Leukemia

Leukemia

The prevention and treatment of leukemia -- cancer of the blood or bone marrow. The disease is characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells.

Industry: Health care

Add a new term

Contributors in Leukemia

Become a Contributors

Leukemia

A small protein molecule on the cell surface that determines tissue type or HLA type. The beta 2-microglobulin is shed from cells and enters the plasma. It can be measured in the plasma and reflects ...

chloroma

Health care; Leukemia

A solid tumor composed of immature granulocytes, including blast cells. Chloromas tend to occur in the brain or spinal cord, bones, skin, or soft tissue of the head and neck, although they can ...

central line

Health care; Leukemia

A special tube inserted into a large vein in the upper chest. The central line, sometimes referred to as an "indwelling catheter," is tunneled under the skin of the chest to keep it firmly in place. ...

bone marrow

Health care; Leukemia

A spongy tissue in the hollow central cavity of the bones that is the site of blood cell formation. By puberty, the marrow in the spine, ribs, breastbone, hip, shoulders and skull is most active in ...

immunosuppression

Health care; Leukemia

A state in which the immune system does not function properly and its protective functions are inadequate. The patient is more susceptible infections, including from microbes that are usually not ...

histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor

Health care; Leukemia

A substance that causes a chemical change that stops cancer cells from dividing. HDAC inhibitors'for example, valproic acid (Depakene' and vorinostat (Zolinza''are being studied in the treatment of ...

carcinogen

Health care; Leukemia

A substance that has the ability to cause cells to become cancerous if the exposure is above a certain dose and duration. There are very few established chemical leukemogens or lymphomagens. Chronic ...