Glossary

A response to treatment indicating that no sign of abnormal chromosomes chromosomes: The part of the cell that contains our DNA or genetic code. are found. When a test is done on a patient with 5q deletion MDS, and there are no signs of an abnormal chromosome 5, then that patient has achieved a cytogenetic remission cytogenetic remission: A response to treatment indicating that no sign of abnormal chromosomes are found. When a test is done on a patient with 5q deletion MDS, and there are no signs of an abnormal chromosome 5, then that patient has achieved a cytogenetic remission. Also called cytegenetic response. . Also called cytegenetic response.

(sie-toe-juh-NEH-tiks) The study of chromosomes chromosomes: The part of the cell that contains our DNA or genetic code. (DNA), the part of the cell that contains genetic information. Some cytogenetic abnormalities are linked to different forms of myelodysplastic syndromes myelodysplastic syndromes: (my-eh-lo-diss-PLASS-tik SIN-dromez) A group of disorders where the bone marrow does not work well, and the bone marrow cells fail to make enough healthy blood cells. Myelo refers to the bone marrow. Dysplastic means abnormal growth or development. People with MDS have low blood cell count for at… (MDS).

(sie-tuh-PEE-nee-uh) A shortage of one or more blood cell types. Also called a low blood count.

(sie-tuh-TOK-sik) A medicine that kills certain cells. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy: (kee-moe-THER-uh-pee) The use of medicines that kill cells (cytotoxic agents). People with high-risk or intermediate-2 risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) may be given chemotherapy to kill bone marrow cells that have an abnormal size, shape, or look. Chemotherapy hurts healthy cells along with… for MDS patients often involves the use of cytotoxic agents.

A test that helps doctors find out if a person has a problem with blood clotting.

(di-NO-vo) Brand new, referring to the first time something occurs. MDS that is untreated or that has no known cause is called de novo de novo: (di-NO-vo) Brand new, referring to the first time something occurs. MDS that is untreated or that has no known cause is called de novo MDS. MDS.

The death of part of the intestine. This can happen if the blood supply in the intestine is cut off, for example, from a blood clot blood clot: A mass of blood that forms when platelets stick together. Harmful blood clots are more likely to happen in PNH. The term thrombus describes a blood clot that develops and attaches to a blood vessel. The term embolus describes a blood clot or other foreign matter that gets into the bloodstream and… in the abdomen. Also called intestinal necrosis, ischemic bowel, dead gut.

A rare form of pure red cell aplasia that can be passed down from parent to child. Diamond-Blackfan anemia Diamond-Blackfan anemia: A rare form of pure red cell aplasia that can be passed down from parent to child. Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is characterized by low red blood cell counts detected in the first year of life. Some people with DBA have physical abnormalities such as small head size, low frontal hairline, wide-set… (DBA) is characterized by low red blood cell red blood cell: The most numerous type of blood cell in healthy people. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that picks up oxygen in the lungs and brings it to cells in all parts of the body. Also called erythrocyte, RBC. counts detected in the first year of life. Some people with DBA have physical abnormalities such as small head size, low frontal hairline, wide-set eyes, low-set ears. Genetic testing is used to diagnose DBA.

Vitamins, minerals, herbs and other substances meant to improve your nutritional intake. Dietary supplements are taken by mouth in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet or liquid.

To become distinct or specialized. In the bone marrow bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. , young parent cells (stem cells) develop, or differentiate differentiate: To become distinct or specialized. In the bone marrow, young parent cells (stem cells) develop, or differentiate, into specific types of blood cells (red cells, white cells, platelets). , into specific types of blood cells (red cells, white cells, platelets).

The gene that always expresses itself over a recessive gene recessive gene: The gene that does not express itself when a dominant gene is present. A person with a recessive gene for a disease does not have the symptoms of the disease, but can pass the disease on to children. If a person inherits a recessive gene for a disease from both parents, they may get the disease. . A person with a dominant gene dominant gene: The gene that always expresses itself over a recessive gene. A person with a dominant gene for a disease has the symptoms of the disease. They can pass the disease on to children. for a disease has the symptoms of the disease. They can pass the disease on to children.

An inherited disease that may lead to bone marrow failure bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… .

Refers to how well a graft (donor cells) is accepted by the host (the patient) after a bone marrow bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. or stem cell transplant. Several factors contribute to better engraftment engraftment: Refers to how well a graft (donor cells) is accepted by the host (the patient) after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Several factors contribute to better engraftment - physical condition of the patient, how severe the disease is, type of donor available, age of patient. Successful… - physical condition of the patient, how severe the disease is, type of donor available, age of patient. Successful engraftment results in new bone marrow that produces healthy blood cells.

A type of white blood cell white blood cell: Cells in the body that fight disease and infection by attacking and killing germs. There are several types of white blood cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Each type of cell fights a different kind of germ. Also called WBC, leukocyte. that kills parasites and plays a role in allergic reactions.

