Mantle Cell Lymphoma Health Article

Lymphocyte

—A type of white blood cell that defends the body against infection and disease. Lymphocytes are found in the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, and lymphoid organs. The two main types of lymphocytes are the B cells (produced in the bone marrow) and the T cells (produced in the thymus).

Monoclonal antibody

—An antibody raised against a specific antigen. Monoclonal antibodies are being used to target chemotherapy or radioactive substances directly to cancer cells.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

—Lymphomas characterized by different types of cancerous lymphatic cells, excluding those characterized by Hodgkin's disease.

Remission

—A complete or partial disappearance of the signs and symptoms of cancer, usually in response to treatment.

Stem cell

—Primitive cell found in the bone marrow and in the blood stream. Stem cells become different types of mature blood cells, thus enabling them to rejuvenate the circulatory and immune systems.

Stem cell transplant

—Treatment procedure by which young blood stem cells are collected from the patient (autologous) or another matched donor (allogeneic). High-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation is given, and the stem cells are reinserted into the patient to rebuild their immune system.