B
- Bone marrow:
The soft, spongy material that fills the inside of bones. Bone marrow is the source of new blood cells. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made in the bone marrow.
C
- Chemotherapy:
A drug treatment that kills cancer cells. For CLL, 2 chemotherapy drugs—fludarabine and cyclophosphamide—are often used together. Also called FC chemotherapy.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL):
One type of blood cancer or leukemia. CLL is a cancer where the blood or bone marrow has too many white blood cells, known as lymphocytes.
- CT scan:
Computed tomography scan. A medical test that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine to take pictures of the inside of the body.
F
- Flow cytometry:
This test identifies the type of cancer and number of cells involved.
I
- Immune cells:
Cells that defend the body from infection. These cells are part of the immune system.
- Immune system:
The group of organs and cells that defends the body from infection.
- Immunotherapy:
A treatment (such as monoclonal antibodies) that uses your body’s immune system to help fight cancer. See also monoclonal antibodies.
- Initial treatment:
The first type of treatment given for a condition or disease.
L
- Leukemia:
A cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Leukemia causes too many abnormal blood cells to enter the bloodstream.
- Lymph node:
A small, bean-shaped organ that stores white blood cells and helps remove cell waste, germs, and other harmful substances from the body.
- Lymphocytes:
A type of white blood cell that has an important role in fighting infection.
M
- Monoclonal antibodies:
A type of targeted therapy used to find and destroy specific cells within the body (for example, the cells where most CLL starts). This is a type of immunotherapy.
- MRI scan:
Magnetic resonance imaging scan. A medical test that uses magnetic waves to create pictures of areas inside the body.
O
- Oncologist:
A doctor who specializes in treating cancer.
P
- PET scan:
Positron emission tomography scan. A medical test that uses a small amount of radioactive molecules to create pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures can be used to help find cancer cells.
- Platelet:
A type of cell found in the blood. Platelets help prevent bleeding by forming blood clots.
R
- Relapse:
A term used to describe the return of disease after it has responded to treatment.
- Remission:
A term used to describe a response to treatment; a period of time where the signs and symptoms of cancer are not evident. Partial remission means the cancer is significantly improved by treatment, but evidence of the cancer remains. Complete remission means all evidence of the disease is gone for a period of time.
T
- Targeted therapy:
A type of treatment that attacks specific cancer cells. This includes the group of healthy cells from which cancer cells derive.
W
- Watch-and-wait:
A period of time where patients watch the disease along with their doctor and do not start treatment unless needed.
- White blood cell:
A type of immune cell that helps the body fight infections and other diseases.
X
- X-ray:
A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, X-rays are used to take pictures of the inside of the body.
This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor any questions you have about your medical condition or your treatment.
