves the swapping of genetic material

between chromosomes 9 and 22 (see bcr-abl). If you have this chromosome, you

are considered Ph+, or Ph-positive. If you don't, you are Ph-, or Ph-negative.

The proportion of Ph+ to Ph- cells is used to track progress in treating CML: If

the number of Ph+ chromosomes decreases at all during treatment, you have

achieved a cytogenetic response (CR); if your Ph+ percentage drops to 35 percent

or less, it is considered a major cytogenetic response (MCR); 0% Ph+ is a

complete cytogenetic response (CCR). Platelets. Fragments of a much larger

cell, the megakaryocyte, that stays in the bone marrow after it differentiates

and matures from the stem cell. The platelets leave the bone marrow and

circulate throughout the body. When stimulated by substances from damaged

tissue, the platelets release substances necessary to help blood clot.

R Red blood cells (RBC). Highly specialized cells that have been " stripped " of

everything, including the nucleus, that might get in the way of doing their

major job, transporting oxygen Remission. Abatement or lessening in severity

of the symptoms, signs and laboratory abnormalities of a disease. S Signal

transduction inhibitor (STI). One of the most exciting types of molecules in

cancer research, STIs mostly inhibit enzymes that carry out the actions that

make cancer cells behave as they do: multiplying too fast, living too long,

invading other tissues, etc. Gleevec is a type of STI. Stem cell. A

progenitor, or " primitive " cell ancestor, of almost all the blood cell types.

These immature cells

are found in the bone marrow and develop into red cells, white cells, or

platelets. Learn more. Stem cell transplant (SCT). See bone marrow transplant.

T Translocation. A process in which a bit of genetic material from one

chromosome swaps places with a bit from another chromosome. In CML, a piece

(called " abl " ) from chromosome 9 is translocated onto a segment (called " bcr " )

on chromosome 22, creating the bcr-able oncogene. Tyrosine kinase. An enzyme

involved in communication within cells, or signaling pathways. It is an abnormal

tyrosine kinase that causes L. W White blood count (WBC). One of three

different types of cell. There are five distinctly different kinds of white

blood cells: neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Some have the ability to change with needs and situations in the body. These

cells can leave the bloodstream, sliding out through the vessel walls and

attacking invaders at the site of an

infection.

Thanks to Dr. Rockefeller for creating the bulk of this glossary.

a (Bobby) Doyle Brecksville, Ohio, USA DX 05/1995 02/2000 - Gleevec

Trial/OHSU 06/2002 - Gleevec/Trisenox Trial/OHSU 06/2003 - Gleevec/Zarnestra

Trial/OHSU 04/2004 - Sprycel Trial/MDACC, CCR in 10

months 09/2006 -  out of CCR

[Guest guest]

Wow, that didn't come out too good, let me try and paste and copy

a (Bobby) Doyle Brecksville, Ohio, USA DX 05/1995 02/2000 - Gleevec

Trial/OHSU 06/2002 - Gleevec/Trisenox Trial/OHSU 06/2003 - Gleevec/Zarnestra

Trial/OHSU 04/2004 - Sprycel Trial/MDACC, CCR in 10 months #840  -  

Zavie's Zero Club 09/2006 -  out of CCR 04/29/08 - XL228 Trial/ U.of Michigan

06/02/08 - CCR ( in 4 weeks)

02/13/09 - XL trial ended due to side effects

04/13/09 - New Trial, Ariad / U. of Mich./ Dr. Talpaz

 

From: ROBERTA DOYLE <rcd1929sbcglobal (DOT) net>

Subject: here's an old one, but a good one

taina2044aol (DOT) com

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2008, 4:37 PM

CML Glossary & Abbreviations Index

We know, it's just a bowl of alphabet soup out there. The letters all start to

blend together, and you can't remember the difference between ABL and WBC. We

hope this helps. Just click on the abbreviation, and you'll be taken to its

definition. Or just scan the entire listing. 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 * ABL*

ACOR* ALL * AML * ANC * ARA-C * BCR-ABL * BMA * BMB * BMT * CBC * CCR * CML * CR

* DLI * DX * FISH * FTI * GVHD * HX * IFN * MIU * MUD * NSAID * PCR * PH+(-) *

RBC * STI * SCT * WBC A ABL. A gene (named for a researcher whose last name

was Abelson) on human chromosome #9, involved in normal white blood cell

replication. ABL only causes trouble when it detaches and joins chromosome #22,

creating the BCR-ABL gene known to cause chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Absolute

neutrophil count (ANC). A measure of how many white blood cells you have to

fight infections. Your ANC is the total number of neutrophil cells per

microliter of blood. It is calculated by using the total white blood count (WBC)

and the percentage of neutrophils shown on the laboratory " differential. "

