Immunosuppression

Definition of immunosuppression

immunosuppression

(IH-myoo-noh-suh-PREH-shun)
Suppression of the body's immune system and its ability to fight infections and other diseases. Immunosuppression may be deliberately induced with drugs, as in preparation for bone marrow or other organ transplantation, to prevent rejection of the donor tissue. It may also result from certain diseases such as AIDS or lymphoma or from anticancer drugs.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms