Glossary

Active Idiotype Immunotherapy - A type of treatment that uses the immune system in an effort to fight cancer. Uses a substance called an idiotype protein (Id), which is unique to each person’s cancer. Given via a series of subcutaneous injections. May also be referred to as personalized active immunotherapy, idiotype (Id) vaccines, or therapeutic idiotype vaccines.

Active Immunotherapy - A type of treatment that harnesses the immune system in an effort to fight disease.

Adjuvant - A substance that aids another; for example, a medication given together with another therapy to make that therapy more effective.

Antibody - A specialized protein produced by B-Cells used by the immune system to fight foreign invaders or disease.

Antigen - A marker on the surface of a cell that can stimulate production of an antibody. With immunotherapies for cancer, the antibody targets the antigen on the cancer cell to kill that cell.

B-Cells (B lymphocytes) - White blood cells that produce antibodies.

B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) - Any malignant lymphoma not classified as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, where the malignant cells develop from immune system B cells.

Biopsy - The removal of tissue, cells, or fluid from the body (also refers to the sample removed), often performed in order to make a diagnosis. Types of biopsies include excisional lymph node biopsy, core needle biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Bone marrow and peripheral blood samples may also be referred to as biopsies in the context of making a personalized active immunotherapy.

Bone Marrow Sample - A type of biopsy in which a very small amount of the soft tissue found in some of the body’s larger bones is removed. Is usually performed in a doctor’s office. The sample is usually taken from the hipbone, using a hollow needle.

Cancer Vaccine - Cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize cancer cells as foreign and destroy them. The goal of cancer vaccines is preventing disease recurrence.

Cellular Response - Immune response provided by T cells (T lymphocytes).

Chemotherapy - In the treatment of cancer, a general term for chemical agents (i.e., drugs) used to kill cancer cells by targeting a specific part of the cancer cell growth cycle. Because the growth cycle of healthy cells is often similar to that of cancer cells, side effects related to the destruction of healthy cells are also seen. Chemotherapy often involves more than one drug (combination chemotherapy).

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) - A type of lymphoma characterized by an uncontrolled accumulation of large numbers of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other organs. CLL is usually referred to as leukemia because its initial effects are on the blood and bone marrow.

Clinical Trials - Research studies conducted in humans to answer specific health-related questions. A common type of clinical trial is the interventional clinical trial, in which the safety and effectiveness of a new type of investigational therapy is compared to that of other commonly used therapies or, in some cases, no treatment.

Clonal Malignant Cells - Cancer cells that result from the original malignant B cell dividing and replicating.

Core Needle Biopsy - A biopsy that involves using a hollow (“core”) needle to remove a small tissue sample. The needle used for this type of biopsy has a cutting edge and is larger than that used for fine needle aspiration (FNA). The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and is performed in a doctor’s office.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) - An individual's cellular genetic information or coding.

Excisional Lymph Node Biopsy - The removal of an entire lymph node via a small cut in the skin. This type of biopsy is done with a local anesthetic in a doctor’s office or outpatient surgical center. The procedure leaves a small scar.

Expressing (Gene Expression) - The process by which information contained within a gene is converted into cell structures/functions. For example, if a cell has a gene that codes for a particular protein, and the cell is currently manufacturing that protein, the cell is said to be “expressing” that gene.

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) - A biopsy obtained using a small needle to aspirate, or suck out, fluid or small clusters of tissue cells. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and is usually performed in a doctor’s office.

Fixed - A term used to describe the way in which a biopsy specimen is preserved for microscopic study through the use of chemicals to kill, harden, and preserve the tissue.

Follicular Lymphoma (fNHL) - A slow growing, or low grade lymphoma.

Genetically Engineered Protein - A protein that is produced by recombining the genetic material of two different organisms. A number of medications and vaccines contain genetically engineered proteins.

Genetic Mutation - A permanent change in a cell’s genetic material (DNA). Can be the result of natural errors that occur during the cell division process, or caused by external factors such as radiation, chemicals, or viruses.

Grade  - This is a measure of the speed at which the disease is growing.

Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) - A growth factor naturally produced in the body, or its synthetic equivalent (i.e., drug), that tells the bone marrow to manufacture new white blood cells and thus enhances the functioning of the immune system.

Humoral Response - An immune response brought about by antibodies that recognize antigens on cancer cells.

"Id" - Abbreviation for idiotype protein.