Normal ANC is around 2,500, but is still considered safe at 1,000 or higher. See

more in Understanding Blood. Accelerated phase. The middle phase of CML,

occurring between chronic and blast phase. The actual definition of accelerated

phase is somewhat variable. CML is often considered accelerated when your blasts

are between 10 percent and 30 percent. Evidence of acceleration includes

recurrence of certain clinical findings such as enlarged spleen, night sweats,

fatigue, etc.; increased difficulty in controlling the blood cell counts;

increases in certain cell types such as basophils,

eosinophils, and especially blasts; and the appearance of new chromosomal

abnormalities on cytogenetic analysis. Any one of these may (or may not) be

cause for concern, but the appearance of two or more in combination makes the

diagnosis of accelerated phase more likely. Untreated, the accelerated phase

lasts from a couple of months to year or more before progressing to blast phase.

ACOR. The Association of Cancer Online Resources. Provides information and

listservs about cancer. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). A type of leukemia

in which too many infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes are

found in the blood and bone marrow. Learn

more. Additive. When patients take two or more drugs at the same time that

produce the same biological effect, the resulting effect generally follows one

of three patterns — additive effect, synergism, or potentiation. If drugs have

an additive effect it means that they combine to produce an overall effect that

is equal to the sum of their individual effects (for example: 3 + 2 = 5). That

is, the combined effect of using two drugs together is no better than using the

drugs separately. Allogeneic. Refers to getting bone marrow (or other body

tissue) from another person, not your own body. Allo means other. Also see

Autologous. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). A type of leukemia in which

cancer cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. AML affects the blasts that

are developing into white blood cells called granulocytes. In AML,

the blasts do not mature and become too numerous. These immature blast cells

are then found in the blood and the bone marrow. AML is also called acute

nonlymphocytic leukemia or ANLL. Learn more. Angiogenesis. The growth of new

blood vessels, a process that occurs in the healthy body for healing wounds and

for restoring blood flow to tissues after injury. In diseases like cancer, the

body loses the ability to maintain balanced angiogenesis. New blood vessels feed

diseased tissues, destroy normal tissues, and in the case of some cancers, the

new vessels can allow tumor cells to escape into the circulation and lodge in

other organs (tumor metastases). Angiogenesis inhibitor drugs are a new class of

drugs targeted against this abnormal process to block or slow tumor growth.

Visit the Angiogenesis Foundation to learn more. Apoptosis. Programmed cell

death. Normal cells are " programmed " by your body to die after a certain amount

of time or a certain

number of cell divisions. Cancerous cells lose this ability and go on living

and dividing indefinitely as long as they get the nutrition they need, creating

a huge build up of cells in your body, unless countered by medications. ARA-C.

Cytosine arabinoside, a chemotherapy drug often used to treat CML and other

leukemias. Learn more. ASH. The American Society of Hematology. Represents

over 10,000 clinicians and scientists committed to further the understanding,

diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood, bone

marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic and

vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training,

and advocacy in hematology. Publishes the journal Blood. AST. Aspartate

aminotransferase. A blood test used to detect liver inflammation. Autologous.

Refers to getting tissue (or marrow) back from yourself (auto means self) in a

transplant. In an autologous stem cell transplant, for example, your marrow

cells are harvested and the " good " ones separated from the " bad. " Your marrow is

then destroyed with radiation and chemotherapy and the autologous cells

re-transfused. Avascular necrosis. The death of the body's bone. It's a rare

complication of some drug therapies, including use of interferon, and is seen in

patients whose platelet count remains abnormally high despite treatment. B

BCR-ABL. The abnormal gene that characterizes the leukemic stem cells of most

people with chronic myelogenous leukemia. For CML to occur the " abl " gene (named

after a researcher named Abelson) comes unglued from its usual location on

chromosome #9, and sticks itself to the " bcr " (breakpoint cluster region) of

chromosome #22, thus creating the bcr-abl hybrid. About 95 percent of CML

patients have this chromosome, as well as patients with some other types of

leukemia. See a patient's photo. Blast phase. The third phase of CML after

chronic and accelerated phases, characterized by the presence of increasing

numbers of highly immature blood cells ( " blasts " or " myeloblasts " ) in the blood

