Hodgkin lymphoma A cancer of the immune system that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Hormone One of many chemicals made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in the laboratory. Human development index A summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development including lifespan, health span, knowledge accumulation, and having a quality standard of living. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) A protein found on the surface of some cells that can initiate a variety of signaling pathways, causing the cells to proliferate. It is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer cells, including some breast cancer cells, so these cells may divide excessively. Also called ERBB2 and NEU. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Human papillomavirus (HPV) A type of virus that can cause abnormal tissue growth (e.g., warts) and other changes to cells. Infection for a long time with certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. HPV also plays a role in some other types of cancer, including anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. I Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) Type of immunotherapy that blocks immune checkpoint proteins from binding with partner proteins, which allow the body to recognize cancer cells. Immune system A diffuse, complex network of interacting cells, cell products, and cell-forming tissues that protects the body from invading microorganisms and other foreign substances, destroys infected and malignant cells, and removes cellular debris. The immune system includes the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and lymph tissue, stem cells, white blood cells, antibodies, and lymphokines. Immunotherapy Treatment designed to produce immunity to a disease or enhance the resistance of the immune system to an active disease process, such as cancer. Incidence rate The number of new cases per population at risk in a given time period. Inflammation A normal part of the body’s response to injury or infection. Inflammation occurs when the body releases chemicals that trigger an immune response to fight off infection or heal damaged tissue. Once the injury or infection is healed, the inflammatory process ends. L Leukemia Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) A procedure that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine that gives off a very low dose of radiation to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are taken from different angles and are used to create 3-D views of tissues and organs. Lymph nodes See definition for lymphatic system. Lymphatic system The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels (a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells). Lymphatic vessels branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body. Also called lymph system. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) A cell surface molecule with diverse biologic effects on T cell function. LAG-3 binds to proteins known as MHC class II and negatively regulates proliferation, activation and homeostasis of T cells, in a similar fashion to PD-1. Lymphoma Cancer that begins in cells of the immune system. There are two basic categories of lymphomas. One kind is Hodgkin lymphoma, which is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. The other category is non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which includes a large, diverse group of cancers of immune system cells. Lynch syndrome An inherited disorder that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and many other types of cancer, such as cancers of the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, bile duct, urinary tract, and brain, often before age 50. Lynch syndrome is caused by mutations (changes) in genes that affect DNA mismatch repair, a process that fixes mistakes that occur when DNA is copied. These genes are MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM. M Machine learning A field of computer science that develops the processes by which computers are taught how to learn and perform certain functions without being specifically programmed to perform those functions. Machine learning involves analyzing very large amounts of information to improve a computer’s ability to make decisions or predictions. Machine learning is a part of artificial intelligence (AI). In medicine, the use of machine learning and AI may help improve cancer screening and diagnosis and plan treatment. Glossary AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 187
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