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Alopurinol drug to prevent the build up of uric acid

Apheresis  a medical procedure used to obtain stem cells for transplantation. Blood is temporarily removed from the circulation so that stem cells may be separated out.

Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplant (ABSCT) a transplant using the patient', own stem cells for transplantation, rather than stem cells from a donor.

Bone Marrow spongy tissue found in the cavities of bones, especially in the sternum and pelvis (hips). Bone marrow is the "factory" which produces stem cells. These cells mature to become white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, before being released into the blood circulation.

Bone Marrow Aspirate a medical test which examines the cells in bone marrow. A sample of marrow is removed by suction with a needle and a syringe. Usually the back of a pelvic bone is used.

Central Venous Catheter (CVC) a small, flexible plastic tube inserted into a large vein near the heart. It can vary in size, and can have one, two or three channels (lumens). The catheter is used for giving fluid, medications, blood products or nutrition. It is also used for getting samples of your blood without a needle poke.

Chemotherapy medication(s) given to kill cancer cells Drugs can be given in several ways. Usually they are given orally or intravenously.

Conditioning treatment given to prepare the body for stem cell transplant by destroying the patients bone marrow. This treatment may be chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of both.

G-CSF granulocyte colony stimulating factor (filgrastim). Also called a growth factor, it is a natural substance in the body, which helps control production os ftem cells in the marrow. G-CSF is injected to stimulate the bone marrow to increase stem cell production and move these cells into the blood.

Immune System a complex group of cells and substances which is present in the body. The immune system protects against foreign agents which may cause infection or disease.

Immunosuppression a decrease in the normal function of the immune system, caused by disease or drugs.

IV intravenous flow to maintain hydration and urine flow to protect the kidneys

Melphalan Chemotherapy drug

Platelets small blood cells that are important in the blood clotting process. They are produced in the bone marrow and travel through the circulation to prevent or control bleeding. Some symptoms of a low platelet count are the presence of tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae), easy bruising and bleeding from the gums.

Red Blood Cells (RBC) the cells that carry oxygen from the lungs. Hemoglobin (hgb) is the substance in this cell which transports the oxygen to all body tissues. Anemia can occur when there are not enough red blood cells in the body.

Remission a decrease or disappearance in the signs of disease. This may be partial or complete. Partial remission occurs when at least 50% of the disease has been destroyed with treatment. Complete remission occurs when no further signs exist after treatment. Remission does not mean cure.

Sepsis presence of infection in the blood.

Stem Cell the basic "mother" cell found in body tissues. In the bone marrow, it is the cell that evolves into white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets.

White Blood Cells (WBC) called leukocytes. There are many types of these cells. They are primarily responsible for controlling infection by destroying microorganisms such as bacteria. Some of the important types of white cells include:

• lymphocytes which help the body resist infection. They are the most important cells in the immune system. T cells and B cells are lymphocytes.

• granulocytes (polys) which destroy bacteris by engulfing them

• monocytes which clean up the waste left by the granulocytes and engulf organisms.