and marrow, usually more than 30 percent. Blast phase is often fatal within

months. However, new treatments show promise in prolonging survival. Bone

marrow aspiration (BMA). A procedure in which liquid contents of your bone

marrow are withdrawn (aspirated) through a needle. This procedure is used to

make a diagnosis and to follow progress of treatment. Bone marrow biopsy

(BMB). Similar to a bone marrow aspiration, but performed with a slightly

different piece of equipment. It is used when a chunk of marrow itself is needed

for diagnostic purposes, or when a BMA is unsuccessful because the marrow is too

fibrotic, that is, when there is too much fibrous tissue and not enough to pull

up through the aspiration needle. Bone marrow transplant (BMT). A procedure in

which your cancerous bone marrow is killed of with high doses of chemotherapy

and radiation and then replaced with healthy donor marrow (sometimes called a

stem cell transplant). C Chemotherapy. The treatment or control of cancer

using drugs that interfere with

the growth and multiplication of cancerous cells. Most chemo drugs are targeted

at a specific phase of the cell cycle and only kill cells that are both

multiplying and in that particular phase. Chimeric. Generally refers to a

combination or hybrid. In CML, the BCR-ABL gene is a chimeric gene, or the

combination of two other parts. Chromosome. In a cell nucleus, a structure

containing a molecule of DNA that transmits genetic information. The normal

number of chromosomes for humans is 46. The chromosomal mutation leading to CML

involves chromosomes number 9 and 22. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). A

type of leukemia in which too many white blood cells grow in the bone marrow.

Learn

more. Clonal evolution. The development of chromosomal mutations that occurs

in untreated CML or other leukemias, and leads to progression of the disease.

Complete blood count (CBC). A blood test that measures white and red blood

cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and other cells. In CML a " white cell

differential " is usually performed along with the CBC. This tells which of

several kinds of white cells are present and in what proportion. See more in

Understanding Blood. Complete cytogenetic response (CCR). One of the types of

positive responses to treatment of leukemia. In this case, it is the complete

absence of leukemic (Ph+) cells in the bone marrow of CML patients by either

conventional or FISH cytogenetic testing.. Cytogenetics. An evaluation

of the genetic material of leukemia patients. Two types of cytogenetics,

" conventional " and FISH, are used to diagnose and follow the course of CML.

Conventional cytogenetics (so-called because it's been around a long time) is a

microscopic exam of up to 25 marrow cells in a phase of cell division when your

chromosomes can be clearly seen and differentiated. Cytogenetic response (CR).

A response to treatment of CML that occurs in the marrow, rather than just in

the blood. There are 3 levels of cytogenetic response: 1) just plain cytogenetic

response (CR); 2) Major cytogenetic response (MCR); and complete cytogenetic

response (CCR). If the number of Ph+ chromosomes decreases at all during

treatment, you have achieved a cytogenetic response (CR); if your Ph+ percentage

drops to 35 percent or less, it is considered a major cytogenetic response

(MCR); 0% Ph+ is a complete cytogenetic response (CCR). D Donor leukocyte

infusion (DLI). A procedure to

treat the relapse of a bone marrow transplant by taking immune system cells

from the original donor and transfusing them to the leukemia patient. Learn

more. Dx. The abbreviation for diagnosis; often found in your medical files.

E Enzyme. A protein that catalyzes changes in other biological substances. Too

many white cells are produced in CML because of an abnormal tyrosine kinase

enzyme whose sole activity is sticking phosphate molecules onto tyrosine

molecules. F Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A powerful

molecular cytogenetics technique that uses a fluorescent- labeled DNA probe to

determine the presence or absence of a particular segment of DNA — the BCR-ABL

gene in the case of CML. It combines the ability to identify a specific gene or

gene region (molecular) with direct visualization of the cells and/or

chromosomes under the microscope (cytogenetics) . In the FISH test, about 200 of

your cells are generally examined. The examined cells are usually from your bone

marrow but also can be from your peripheral blood (that is, the blood in your

veins). FISH can detect the BCR-ABL gene in CML patients even when your bone

marrow shows you are Philadelphia- chromosome negative. Farnesyl transferase

inhibitor (FTI). Not to be confused with STI. FTI is an experimental drug that

that inhibits a cancer-causing gene known as ras, which causes cancer by

producing a growth-stimulating protein that signals uncontrolled cell division.

FTIs are being studied in

CML and other cancers. G Gleevec. A new drug used in the treatment of CML

and other cancers that works by inhibiting the enzyme that causes the cancer.

Imatinib mesylate is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the

Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, the constitutive abnormal tyrosine kinase created by

the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality in CML. It inhibits proliferation and

induces apoptosis in Bcr-Abl positive cell lines as well as fresh leukemic cells

from Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia. In colony

formation assays using ex vivo peripheral blood and bone marrow samples,

imatinib shows inhibition of Bcr-Abl positive colonies from CML patients. Learn

more. Also known as Glivec (outside of the United States) and STI571. Gleevec

(imatinib mesylate) is made by Novartis. Read more on the

Novartis site. Graft vs. host disease (GVHD). A collection of ailments that

sometimes arises after bone marrow transplants, when the donor's immune system

(the " graft " ) attacks various tissues (the gut, skin, etc.) of the patient.

H Hematologic response. Normalization of the white blood cell counts in the

blood, though not necessarily in the bone marrow. The response can be partial

(reduction in white cells, but not down to normal range) or complete (white

blood count is at or 10 or 12 — the normal range varies by lab).

Hematologist. A physician who specializes in disorders of the blood (heme means

blood in Greek), including blood cancers such as leukemia. Heme-onc. Short for

hematologist- oncologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of both

blood

diseases and solid cancers. Hydrea. A chemotherapy drug — generic name is

hydroxyurea — which is often used first in the treatment of CML which works to

kill leukemic white blood cells and bring elevated white blood counts (WBCs)

back toward normal. Learn more. Hx. The abbreviation for history (as in your

medical history). I Interferon (IFN). A glycoprotein chemical produced

normally by mammalian cells in order to fight infection and cancer. It is now

produced by recombinant DNA techniques and used as a drug to treat CML and other

cancers. Also known as Intron-A. Learn more. L

Leukemia. A cancer of the blood. Literally means " white blood. " Leukocyte.

Another name for white blood cell (leukos means white; cytos means cell in

Greek). M Million international units (MIU). A dosage amount, such as 5miu

(also written MU, or million units). Matched unrelated donor (MUD). A bone

marrow donor whose HLA matches the patients, but who is not related to the

patient. Most transplant patients do not find donors from within their own

families and must rely on strangers. Learn more. Myelofibrosis. Abnormal

replacement of blood stem cells in the bone marrow with fibrous tissue.

Myelofibrosis occurs as a complication of CML and its treatments,

especially interferon. Multiple myeloma. A malignant disorder of plasma.

Multiple myeloma frequently is associated with bone pain and susceptibility to

infection. Learn more. N Nonmyeloablative. A bone marrow transplant in

which the patient's marrow is not completely destroyed prior to receiving the

donor's marrow or stem cells (myelo means marrow; ablative means destructive) .

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Drugs used to treat inflammation

and fever. NSAID drugs mainly inhibit the body's ability to synthesize

prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are a family of hormone-like chemicals, some of

which are made in response to cell injury. Learn more.

O Oncogene. A gene that has mutated, causing cells to become cancerous.

Oncologist. Cancer specialist (oncos means cancer in Greek). P Pegyllated

interferon. A type of interferon (IFN) that has PolyEthylene Glycol (PEG)

molecules attached to it. This gives IFN a longer half-life in the body, and is

therefore hoped to reduce the drug's toxicity and increase its effectiveness.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A very sensitive test used to detect very low

levels of bcr-abl in marrow stem cells. Philadelphia chromosome (PH). The

hallmark of CML. This is the term used to describe the abnormal appearing human

chromosome 22, which is found in 95 percent of people who have CML. It results

from a mutation that involves the swapping of genetic material

between chromosomes 9 and 22 (see bcr-abl). If you have this chromosome, you

are considered Ph+, or Ph-positive. If you don't, you are Ph-, or Ph-negative.

The proportion of Ph+ to Ph- cells is used to track progress in treating CML: If

the number of Ph+ chromosomes decreases at all during treatment, you have

achieved a cytogenetic response (CR); if your Ph+ percentage drops to 35 percent

or less, it is considered a major cytogenetic response (MCR); 0% Ph+ is a

complete cytogenetic response (CCR). Platelets. Fragments of a much larger

cell, the megakaryocyte, that stays in the bone marrow after it differentiates

and matures from the stem cell. The platelets leave the bone marrow and

circulate throughout the body. When stimulated by substances from damaged

tissue, the platelets release substances necessary to help blood clot.

R Red blood cells (RBC). Highly specialized cells that have been " stripped " of

everything, including the nucleus, that might get in the way of doing their

major job, transporting oxygen Remission. Abatement or lessening in severity

of the symptoms, signs and laboratory abnormalities of a disease. S Signal

transduction inhibitor (STI). One of the most exciting types of molecules in

cancer research, STIs mostly inhibit enzymes that carry out the actions that

make cancer cells behave as they do: multiplying too fast, living too long,

invading other tissues, etc. Gleevec is a type of STI. Stem cell. A

progenitor, or " primitive " cell ancestor, of almost all the blood cell types.

These immature cells

are found in the bone marrow and develop into red cells, white cells, or

platelets. Learn more. Stem cell transplant (SCT). See bone marrow transplant.

T Translocation. A process in which a bit of genetic material from one

chromosome swaps places with a bit from another chromosome. In CML, a piece

(called " abl " ) from chromosome 9 is translocated onto a segment (called " bcr " )

on chromosome 22, creating the bcr-able oncogene. Tyrosine kinase. An enzyme

involved in communication within cells, or signaling pathways. It is an abnormal

tyrosine kinase that causes L. W White blood count (WBC). One of three

different types of cell. There are five distinctly different kinds of white

blood cells: neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Some have the ability to change with needs and situations in the body. These

cells can leave the bloodstream, sliding out through the vessel walls and

attacking invaders at the site of an

infection.

Thanks to Dr. Rockefeller for creating the bulk of this glossary.

a (Bobby) Doyle Brecksville, Ohio, USA DX 05/1995 02/2000 - Gleevec

Trial/OHSU 06/2002 - Gleevec/Trisenox Trial/OHSU 06/2003 - Gleevec/Zarnestra

Trial/OHSU 04/2004 - Sprycel Trial/MDACC, CCR in 10

months 09/2006 -  out of CCR

[Guest guest]

someone help me out here, this is not working for me.....

 

From: ROBERTA DOYLE <rcd1929sbcglobal (DOT) net>

Subject: here's an old one, but a good one

taina2044aol (DOT) com

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2008, 4:37 PM

CML Glossary & Abbreviations Index

We know, it's just a bowl of alphabet soup out there. The letters all start to

blend together, and you can't remember the difference between ABL and WBC. We

hope this helps. Just click on the abbreviation, and you'll be taken to its

definition. Or just scan the entire listing. 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 * ABL*

ACOR* ALL * AML * ANC * ARA-C * BCR-ABL * BMA * BMB * BMT * CBC * CCR * CML * CR

* DLI * DX * FISH * FTI * GVHD * HX * IFN * MIU * MUD * NSAID * PCR * PH+(-) *

RBC * STI * SCT * WBC A ABL. A gene (named for a researcher whose last name

was Abelson) on human chromosome #9, involved in normal white blood cell

replication. ABL only causes trouble when it detaches and joins chromosome #22,

creating the BCR-ABL gene known to cause chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Absolute

neutrophil count (ANC). A measure of how many white blood cells you have to

fight infections. Your ANC is the total number of neutrophil cells per

microliter of blood. It is calculated by using the total white blood count (WBC)

and the percentage of neutrophils shown on the laboratory " differential. "

Normal ANC is around 2,500, but is still considered safe at 1,000 or higher. See

more in Understanding Blood. Accelerated phase. The middle phase of CML,

occurring between chronic and blast phase. The actual definition of accelerated

phase is somewhat variable. CML is often considered accelerated when your blasts

are between 10 percent and 30 percent. Evidence of acceleration includes

recurrence of certain clinical findings such as enlarged spleen, night sweats,

fatigue, etc.; increased difficulty in controlling the blood cell counts;

increases in certain cell types such as basophils,

eosinophils, and especially blasts; and the appearance of new chromosomal

abnormalities on cytogenetic analysis. Any one of these may (or may not) be

cause for concern, but the appearance of two or more in combination makes the

diagnosis of accelerated phase more likely. Untreated, the accelerated phase

lasts from a couple of months to year or more before progressing to blast phase.

ACOR. The Association of Cancer Online Resources. Provides information and

listservs about cancer. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). A type of leukemia

in which too many infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes are

found in the blood and bone marrow. Learn

more. Additive. When patients take two or more drugs at the same time that

produce the same biological effect, the resulting effect generally follows one

of three patterns — additive effect, synergism, or potentiation. If drugs have

an additive effect it means that they combine to produce an overall effect that

is equal to the sum of their individual effects (for example: 3 + 2 = 5). That

is, the combined effect of using two drugs together is no better than using the

drugs separately. Allogeneic. Refers to getting bone marrow (or other body

tissue) from another person, not your own body. Allo means other. Also see

Autologous. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). A type of leukemia in which

cancer cells are found in the blood and bone marrow. AML affects the blasts that

are developing into white blood cells called granulocytes. In AML,

the blasts do not mature and become too numerous. These immature blast cells are

then found in the blood and the bone marrow. AML is also called acute

nonlymphocytic leukemia or ANLL. Learn more. Angiogenesis. The growth of new

blood vessels, a process that occurs in the healthy body for healing wounds and

for restoring blood flow to tissues after injury. In diseases like cancer, the

body loses the ability to maintain balanced angiogenesis. New blood vessels feed

diseased tissues, destroy normal tissues, and in the case of some cancers, the

new vessels can allow tumor cells to escape into the circulation and lodge in

other organs (tumor metastases). Angiogenesis inhibitor drugs are a new class of

drugs targeted against this abnormal process to block or slow tumor growth.

Visit the Angiogenesis Foundation to learn more. Apoptosis. Programmed cell

death. Normal cells are " programmed " by your body to die after a certain amount

of time or a certain

number of cell divisions. Cancerous cells lose this ability and go on living and

dividing indefinitely as long as they get the nutrition they need, creating a

huge build up of cells in your body, unless countered by medications. ARA-C.

Cytosine arabinoside, a chemotherapy drug often used to treat CML and other

leukemias. Learn more. ASH. The American Society of Hematology. Represents

over 10,000 clinicians and scientists committed to further the understanding,

diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the blood, bone

marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic and

vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and

advocacy in hematology. Publishes the journal Blood. AST. Aspartate

aminotransferase. A blood test used to detect liver inflammation. Autologous.

Refers to getting tissue (or marrow) back from yourself (auto means self) in a

transplant. In an autologous stem cell transplant, for example, your marrow

cells are harvested and the " good " ones separated from the " bad. " Your marrow is

then destroyed with radiation and chemotherapy and the autologous cells

re-transfused. Avascular necrosis. The death of the body's bone. It's a rare

complication of some drug therapies, including use of interferon, and is seen in

patients whose platelet count remains abnormally high despite treatment. B

BCR-ABL. The abnormal gene that characterizes the leukemic stem cells of most

people with chronic myelogenous leukemia. For CML to occur the " abl " gene (named

after a researcher named Abelson) comes unglued from its usual location on

chromosome #9, and sticks itself to the " bcr " (breakpoint cluster region) of

chromosome #22, thus creating the bcr-abl hybrid. About 95 percent of CML

patients have this chromosome, as well as patients with some other types of

leukemia. See a patient's photo. Blast phase. The third phase of CML after

chronic and accelerated phases, characterized by the presence of increasing

numbers of highly immature blood cells ( " blasts " or " myeloblasts " ) in the blood

and marrow, usually more than 30 percent. Blast phase is often fatal within

months. However, new treatments show promise in prolonging survival. Bone

marrow aspiration (BMA). A procedure in which liquid contents of your bone

marrow are withdrawn (aspirated) through a needle. This procedure is used to

make a diagnosis and to follow progress of treatment. Bone marrow biopsy

(BMB). Similar to a bone marrow aspiration, but performed with a slightly

different piece of equipment. It is used when a chunk of marrow itself is needed

for diagnostic purposes, or when a BMA is unsuccessful because the marrow is too

fibrotic, that is, when there is too much fibrous tissue and not enough to pull

up through the aspiration needle. Bone marrow transplant (BMT). A procedure in

which your cancerous bone marrow is killed of with high doses of chemotherapy

and radiation and then replaced with healthy donor marrow (sometimes called a

stem cell transplant). C Chemotherapy. The treatment or control of cancer

using drugs that interfere with

the growth and multiplication of cancerous cells. Most chemo drugs are targeted

at a specific phase of the cell cycle and only kill cells that are both

multiplying and in that particular phase. Chimeric. Generally refers to a

combination or hybrid. In CML, the BCR-ABL gene is a chimeric gene, or the

combination of two other parts. Chromosome. In a cell nucleus, a structure

containing a molecule of DNA that transmits genetic information. The normal

number of chromosomes for humans is 46. The chromosomal mutation leading to CML

involves chromosomes number 9 and 22. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). A

type of leukemia in which too many white blood cells grow in the bone marrow.

Learn

more. Clonal evolution. The development of chromosomal mutations that occurs

in untreated CML or other leukemias, and leads to progression of the disease.

