Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, NHL, or sometimes just lymphoma) is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s immune system. NHL is a term that's used for many different types of lymphoma that all share some of the same characteristics. NHL usually starts in lymph nodes or other lymph tissue, but it can sometimes affect the skin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 4% of all cancers.
In leukaemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal levels of white blood cells. B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) is an aggressive leukaemia in which too many B-cell lymphoblasts (immature white blood cells) are found in the bone marrow and blood. B-ALL is the most common type of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Note that B-ALL is also called B-cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia and precursor B-lymphoblastic leukaemia. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is another common type of B-cell lymphoma.
Relapsed refers to when a patient has received active treatment, went off treatment and then the disease came back, whereas refractory refers to disease that is progressing despite active treatment.
