Ablation. The administration of high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation prior to stem cell transplantation. Its purpose is to destroy diseased or malignant cells and to empty the bone marrow of cells to make room for new cells. Also referred to as a conditioning or preparative regimen.

Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC). Total number of neutrophils present in the blood. When a patient’s ANC is less than 1500/mm3, he or she is said to be neutropenic and severely neutropenic if less than 500/mm3. Engraftment for adults and children is defined as the point at which a patient has a sustained ANC of greater than 500/mm3.

Acute. Condition having severe symptoms of short course.

Acute Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). Type of graft versus host disease that occurs within the first 100 days after transplant.

Alkaline Phosphatase. Enzyme produced by the liver and bone. An elevated level in the blood may indicate a liver or bone problem.

ALL. Acute lymphoblastic (or lymphocytic) leukemia.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant. A transplant in which the stem cells come from a specially matched donor.

Alopecia. Loss of hair.

AML. Acute myeloblastic (or myelocytic) leukemia.

Anemia. A condition in which there is a decreased number of red blood cells. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, pallor, shortness of breath and a fast heartbeat. Anemia in men and women is defined as a hemoglobin level below 12 g/dl.

Anaphylaxis. Acute allergic reaction, symptoms of which include shortness of breath, rash, wheezing, and drop in blood pressure.

Antibiotic. A drug used to treat bacterial infections.

Antibody. A protein made by the immune system that is capable of recognizing a specific substance or marker on a cell.

Anticoagulant. A drug used to prevent blood from clotting.

Antiemetic. A drug used to control nausea or vomiting.

Antigen. Chemical structures in cells that can be recognized by a person’s body as foreign and then cause a reaction.

Apheresis. A process in which blood is taken from a donor, a blood component is separated out, and the remaining blood components are returned to the donor. In the case of peripheral blood stem cell collection, the white blood cell component, which contains the stem cells, is separated out.

Apheresis Machine. A machine used to perform apheresis (separation out of certain types of blood cells from the blood); also known as a cell separator.

Aplastic Anemia. Non-cancerous blood disorder in which the bone marrow is not functioning and the patient is not making adequate red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG). Blood test to check the level of oxygen in the blood. The sample is drawn from an artery (generally in the wrist).

Arterial Catheter. Catheter inserted into an artery to monitor continuous arterial pressure and to obtain serial arterial blood samples with minimal discomfort to the patient.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant. A transplant in which the stem cells are taken from the patient, preserved and frozen, and later returned to the patient.

Bacteria. Microscopic organisms that invade human cells, multiply rapidly and produce toxins that interfere with normal cell functions.

Baseline Test. Measures an organ’s normal level of function. Used to determine if any changes in organ function occur following treatment.

Bilirubin. A substance, made by the liver when RBCs are broken down, which is one of the components of bile. When the liver is not working, bilirubin levels build up and may cause a yellowing of the skin.

Blast Cell. An immature cell.

Blast Crisis. Advanced stage of leukemic relapse when the patient has a large number of circulating blast cells.

Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT). A type of stem cell transplant in which the stem cells are obtained from the bone marrow. The term “bone marrow transplant” is sometimes used to indicate either a peripheral blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant.

Blood Progenitor Cells (BPCs). A type of blood cell capable of self-renewal and repopulation of damaged bone marrow, restoring the production and development of blood cells.

Blood Typing/Cross Matching. Blood cells have factors that are not the same in all people. Before a transfusion, blood samples from the donor and the patient are typed, or classified, (type A, AB, B or O) to match them. Once typed, the samples are cross-matched to confirm that they are compatible.

Bone Marrow (BM). The soft spongy material in the center of bones that produces all of the body’s blood cells.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy. The removal of a small portion of bone marrow using a small needle, followed by microscopic evaluation of the cells present.

Bone Marrow Registry. A national or international listing of potential stem cell donors that can serve as a “matchmaker” between a donor and a patient needing a stem cell transplant.

Cardiac. Pertaining to the heart.

Candida. A type of yeast that can cause infection in BMT patients.

Catheter. A flexible plastic tube inserted into the body to give or remove fluids.

CAVH or CAVHD (Continuous Arterio-venous Hemodialysis); CVVH (Continuous Venous Hemodialysis). Alternatives to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis to remove excess fluid and waste products from the bloodstream.

Cell Separator. See apheresis machine.

Central Venous Catheter (Long-term Intravenous Catheter). A soft plastic, flexible tube inserted into the large vein in the chest above the heart through which medication can be given and blood drawn without multiple needle sticks. Also known as a central venous line or right atrial catheter.

Chemotherapy. Drugs used to destroy or slow the growth of abnormal (usually cancer) cells.

Chronic. Persisting for a long time.

Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). A type of GVHD that occurs 100 days after transplant.

Clinical Trial. A research study designed to evaluate new and better treatments for disease.