Complete blood count (CBC). A blood test that measures white and red blood

cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and other cells. In CML a " white cell

differential " is usually performed along with the CBC. This tells which of

several kinds of white cells are present and in what proportion. See more in

Understanding Blood. Complete cytogenetic response (CCR). One of the types of

positive responses to treatment of leukemia. In this case, it is the complete

absence of leukemic (Ph+) cells in the bone marrow of CML patients by either

conventional or FISH cytogenetic testing.. Cytogenetics. An evaluation

of the genetic material of leukemia patients. Two types of cytogenetics,

" conventional " and FISH, are used to diagnose and follow the course of CML.

Conventional cytogenetics (so-called because it's been around a long time) is a

microscopic exam of up to 25 marrow cells in a phase of cell division when your

chromosomes can be clearly seen and differentiated. Cytogenetic response (CR).

A response to treatment of CML that occurs in the marrow, rather than just in

the blood. There are 3 levels of cytogenetic response: 1) just plain cytogenetic

response (CR); 2) Major cytogenetic response (MCR); and complete cytogenetic

response (CCR). If the number of Ph+ chromosomes decreases at all during

treatment, you have achieved a cytogenetic response (CR); if your Ph+ percentage

drops to 35 percent or less, it is considered a major cytogenetic response

(MCR); 0% Ph+ is a complete cytogenetic response (CCR). D Donor leukocyte

infusion (DLI). A procedure to

treat the relapse of a bone marrow transplant by taking immune system cells from

the original donor and transfusing them to the leukemia patient. Learn more.

Dx. The abbreviation for diagnosis; often found in your medical files. E

Enzyme. A protein that catalyzes changes in other biological substances. Too

many white cells are produced in CML because of an abnormal tyrosine kinase

enzyme whose sole activity is sticking phosphate molecules onto tyrosine

molecules. F Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A powerful

molecular cytogenetics technique that uses a fluorescent- labeled DNA probe to

determine the presence or absence of a particular segment of DNA — the BCR-ABL

gene in the case of CML. It combines the ability to identify a specific gene or

gene region (molecular) with direct visualization of the cells and/or

chromosomes under the microscope (cytogenetics) . In the FISH test, about 200 of

your cells are generally examined. The examined cells are usually from your bone

marrow but also can be from your peripheral blood (that is, the blood in your

veins). FISH can detect the BCR-ABL gene in CML patients even when your bone

marrow shows you are Philadelphia- chromosome negative. Farnesyl transferase

inhibitor (FTI). Not to be confused with STI. FTI is an experimental drug that

that inhibits a cancer-causing gene known as ras, which causes cancer by

producing a growth-stimulating protein that signals uncontrolled cell division.

FTIs are being studied in

CML and other cancers. G Gleevec. A new drug used in the treatment of CML

and other cancers that works by inhibiting the enzyme that causes the cancer.

Imatinib mesylate is a protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the

Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, the constitutive abnormal tyrosine kinase created by

the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality in CML. It inhibits proliferation and

induces apoptosis in Bcr-Abl positive cell lines as well as fresh leukemic cells

from Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia. In colony

formation assays using ex vivo peripheral blood and bone marrow samples,

imatinib shows inhibition of Bcr-Abl positive colonies from CML patients. Learn

more. Also known as Glivec (outside of the United States) and STI571. Gleevec

(imatinib mesylate) is made by Novartis. Read more on the

Novartis site. Graft vs. host disease (GVHD). A collection of ailments that

sometimes arises after bone marrow transplants, when the donor's immune system

(the " graft " ) attacks various tissues (the gut, skin, etc.) of the patient.

H Hematologic response. Normalization of the white blood cell counts in the

blood, though not necessarily in the bone marrow. The response can be partial

(reduction in white cells, but not down to normal range) or complete (white

blood count is at or 10 or 12 — the normal range varies by lab).

Hematologist. A physician who specializes in disorders of the blood (heme means

blood in Greek), including blood cancers such as leukemia. Heme-onc. Short for

hematologist- oncologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of both

blood

diseases and solid cancers. Hydrea. A chemotherapy drug — generic name is

hydroxyurea — which is often used first in the treatment of CML which works to

kill leukemic white blood cells and bring elevated white blood counts (WBCs)

back toward normal. Learn more. Hx. The abbreviation for history (as in your

medical history). I Interferon (IFN). A glycoprotein chemical produced

normally by mammalian cells in order to fight infection and cancer. It is now

produced by recombinant DNA techniques and used as a drug to treat CML and other

cancers. Also known as Intron-A. Learn more. L

Leukemia. A cancer of the blood. Literally means " white blood. " Leukocyte.

