CML Glossary ‘H’



*Hct = Hematocrit


*Hematologic response = normalization of the white blood cell counts in the blood, though not necessarily in the bone marrow. The response can be partial (reduction in white cells, but not down to normal range) or complete (white blood count at or below approximately 12,000 white cells/microliter).


Hematologist = a physician who specializes in disorders of the blood, including blood cancers such as leukemia. (heme = blood in Greek)


Heme-onc = hematologist-oncologicst: a doctor specialist who treats both blood diseases and solid cancers


*Hematopoietic = pertaining to hematopoiesis, the production of all blood cells


*Hematopoietic Growth Factor = any group of glycoproteins that promote the proliferation and maturation of blood cells.


*Hemoglobin = the molecule in red blood cells which carries oxygen


*Hgb = Hemoglobin


HLA = Human Leukocyte Antigen


HMO = Health Maintenance



*HR = hematologic response


Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) = an antigen (molecule recognized by the immune system) used to determine compatibility of tissue types between one person and another. Nowadays compatibility is more often determined using MHC, or major histocompatibility complex.


*Hydrea (hydroxyurea, HU) = a chemotherapy drug which is often used first in the treatment of CML. Lethal to mature leukemic cells Hydrea can bring elevated white blood counts (WBCs) back to normal; however, it does not kill many leukemic stem cells in the bone marrow, and therefore does not effectively slow the progression of the disease.


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