The study of patterns and causes of disease in groups of people. Epidemiology Epidemiology: The study of patterns and causes of disease in groups of people. Epidemiology researchers study how many people have a disease, how many new cases are diagnosed each year, where patients are located, and environmental or other factors that influence disease. researchers study how many people have a disease, how many new cases are diagnosed each year, where patients are located, and environmental or other factors that influence disease.

(i-RITH-ruh-site) See red blood cell red blood cell: The most numerous type of blood cell in healthy people. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that picks up oxygen in the lungs and brings it to cells in all parts of the body. Also called erythrocyte, RBC. .

(i-rith-row-POY-uh-tun) A protein made by the kidneys. Erythropoietin Erythropoietin: (i-rith-row-POY-uh-tun) A protein made by the kidneys. Erythropoietin, also called EPO, is created in response to low oxygen levels in the body (anemia). EPO causes the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. A shortage of EPO can also cause anemia. , also called EPO, is created in response to low oxygen levels in the body (anemia). EPO causes the bone marrow bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. to make more red blood cells. A shortage of EPO can also cause anemia anemia: (uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This causes a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia are fatigue and tiredness. .

A medicine used to help the bone marrow bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. make more red blood cells. Epoetin alfa Epoetin alfa: Epoetin alfa can help improve red blood cell counts in bone marrow failure disease patients whose natural erythropoietin levels are low. It is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or in the vein (intravenous). Epoetin alfa is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for… (Epogen, Procrit) and darbepoetin alfa darbepoetin alfa: It is in a class of medicines called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Darbepoetin alfa can help improve red blood cell counts in bone marrow failure patients whose natural erythropoietin levels are low. It is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or in the vein (intravenous)… (Aranesp) are erythropoietin erythropoietin: (i-rith-row-POY-uh-tun) A protein made by the kidneys. Erythropoietin, also called EPO, is created in response to low oxygen levels in the body (anemia). EPO causes the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. A shortage of EPO can also cause anemia. -stimulating agents that can help boost the red blood cell red blood cell: The most numerous type of blood cell in healthy people. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that picks up oxygen in the lungs and brings it to cells in all parts of the body. Also called erythrocyte, RBC. count of some bone marrow failure bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… patients. Also called red blood cell growth factor red blood cell growth factor: See erythropoietin-stimulating agent. .

A form of estrogen, it is the most potent female hormone hormone: A part of the endocrine system that serves as the body's chemical messengers. Hormones move through the bloodstream to transfer information and instruction from one set of cells to another. . It is also present in males. Estradiol Estradiol: A form of estrogen, it is the most potent female hormone. It is also present in males. Estradiol is involved in many body functions beyond the reproductive system. Researchers are investigating the role of estradiol in the treatment of genetic bone marrow failure. is involved in many body functions beyond the reproductive system. Researchers are investigating the role of estradiol in the treatment of genetic bone marrow failure bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… .

The cause or origin of a disease.

A criteria used for classifying different types of myelodysplastic syndromes myelodysplastic syndromes: (my-eh-lo-diss-PLASS-tik SIN-dromez) A group of disorders where the bone marrow does not work well, and the bone marrow cells fail to make enough healthy blood cells. Myelo refers to the bone marrow. Dysplastic means abnormal growth or development. People with MDS have low blood cell count for at… (MDS). The FAB (French, American, British) Classification System was developed by a group of French, American and British scientists. This system is based on 2 main factors - the percentage of blast cells in bone marrow bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. , and the percentage of blast cells in the bloodstream. The FAB system is somewhat outdated, but is still used by some doctors today. The World Health Organization (WHO) Classification System has largely replaced the FAB Classification System FAB Classification System: A criteria used for classifying different types of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The FAB (French, American, British) Classification System was developed by a group of French, American and British scientists. This system is based on 2 main factors - the percentage of blast cells in bone marrow,… .

A rare inherited disorder that happens when the bone marrow bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. does not make enough blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets). Fanconi anemia Fanconi anemia: A rare inherited disorder that happens when the bone marrow does not make enough blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets). Fanconi anemia is diagnosed early in life. People with Fanconi anemia have a high likelihood of developing cancer. Genetic testing is used to diagnose Fanconi anemia. is diagnosed early in life. People with Fanconi anemia have a high likelihood of developing cancer. Genetic testing is used to diagnose Fanconi anemia.

(FER-i-tin) A protein inside of cells that stores iron for later use by your body. Sometimes ferritin ferritin: (FER-i-tin) A protein inside of cells that stores iron for later use by your body. Sometimes ferritin is released into the blood. The ferritin level in the blood is called serum ferritin. is released into the blood. The ferritin level in the blood is called serum ferritin.

(FER-i-tin) A blood test used to monitor how much iron the body is storing for later use.

(fie-BRO-suss) Scarring of tissue. Fibrosis Fibrosis: (fie-BRO-suss) Scarring of tissue. Fibrosis of the bone marrow is an feature seen in some types of unclassified myeldysplastic syndrome (MDS). of the bone marrow bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. is an feature seen in some types of unclassified myeldysplastic syndrome (MDS).