Deletion
A chromosome abnormality in which all or part of a single chromosome has been lost.
Depletion
A laboratory procedure to reduce the numbers of specific cell types in bone marrow donated for transplantation, for example removing some types of lymphocytes. This may be to avoid “mismatch” problems (particularly with unrelated donor transplants) or to selectively remove potentially leukaemic cells in an autograft.
Depression
We all go through spells of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.
Some people still think that depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They’re wrong. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it’s not a sign of weakness or something you can “snap out of” by “pulling yourself together”. Read more
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 – Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) due to the body:
Being ineffective at using the insulin it has produced; also known as insulin resistance and/or
Being unable to produce enough insulin
Differentiation
Differentiation is the process by which an immature stem cell becomes a mature cell which has a special function, such as a red cell or a platelet.
Diuretic
A drug to stimulate the excretion of urine by the kidneys. May be used during chemotherapy to ensure the excretion of anti-cancer drugs.
DNA
stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It provides the essential building blocks for storing genetic material. There are four different building blocks of DNA (bases) arranged in coded sequence as genes which determine an individual’s inherited characteristics.
Donor lymphocyte infusion
If a patient has had an allogeneic stem cell transplant but the original disease returns, they may be given lymphocytes from the donor. This may get rid of the leukaemia cells.
Down Syndrome
A congenital condition in which some or all of the body cells have three copies of chromosome 21. This form of genetic abnormality is associated with an increased risk of leukaemia.