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- C-reactive protein (CRP)
Protein produced by the liver when there is an inflammatory process occurring in the body. Serum levels of CRP are increased in various inflammatory diseases, degenerative diseases and cancers, including myeloma. Lower levels are associated with a more favorable prognosis in myeloma.
- Calcium
Mineral that is important in bone formation; elevated serum levels occur when there is bone destruction.
- Cancer vaccine
A cell-based or protein-based immunotherapy in which cancer cells (such as myeloma cells) are mixed with immune-stimulating agents or engineered and injected into a patient to boost the immune response.
- Catheter
A thin flexible tube that is inserted into the body. For example, it may be inserted into a vein in order to give drugs, blood or nutrients. Catheters are also used to take blood or empty the bladder.
- CD34+
Cell surface marker. CD stands for cluster of differentiation and the 34+ indicates a specific antigen for which this cell is positive. Stem cells are CD34+.
- Checkpoint inhibitor
A naked antibody that interferes with proteins that enable a cancer cell to hide from, overpower, or resist the immune system; by blocking these proteins, the “brakes” on the immune system are released and immune cells are able to kill cancer cells.
- Chemistry profile
Blood test that determines levels of several chemical compounds in the blood at one time. Of particular importance in myeloma are levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
- Chemobrain
Constellation of symptoms, such as loss of memory, difficulty with language and lack of concentration, that have been reported by cancer patients who receive chemotherapy; also known as cognitive dysfunction.
- Chemotherapy
The use of drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells.
- Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy
A form of immunotherapy in which a patient’s immune cells (mostly T cells) are collected, engineered in a lab to be better able to identify and attack myeloma cells, and then returned to the patient; examples are Abecma and Carvykti.
- Chromosomal abnormality
Defect or variation in a chromosome; in some people with multiple myeloma, a piece of one or more chromosomes may be missing or swapped with another piece from a different chromosome; deletion p13 and t(4;14) are examples of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Chromosomal deletion
Chromosomal abnormality in which a segment of a chromosome is missing; del(17p) is an example of a chromosomal deletion.
- Chromosomal translocation
Chromosomal abnormality in which segments of two chromosomes switch positions; t(4;14) and t(11;14) are examples of chromosomal translocations.
- Chromosome
Thread-like structure in a living cell that contains DNA (genetic information).
- Chromosome analysis (cytogenetic testing)
Laboratory test that measures the number and structure of chromosomes.
- Clinical trial
A study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent using consenting human subjects.
- Colony-stimulating factor (CSF)
Protein that stimulates the development and growth of blood cells; sometimes called growth factor. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is a CSF that is used to mobilize stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream prior to apheresis.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
Blood test that measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood and the relative proportions of the white blood cells present.
- Complete remission
See complete response
- Complete response (CR)
A treatment outcome where there are ≤5% plasma cells in the bone marrow and no evidence of myeloma proteins in the serum or urine as measured by standard laboratory techniques.
- Computed tomography (CT)
Imaging technique that uses a computer to generate 3-dimensional X-ray pictures; also known as computerized axial tomography (CT).
- Computerized axial tomography (CAT)
See Computed tomography (CT).
- Conditioning regimen
Combination of chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments administered over a period of several days prior to stem cell transplantation in order to kill cancer cells.
- Consolidation Therapy
Anti-myeloma treatment given after the initial therapy in order to further reduce the number of cancer cells.
- Conventional chemotherapy
Administration of chemotherapy at a dose that does not completely destroy the bone marrow; also known as standard-dose chemotherapy.
- Cord blood transplant
Type of transplant where the stem cells are obtained from the umbilical cord and placenta (afterbirth) following the delivery of a baby. These cells are frozen for future use.
- Corticosteroid
Potent class of drugs that has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antitumor effects. Dexamethasone and prednisone are examples of corticosteroids.
- Coumadin® (also known as warfarin)
A pill that is a type of blood thinner. It is used to prevent blood clots.
- CR
See complete response
- Creatinine
Product of energy metabolism of muscle that is normally filtered out of the blood and found in the urine. Elevated levels in the blood can indicate decreased kidney function.
- Cryoglobulinemia
Condition that occurs when a myeloma protein is of a specific type that comes out of solution as particles when exposed to cold temperatures. These particles may block small blood vessels and cause symptoms such as pain and numbness in the fingers and toes in cold weather.
- Cryopreservation
A method of freezing cells that permits storage over an extended period.
- Cure
Treatment outcome where there is complete and lasting recovery from disease. This has not yet been achieved in myeloma.
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)
A type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which is a cancer of the immune system.
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
A protein that acts as an enzyme to enhance the production of prostaglandins responsible for promoting inflammation.
- Cyclophosphamide
Type of chemotherapy. Brand names include Cytoxan® and Neosar®.
- Cyclosporine
Immunosuppressive drug used following allogeneic transplants that helps prevent graft-versus-host disease (donor cells attacking the recipient’s cells).
- Cytogenetic testing
See Chromosome analysis.
- Cytokine
Soluble factor produced by cells that influences other cells.
- Cytoxan®
See Cyclophosphamide.
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