A chemotherapeutic agent, such as chlorambucil (Leukeran) or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), which blocks cell division.

A procedure in which a patient receives bone marrow or blood-forming stem cells from a genetically similar, but not identical, donor (a person other than an identical twin, for example).

A group of conditions of diverse etiologies characterized by the accumulation of insoluble fine protein fibers (amyloid) in various organs and tissues of the body such that vital function is compromised. The associated disease states may be inflammatory, hereditary, or neoplastic, and the deposition can be local, generalized, or systemic. Amyloidos [..]

A condition in which the number of red cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood is abnormally low.

Proteins produced by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind only to one specific antigen. Its purpose is to destroy that antigen.  These structurally related proteins are formed by B-cells and plasma cells and are divided into five basic classes or isotypes (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM) on the bas [..]

Short for antibody generator. An antigen is any foreign molecule which reacts with preformed antibody and the specific receptors on T- and B-cells; also used loosely to describe materials used for immunization. (Compare to Immunogen.)

Programmed cell death; a form of cell death in which the cell activates an internal death program.

Without symptoms.

A procedure in which bone marrow or blood-forming stem cells (cells from which all blood cells develop) are removed, stored, and later given back to the same person.

White blood cells formed in the bone-marrow by hematopoietic stem cells; precursors of antibody-forming terminally differentiated plasma cells. B-cells carry immunoglobulin and class II MHC antigens on their cell surfaces. Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia is a disorder of the B-cells.