Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Glossary from Rituxan

An undesired effect caused by a drug.

A group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that grow rapidly. An example of this type of lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

A type of chemotherapy drug that slows the growth of cancer cells.

A protein that is present in the blood, made by cells of the immune system to fight infection. Some antibodies are a normal part of the body's immune defense, and others are made in response to a foreign substance. Scientists can make antibodies that target specific types of cells in the body.

A type of white blood cell involved in fighting infections. B cells are present in the blood, lymph, and connective tissue. Many types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involve abnormal B cells.

The soft, spongy material that fills the insides of the bones. Bone marrow is the source of new blood cells.

The term "bulky lesions"usually refers to tumors larger than 10 cm in size. In some sources, "bulky lesions" is used to describe tumors of other sizes.

A thin tube inserted into a vein to allow fluids to be withdrawn or injected.

A protein found on the wall of most B cells. Both normal B cells and those affected by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may have the CD20 protein.

The basic unit that makes up living things. Some cells, such as B cells, function on their own. Other cells are part of the structure of body parts and organs.

The control center of the cell which is the location for genes.

Cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing.

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.

A type of chemotherapy that consists of the following drugs: cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone.

The muscle that aids in breathing. It separates the chest from the abdomen, or belly.

The most common type of aggressive lymphoma, comprising about 30% of NHLs.

The building blocks of the genetic code, which is located in the nucleus of the cell. DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid.

A lymphoma tumor located in patches of lymphatic tissue in an organ (such as the stomach, intestines, brain, thyroid gland, testis, urinary tract, skin, bone, or lung) instead of a lymph node.

The first type of treatment given for a condition or disease. Also called initial treatment.

A type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in which the lymphoma cells are grouped in clusters (or follicles), instead of spreading throughout the lymph node. Follicular NHL tends to grow slowly and may be referred to as "low-grade" or "indolent."

The system of organs and cells that defends the body against infection and fights disease.

A condition in which the body or a part of it is invaded by a virus, bacteria, or fungus.

The reaction of body tissues to injury. Inflammation is characterized by pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function.

The placement of a fluid into a vein. The fluid is injected through a catheter, a long narrow tube that has been inserted into a vein, and is pumped in or allowed to flow in by gravity.

See first-line treatment.

The placement of a fluid into a vein through a syringe or catheter (a long narrow tube that has been inserted into the vein to allow intravenous injections).

Lactate dehydrogenase, a substance released by tumors and found in the blood.

A type of lymphoma that progresses slowly. Most low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are made up of cancerous B cells.

The clear fluid that flows through the lymphatic system carrying cells that help fight infection.

Small, bean-shaped organs located along the vessels of the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes are where the immune system mounts its defense to protect the body against infection. Clusters of lymph nodes can be found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. Many types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involve lymph nodes.

A type of white blood cell. The two major types of lymphocytes are B cells (which produce antibodies to help combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi) and T cells (which also attack cells infected by viruses and help B cells). non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes.

Cancer that starts in cells of the immune system.

Loss of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Certain cancer treatments may cause lymphopenia.

The sum of the physical and chemical changes that take place within an organism. Metabolism includes all of the changes in energy and material that occur within living cells.

An antibody (a type of protein) designed by scientists to target 1 kind of cell, such as cells involved in cancer or other diseases. Monoclonal antibodies may be made of mouse proteins, by combining human and mouse proteins, or by using only human proteins.

Magnetic resonance imaging scan. A medical test that uses magnetic waves to create pictures of areas inside the body.

Immune system cells that destroy foreign bodies or abnormal cells that are marked with antibodies.

Treatment that is given with the aim of helping an initial treatment to keep working.

A place where patients can receive medical treatments outside of the hospital.

One way to measure if a treatment is effective in a clinical trial. It refers to the length of time that a patient's disease doe not get worse.

PML is a rare brain infection. PML usually causes death or severe disability.

A large group of molecules that form the building blocks of the body. Antibodies, which help the body fight infection, are a type of protein.

A treatment that kills cancer cells by exposing them to x-rays. The x-rays may come from a machine outside the body that is directed to a specific part of the body (external radiation). Radiation kills all cells with which it comes in contact, cancer cells as well as normal cells.

The abbreviation for the combination of RITUXAN+CHOP chemotherapy.

A term to describe disease that does not respond to treatment.

The return of disease after it has been treated successfully.

A measurable improvement in a condition as a result of treatment.

RITUXAN is a drug that was made to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). RITUXAN was designed to target B cells, the cells most often involved in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It leaves other cells and tissues alone. RITUXAN kills all B cells, whether they are healthy or involved in cancer. Once the treatment is over, new B cells are made. B cell levels usually return to normal within 6 to 12 months.

A liquid that contains salt. Saline may be given through a vein if an individual becomes dehydrated.

An effect of a drug that is not wanted.

When cancer is neither getting better nor worse.

A type of drug given to treat severe inflammation. A steroid such as prednisone may be part of a chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

Similar to B cells, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight disease. T cells are a type of immune system cell.

An abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be cancerous (malignant) or not cancerous (benign).

TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of certain types of cancer cells. TLS can cause kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatment.

An international classification system for the various types of lymphoma. (WHO — World Health Organization, REAL — Revised European-American Lymphoma)

A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to take pictures of the inside of the body.