Another name for white blood cell (leukos means white; cytos means cell in

Greek). M Million international units (MIU). A dosage amount, such as 5miu

(also written MU, or million units). Matched unrelated donor (MUD). A bone

marrow donor whose HLA matches the patients, but who is not related to the

patient. Most transplant patients do not find donors from within their own

families and must rely on strangers. Learn more. Myelofibrosis. Abnormal

replacement of blood stem cells in the bone marrow with fibrous tissue.

Myelofibrosis occurs as a complication of CML and its treatments,

especially interferon. Multiple myeloma. A malignant disorder of plasma.

Multiple myeloma frequently is associated with bone pain and susceptibility to

infection. Learn more. N Nonmyeloablative. A bone marrow transplant in

which the patient's marrow is not completely destroyed prior to receiving the

donor's marrow or stem cells (myelo means marrow; ablative means destructive) .

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Drugs used to treat inflammation

and fever. NSAID drugs mainly inhibit the body's ability to synthesize

prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are a family of hormone-like chemicals, some of

which are made in response to cell injury. Learn more.

O Oncogene. A gene that has mutated, causing cells to become cancerous.

Oncologist. Cancer specialist (oncos means cancer in Greek). P Pegyllated

interferon. A type of interferon (IFN) that has PolyEthylene Glycol (PEG)

molecules attached to it. This gives IFN a longer half-life in the body, and is

therefore hoped to reduce the drug's toxicity and increase its effectiveness.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A very sensitive test used to detect very low

levels of bcr-abl in marrow stem cells. Philadelphia chromosome (PH). The

hallmark of CML. This is the term used to describe the abnormal appearing human

chromosome 22, which is found in 95 percent of people who have CML. It results

from a mutation that involves the swapping of genetic material

between chromosomes 9 and 22 (see bcr-abl). If you have this chromosome, you are

considered Ph+, or Ph-positive. If you don't, you are Ph-, or Ph-negative. The

proportion of Ph+ to Ph- cells is used to track progress in treating CML: If the

number of Ph+ chromosomes decreases at all during treatment, you have achieved a

cytogenetic response (CR); if your Ph+ percentage drops to 35 percent or less,

it is considered a major cytogenetic response (MCR); 0% Ph+ is a complete

cytogenetic response (CCR). Platelets. Fragments of a much larger cell, the

megakaryocyte, that stays in the bone marrow after it differentiates and matures

from the stem cell. The platelets leave the bone marrow and circulate throughout

the body. When stimulated by substances from damaged tissue, the platelets

release substances necessary to help blood clot.

R Red blood cells (RBC). Highly specialized cells that have been " stripped " of

everything, including the nucleus, that might get in the way of doing their

major job, transporting oxygen Remission. Abatement or lessening in severity

of the symptoms, signs and laboratory abnormalities of a disease. S Signal

transduction inhibitor (STI). One of the most exciting types of molecules in

cancer research, STIs mostly inhibit enzymes that carry out the actions that

make cancer cells behave as they do: multiplying too fast, living too long,

invading other tissues, etc. Gleevec is a type of STI. Stem cell. A

progenitor, or " primitive " cell ancestor, of almost all the blood cell types.

These immature cells

are found in the bone marrow and develop into red cells, white cells, or

platelets. Learn more. Stem cell transplant (SCT). See bone marrow transplant.

T Translocation. A process in which a bit of genetic material from one

chromosome swaps places with a bit from another chromosome. In CML, a piece

(called " abl " ) from chromosome 9 is translocated onto a segment (called " bcr " )

on chromosome 22, creating the bcr-able oncogene. Tyrosine kinase. An enzyme

involved in communication within cells, or signaling pathways. It is an abnormal

tyrosine kinase that causes L. W White blood count (WBC). One of three

different types of cell. There are five distinctly different kinds of white

blood cells: neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Some have the ability to change with needs and situations in the body. These

cells can leave the bloodstream, sliding out through the vessel walls and

attacking invaders at the site of an

infection.

Thanks to Dr. Rockefeller for creating the bulk of this glossary.

a (Bobby) Doyle Brecksville, Ohio, USA DX 05/1995 02/2000 - Gleevec

Trial/OHSU 06/2002 - Gleevec/Trisenox Trial/OHSU 06/2003 - Gleevec/Zarnestra

Trial/OHSU 04/2004 - Sprycel Trial/MDACC, CCR in 10

months 09/2006 -  out of CCR