Idiotype (Id) - The patient-specific "fingerprint", or unique protein on the patient's tumor, that is identified and used to manufacture a patient-specific vaccine.

Idiotype (Id) Protein - A protein produced, or expressed, by B cells. When the protein is expressed by cancerous B cells, the idiotype is unique to that cancer.

Idiotype(Id) Vaccines - A type of treatment that uses the immune system in an effort to fight cancer. Uses a substance called an idiotype protein (Id), which is unique to each person’s cancer, given by a series of subcutaneous injections. May also be referred to as active idiotype immunotherapy, personalized active immunotherapy, or therapeutic idiotype vaccines.

Immune System - The body’s natural defense system. Designed to protect against harmful substances by recognizing antigens (large molecules) on the surface of these substances and subsequently destroying them. Viruses, fungi, and bacteria are examples of harmful substances that contain antigens. The immune system has a difficult time defending the body against cancer because cancer cells arise from the body’s own cells.

Immunogenic - Related to or producing an immune response (i.e., a substance that stimulates the immune system to react specifically to it).

Immunotherapy - Therapies that stimulate the immune system to fight disease.

Investigational Therapy - Any experimental treatment currently being studied to determine whether it is safe and effective. Investigational therapies may be compared to other commonly used treatments or no treatment.

Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH) - A protein or substance derived from a giant sea mollusk found off the coast of California. The body’s immune system reacts strongly to its presence, so it is considered highly immunogenic. It is combined with the idiotype protein (Id) derived from a patient’s cancerous B cells to form an idiotype immunotherapy and given to stimulate the patient’s immune system to respond to the cancer.

Lymphocyte - A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system.

Lymphoma - A type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system from B or T lymphocytes.

Monoclonal Antibody (MAb) - An antibody that is developed in the laboratory from a single cell. MAb therapies to treat cancer target the antigen on the tumor. They kill the abnormal cell but also kill normal cells that express the same antigen.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) - A type of cancer that occurs when there is an uncontrolled or malignant growth of abnormal lymphocytes. Arising from the lymphatic system, NHL may be characterized by enlarged lymph nodes due to the collection of cancer cells in these areas.

Open Label - Every patient enrolled in the study will receive the investigational treatment. This is in contrast to “blinded” studies in which patients and researchers do not know what treatment patients are receiving

Patient-Specific Vaccine - Another term for personalized active immunotherapy (see below).

Personalized Active Immunotherapy - A type of treatment that uses the immune system in an effort to fight cancer. Uses a substance called an idiotype protein (Id), which is unique to each person’s cancer. Given via a series of subcutaneous injections. May also be referred to as active idiotype immunotherapy, idiotype vaccine, or therapeutic idiotype vaccines.

Phase 3 Study - A clinical trial in which an investigational drug or treatment is given to a large number of people. It is conducted to confirm effectiveness in a specific disease, monitor for reactions, compare the investigational therapy to other commonly used treatments, and gather information about the safe use of the investigational treatment.

Progression-Free Survival  - This is a measurement that is often used to determine whether or not a new treatment is effective. Specifically, progression-free survival refers to the time that a patient remains alive and that his or her disease has not become worse or progressed.

Prophylactic - Immunizations used to prevent, rather than treat or cure, disease. These vaccines are used before illness develops, are mass produced, and are administered to large numbers of people. Examples include measles, mumps, and polio vaccines.

Recombinant - A term used to describe the manufacture of a new molecule by recombining the original molecule’s DNA.

Recombinant Protein - A protein that is produced by recombining the genetic material of two different organisms (hence the term recombinant). A number of medications and vaccines contain recombinant proteins.

Stage - This term refers to where in the body the disease has spread.

Subcutaneous - Under the skin (i.e., a subcutaneous injection is one that is administered just beneath the skin).

T-Cells - Lymphocytes involved in cellular immunity. By recognizing antigen on cancer cells, killer T Cells cause tumor destruction.

Therapeutic Idiotype Vaccines - Immunizations used to treat diseases (such as cancer) already present in the body. They differ from prophylactic vaccines, which are used to prevent diseases such as measles, mumps, and polio from occurring.

Written Informed Consent - This term refers to the reading and signing of a document that clearly spells out what is involved in the clinical study (including its purpose, duration, required procedures, and potential risks and benefits). By signing the written informed consent, the patient agrees to participate in the study. Even after signing the written informed consent, the patient may withdraw from the study at any time.