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- Hand-foot syndrome (HFS)
Skin condition noted by tingling or burning, redness, flaking, bothersome swelling, small blisters or small sores on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. HFS is a common side effect of certain types of chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin and liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil), and is also(...) - Heavily pre-treated
Refers to patients who have recently had several prior therapies for their disease.
- Heavy chain
The longer of the two protein chains that make up an immunoglobulin molecule.
- Hematocrit
A laboratory test used to determine if anemia is present; refers to the percentage of the volume of a blood sample that consists of red blood cells.
- Hematologic
Pertaining to the blood.
- Hematopoiesis
Formation and development of blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Hematopoietic stem cells
Cells found in the bone marrow or the circulating blood that are responsible for the production of other blood cells.
- Hemoglobin
A substance found within red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues in the body. Low hemoglobin levels are an indicator of anemia.
- Heparanase
Enzyme produced by tumor cells that promotes angiogenesis by loosening the “glue” that holds cells of blood vessel walls together. This, in combination with angiogenic growth factors, allows the sprouting of new blood vessels.
- Heparin
A type of blood thinner used to prevent blood clots. It is given as an injection. Some types may be self-administered by patients at home.
- Hepatic impairment
Reduced liver function that is noted by increased levels of various substances in the blood, such as bilirubin.
- High-dose chemotherapy
Administration of very high doses of chemotherapy that may be more effective in eliminating myeloma cells than standard treatments. High-dose chemotherapy destroys the bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of blood cells. After high-dose chemotherapy, a procedure called stem(...) - High risk myeloma
A type of myeloma where there is some feature that indicates a worse prognosis. For example, certain types of abnormalities in the DNA are associated with more aggressive disease. In addition, elevated blood levels of a protein called beta 2-microglobulin are also associated with worse prognosis.
- Hypercalcemia
Condition noted by elevated levels of calcium in the blood due to increased bone destruction.
- Hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM)
Condition occurring in various forms of cancer noted by elevated levels of calcium in the blood due to increased bone destruction; also known as tumor-induced hypercalcemia (TIH).
- Hyperviscosity syndrome
Condition that can occur in myeloma whereby the protein concentration in the blood becomes very high and the blood becomes very thick and sticky. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, confusion, and chest pain.
- Hypothyroidism
Condition where the thyroid gland is less active than normal, resulting in symptoms such as a low metabolic rate and lack of energy.
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