Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM) Glossary

Performance status: Also called ECOG status. A measure of the level of activity of which a patient is capable and, b y implication, a measure of the severity of disease. The ECOG scale runs from 0 (fully active and able to carry on all pre-disease activities without restriction) and to 5 (death). Many clinical trials require ECOG status of 0 or 1; studies enrolling patients with a status of 3 or 4 are rare.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN): Peripheral neuropathy is a serious condition that affects nerves in the hands, feet, lower legs, and/or arms. Patients may experience PN from the effects of the myeloma itself and/or from treatments for myeloma. Symptoms may include a feeling of numbness, tingling, burning, and/or pain.

Plasma cells: White blood cells that produce antibodies. Myeloma cells are cancerous plasma cells, which produce monoclonal protein (M-protein) that can lead to organ and tissue damage (anemia, kidney damage, bone disease, and nerve damage).

Port (implanted): A catheter connected to a disc that is surgically placed just below the skin in the chest or abdomen so that fluids, drugs, or blood products can be infused, and blood can be drawn through a needle that is inserted into the disc.

Positron emission tomography (PET): A sophisticated diagnostic test that uses a camera and computer to produce images of the body. PET scans show the difference between healthy and abnormally functioning tissues based upon the uptake of radiolabeled sugar by active cancer cells.

Prognosis: The projected outcome or course of a diseas e; the chance of recov ery; life expectancy.

Progression-free survival (PFS): The length of time during and after the treatment of myeloma that a patient lives with the disease but it does not get worse. In a clinical trial, PFS is one way to measure how well the treatment is working. See “Progressive disease.”

Progressive disease: Myeloma that is becoming worse or relapsing, as documented by tests. Defined as an increase of ≥ 25% from the lowest confirmed response value in the myeloma protein level and/or new evidence of disease. Also referred to as “disease progression.”

Proteasome: A joined group (“complex”) of enzymes (“proteases”) that break down the damaged or unwanted proteins in both normal cells and cancer cells into smaller components . Proteasomes also carry out the regulated breakdown of undamaged proteins in the cell, a proc ess that is necessary for the control of many critical cellular functions. These smaller protein components are then used to create new proteins required by the cell. This is important for maintaining balance within the cell and for regulating cell growth.

Proteasome inhibitor: Any drug that interferes with the normal function of the proteasome. See “ Proteasome.”

Protocol: A detailed treatment plan, which includes the dose and schedule of any drugs used.

Radiation therapy: Treatment with X-rays, gamma rays, or electrons to damage or kill malignant cells. Radiation may be delivered from outside the body or from radioactive materials being implanted directly in the tumor.

Radiologist: A medical doctor who specializes in interpreting images produced with X-rays, sound waves, magnetic fields, or other types of energy.