Bone Marrow Transplant

Glossary of Terms Related to Bone Marrow Transplant

Allogeneic: A graft or tissue from someone other than the patient, usually a matched sibling (a brother or sister), but may be a matched unrelated volunteer donor.

Anemia: A condition in which there is a decreased number of red cells, resulting in weakness and fatigue.

Apheresis: The technique of separating blood into its different components to collect a component.

Aseptic: A condition of being free from germs and infection.

Aspiration: Removing marrow from the cavities of the bone by suction.

Autologous: A graft or tissue from the same source; that is, taken from the patient and then returned to the patient.

Biopsy: A small piece of tissue removed for microscopic examination.

Bone Marrow: A soft, spongelike material in the center or cavities of bones that produces blood cells.

Chemotherapy: Treatment that destroys cancer cells with drugs.

Conditioning Regimen: High-dose therapy designed to kill a BMT patient's cancer cells and bone marrow cells in preparation for a transplant; also called marrow ablation, preparation or preparative regimen.

Cyclophosphamide: A drug used for immunosuppression and destruction of cancer cells. A commonly used brand name is Cytoxan.

Cyclosporine: An immunosuppressive drug used to treat and prevent graft-versus-host disease.

Cytomegalovirus: A viral infection that can cause serious illness in immunosuppressed patients.

Engraftment: The successful implantation and function of stem cells in the patient's bone marrow cavities.

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): An immunological reaction of donor bone marrow or stem cells against the transplanted patient.

Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF): A natural substance that stimulates white blood cell growth.

Hemoglobin: The part of red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Histocompatibility: Referring to the similarity of tissue between different individuals. The level of histocompatibility describes how well the patient and donor are matched. The major histocompatibility determinants are the human leukocyte antigens (HLA). HLA typing is performed between the potential marrow donor and the potential transplant recipient to determine how closely their HLAs match. The closer the match, the less the donated marrow and the patient's body will react against each other. (See "GVHD.")

HLA: Human leukocyte antigens. The proteins present on the surface of the white blood cell, and most other cells of the human body, which allow the body to recognize self versus nonself. HLA A, B, and DR are important in BMT.

HLA Typing: The identification of an individual's specific HLA A, B, and DR.

Immunosuppression: Reduction of the function of the immune system to prevent a reaction against donor marrow or stem cells and to prevent GVHD.

Intravenous (IV): Within or into a vein.

Laminar Air Flow (LAF) Room: A room that is specially designed to create a germfree atmosphere through airflow and filtration.

Lymphocyte: One major group of white blood cells. B-lymphocytes directly attack virus-infected cells and other foreign cells, such as cancer cells.

Match: In marrow transplant, the word "match" relates to similarity in HLA typing between the donor and the recipient. The best is an "identical match," where all six HLA antigens (2 A antigens, 2 B antigens and 2 DR antigens) are the same. This match is described as a "6 of 6" match. Donors and recipients who are "mismatched" at one antigen are considered a "5 of 6" match, and may be considered suitable for marrow transplant.

Mucositis: Inflammation of the mucous membranes, which include tissues lining the mouth and throat.

Neutrophil: The most common type of white blood cell in the bloodstream. It helps defend against bacterial infections.

Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC): Also called hematopoietic stem cells, they are the immature cells from which all blood cells develop.

Platelets: Blood cells that are responsible for clotting and stopping bleeding.

Prednisone: A hormonelike drug used to treat and prevent GVHD.

Quinton Dual-Lumen Catheter: A special, dual-line intravenous catheter that is used to collect stem cells by apheresis. A radiologist or anesthesiologist inserts it into a large vein in the patient's upper arm or neck.

Right Atrial Catheter (RAC): A catheter designed for long-term use to give drugs and intravenous nutrition and to withdraw blood samples.

Syngeneic: A graft or tissue from someone genetically identical to the patient, an identical twin.

Total Body Irradiation (TBI): Twice-daily whole-body radiation treatments that are done as part of conditioning.

Urinary Catheter: A catheter that is inserted into the urinary bladder to allow continuous bladder irrigation and drainage during the conditioning phase.

White Blood Cells (leukocytes): Blood cells that fight infection in the body.