CLL. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

CML. Chronic myelocytic leukemia.

CNS. Central Nervous System.

Colony Stimulating Factor (CSF). A substance that stimulates the growth and development of blood cells; also known as a hematopoietic growth factor. Certain CSFs are used to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells and are given after the stem cell transplant to reduce the risk of infection.

Complete Blood Count (CBC). A test that determines whether the proper number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are present in the patient’s blood.

Conditioning Regimen. See ablation.

Conjunctivitis. Eye inflammation.

Cord Blood Cells. Cells obtained from an umbilical cord or placenta after delivery of a baby; these are a rich source of stem cells.

Cryopreservation. The process of preserving and freezing cells.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV). A type of virus that is not usually harmful in healthy individuals, but can cause problems, especially pneumonia, in people with low resistance to infection.

Culture. Specimens taken of body fluids or tissues which then are allowed to grow in the laboratory to document the presence of infection and identify the organism responsible.

Dialysis. A process by which a patient’s blood is filtered because the kidneys are not functioning properly.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). A chemical used in the cryopreservation of various types of cells.

Echocardiogram. A test that records the position and motion of the heart.

Edema. Swelling caused by the abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissues.

Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG). A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Electrolytes. Electrically charged particles such as sodium and potassium found in the bloodstream. The correct level of each is important for the overall body function.

Emesis. Vomit.

Engraftment. The process in which transplanted tissue “takes” and begins to function normally. In the case of stem cell transplants, engraftment refers to the time when new blood cells begin to be produced.

Erythema. Redness of the skin.

Erythrocyte. See red blood cell.

Febrile. Having a fever.

Foley Catheter. Soft, flexible plastic tube inserted into the bladder to provide continuous urinary drainage.

Fungus (Plural fungi). Primitive life form(s) that can cause infection in the body. Candida and Aspergillus are fungi that sometimes cause infection in post-transplant patients.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract. The digestive system, which extends from the mouth to the anus and is responsible for receiving food, breaking it down into nutrients (digestion), absorbing these nutrients into the bloodstream and, finally, eliminating all the indigestible parts of the food from the body.

Graft Failure. A complication of transplantation in which the transplanted tissue does not function. In the case of a stem cell transplant, graft failure may be due to graft rejection or may result when the donated cells fail to produce new cells.

Graft Rejection: A complication of transplantation in which the recipient’s immune system recognizes the transplant as foreign and mounts an attack against it. Graft rejection may result in failure of the transplant to engraft.

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). A rejection process in which the transplanted stem cells (the graft) attack tissues in the recipient (the host). The organs usually affected are the skin, gastrointestinal tract and liver. See acute GVHD and chronic GVHD.

Graft Versus Tumor Effect. A beneficial effect seen with allogeneic stem cell transplant in which the transplanted stem cells (the graft) attack the recipient’s tumor cells.

Granulocyte. A type of white blood cell; neutrophils are the predominant type of granulocyte.

Hematocrit. The percentage of total blood volume that consists of red blood cells. A low count can indicate anemia. Normal hematocrit levels average 41% and 43% in young women and men (12 to 18 years old), respectively, and 41% and 47% in older women and men (18 to 49 years old), respectively.

Hemoglobin. The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues.

Hematopoietic Growth Factor. See colony-stimulating factor.

Hemorrhage. To bleed.

Hemorrhagic Cystitis. Inflammation of bladder with bleeding.

HEPA Filtration. Air filtration system that purifies the rooms of transplant patients.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). A type of virus that causes cold sores and other viral infections.

HLA Typing. A series of tests done before transplant to determine how closely the tissues of a donor and recipient match.

Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). Special marker proteins found on white blood cells. HLA tissue typing is done to determine whether recipient cells and potential donor cells “match.”

Hyperalimentation. An intravenous solution with high nutritional content given in place of oral food intake when someone is unable to eat; also called total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Hyperpigmentation. Darkening of skin.

Hypertension. High blood pressure.

Hypotension. Low blood pressure.

Iliac Crest. Part of the hipbone where a large quantity of bone marrow is concentrated.

Immune System. The body’s frontline defense against diseases and infections; includes the bone marrow, blood, thymus gland, lymph nodes and spleen.

Immunocompromised. A condition in which the immune system is not functioning normally and patient is at increased risk for infection.

Immunosuppression. A decrease in the ability of the immune system to fight infection. Immunosuppression can be caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Interstitial Pneumonia. A nonbacterial, nonfungal pneumonia that infiltrates small spaces between the cells in the lungs. It can be a complication of transplantation.

Intravenous (IV). Administration of fluids or medications into a vein.

Jaundice. A yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, usually the result of liver disease. Less common causes are drug reactions or hemolysis, a blood disorder. It is a sign that the liver is not functioning properly.

Leukemia. Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the blood stream.

