Information for the public
Terms explained
Terms explained
Allogeneic stem cell transplant
A transplant of stem cells from another person's (a donor's) body to yours, after chemotherapy to treat your myeloma. In addition to killing myeloma cells, the chemotherapy kills the stem cells in your body. The transplant replaces these, and can help treat your myeloma as well. The donor will have been tested to see if their cells can be given to you safely.
Autologous stem cell transplant
When stem cells are collected from your body before you have chemotherapy, stored, and then given back to you afterwards. In addition to killing myeloma cells, the chemotherapy kills the stem cells in your body. The transplant replaces these. Using your own stem cells also avoids the immune system problems that can happen when using cells from somebody else's body.
Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET‑CT) scan
A kind of CT scan in which you have an injection before the test starts. The injection contains a substance called a 'tracer' that can make it easier to see cancer cells on the test results.
Imaging tests
Scans that use technology such as X‑rays and magnetic fields to produce an image of the inside of your body. Examples include CT scans and MRI scans.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
A test that uses magnetic fields to produce images of your bones.
Relapse
When your myeloma symptoms come back after treatment. Myeloma can't be completely cured, and you can start having symptoms again even after several years without them.