A laboratory test in which a patient’s serum molecules are subjected to separation according to their size and electrical charge. For myeloma patients, electrophoresis of the blood allows both the calculation of the amount of myeloma protein (m-protein) as well as the identification of the specific M-spike characteristic for each patient. Electrophoresis is used as a tool both for diagnosis and for monitoring.
In clinical trials, requirements that must be met for an individual to be included in a study. These requirements help make sure that patients in a trial are similar to each other in terms of specific factors such as age, type and stage of cancer, general health, and previous treatment. When all participants meet the same eligibility criteria, it gives researchers greater confidence that results of the study are caused by the intervention being tested and not by other factors.
ESR. The distance red blood cells travel in one hour in a sample of blood as they settle to the bottom of a test tube. The sedimentation rate is increased in inflammation, infection, cancer, rheumatic diseases, and diseases of the blood and bone marrow. Also called sedimentation rate.
A condition in which immature red blood cells (erythroid cells) in the bone marrow are abnormal in size, shape, organization, and/or number. Erythrodysplasia may be caused by vitamin deficiency or chemotherapy, or it may be a sign of refractory anemia, which is a myelodysplastic syndrome. Also called erythroid dysplasia.
A condition in which immature red blood cells (erythroid cells) in the bone marrow are abnormal in size, shape, organization, and/or number. Erythroid dysplasia may be caused by vitamin deficiency or chemotherapy, or it may be a sign of refractory anemia, which is a myelodysplastic syndrome. Also called erythrodysplasia.
A hormone produced by the kidneys. Myeloma patients with damaged kidneys don’t produce enough erythropoietin and can become anemic. Injections with synthetic erythropoietin can be helpful. Blood transfusion is another alternative, especially in an emergency. Synthetic erythropoietin is being used prophylactically before chemotherapy and as a supportive therapy after chemotherapy to avoid anemia.
In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered experimental in other diseases or conditions. Also called investigational.
Radiation therapy that uses a machine to aim high-energy rays at the cancer. Also called external radiation.
For over 27 years, the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has fought to safeguard the rights of victims of toxic substances such as benzene. The Work-Related Leukemia and Lymphoma Medical Web site is a public service of Baron & Budd, P.C.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you or a loved one has AML, NHL, MDS, or Aplastic Anemia and was exposed to benzene or other solvents or chemicals on the job, contact Baron & Budd for a free legal consulation.
First Name:*
Last Name:*
Email Address:*
Address:*
Address 2:
City:*
State* Zip*
Daytime Telephone:*
Evening Telephone:*
The best time to reach me is:*
Daytime Evening
I or a loved one has been diagnosed with:*
I would like an Information Packet and information about the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C.
I would like a free legal consultation and more information about my legal rights.
Message:
Baron & Budd, P.C. 3102 Oak Lawn Ave Suite 1100 Dallas, TX 75219
