Term: CD33 positive

Pronunciation: (… PAH-zih-tiv)

Description:

Describes cells that have a protein called CD33 on their surface. In normal cells, CD33 is involved in cell signaling, cell adhesion, and cell growth. Cancer cells that make too much CD33 may grow more quickly. Knowing whether a cancer is CD33 positive may help plan treatment. Cancers that may be CD33 positive include acute myeloid leukemia and some types of lymphoma.