Leukocytes. White blood cells, which play a major role in the body’s immune system. Leukocytes are divided into three main subgroups: granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes.

Leukopenia. A white blood cell count that is below an adult’s normal range of 4,500 to 11,000 cells/mL.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs). Laboratory tests performed on a blood sample that give information about how well the liver is functioning.

Lymphocyte. A type of white blood cell that helps protect the body against disease and infection.

Lymphoma. Cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system.

Metastatic. Spread of cancer from the organ or tissue of origin to another part of the body.

Mini-transplant. Type of allogeneic transplant that involves the use of lower doses of chemotherapy and does not completely destroy the bone marrow; also known as a non-myeloablative transplant.

Mobilization. The administration of colony-stimulating factors to cause stem cells to leave the bone marrow and enter the blood stream; used prior to peripheral blood stem cell harvesting to increase the number of stem cells available for collection.

Monocyte/Macrophage. A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells.

Mucositis. Painful inflammation of the mucous membranes of the digestive system caused by chemotherapy, radiation or infection. Commonly occurs as mouth sores.

Multiple Myeloma. Cancer that arises from plasma cells (a type of WBC that produces antibodies) in the bone marrow.

Neutropenia. Low neutrophil count (<1000/mm3). A patient with neutropenia is at high risk for developing an infection.

Neutrophil. A type of white blood cell (granulocyte) that plays a major role in the body’s defense against infection.

Non-myeloablative Transplant. See mini-transplant.

NPO. Abbreviation for the Latin “nulla per os” which means “nothing by mouth.”

Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC). Blood progenitor cells obtained from the peripheral blood of a patient or donor following mobilization.

Platelet. Small blood cell fragment that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood to clot (also called thrombocyte).

Plasma. Fluid and protein-containing portion of the blood.

Preparative Regimen. See ablative.

PRN. Abbreviation for the Latin “pro re nata” which means “as needed.”

Prognosis. Predicted or likely course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence.

Prophylactic. Preventive or protective measures.

Protocol. Standardized plan of treatment.

Pulmonary. Pertaining to the lungs.

Pulmonary Artery Catheter. Multiple lumen catheter inserted into the inferior vena cava and advanced through the chambers of the heart to the pulmonary artery, used to measure the pressures of the heart. It is used to monitor various medical conditions such as fluid overload (hypovolemia), sepsis (the presence of bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues), renal failure (loss of the kidney’s ability to clear waste products from the body) or complex circulatory conditions. Also called Swan-Ganz catheter.

Pulse Oximeter. A medical device that measures the level of oxygen in blood (oxygen saturation).

Quinton Catheter. A type of central venous catheter.

Radiation Therapy. A type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays (x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, etc) to damage or kill cancer cells.

Red Blood Cell (RBC). A type of blood cell that carries oxygen to all tissues in the body; also known as an erythrocyte.

Relapse. Recurrence of disease following treatment.

Remission. The decrease or disappearance of all signs and symptoms of disease; no clinical or microscopic evidence of disease.

Renal. Pertaining to kidneys.

Right Atrial Catheter. See central venous catheter.

Sepsis. The presence of bacteria or their toxins in the blood or tissues.

Sperm Banking. The process of collecting, freezing and storing sperm to be used at a later date.

Stem Cell. An immature cell in the blood or bone marrow that produces new bone marrow and blood cells after transplantation.

Stem Cell Harvest. The process of using a needle and syringe to collect stem cells from the marrow in the center of the bones (usually from the hip bone), or from the peripheral blood.

Stem Cell Transplant. The process by which the patient’s bone marrow is destroyed by high dose chemotherapy, radiation, or both, and then replaced either with new stem cells from a donor or with the patient’s own previously harvested stem cells.

Steroid. A type of medication commonly used with other drugs to prevent or control graft versus host disease.

Stomatitis. Inflammation of the mouth, with or without mouth sores.

Syngeneic Stem Cell Transplant. A stem cell transplant in which an identical twin is the donor.

T Lymphocyte (T cell). A type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) that fights infection. Lymphocytes also are responsible for graft versus host disease after transplantation.

Thrombocyte. See platelet.

Thrombocytopenia. A lower than normal number of platelets in the blood, which can result in impaired blood clotting, excessive bleeding, and bruising.

Tissue Typing. See HLA typing.

Total Body Irradiation (TBI). Radiation treatment of the entire body, used to destroy malignant cells and bone marrow in preparation for a stem cell transplant.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). See hyperalimentation.

Transfusion. The infusion of whole blood, or specific blood cells that may be lacking until the bone marrow starts producing its own.

Toxin. Poison.

Veno-Occlusive Disease (VOD). A disease caused by obstruction of blood flow through the small blood vessels in the liver, resulting in liver damage.

White Blood Cell (WBC). A type of blood cell that helps the body fight infection. WBCs include granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes.