Glossary
Immunocompromised
(IH-myoo-noh-KOM-proh-mized)
Having a weakened immune system. People who are immunocompromised have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders. It may also be caused by certain medicines or treatments, such as anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant. Also called immunosuppressed.
Definition from the National Cancer Institute’s NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.