TMB

Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology

TMB
Stands forTumor mutational burden
CategoriesMedical

TMB stands for Tumor mutational burden, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.

Number of DNA mutations per megabase of a tumor's genome, measured by next-generation sequencing. Tumors with many mutations produce more abnormal proteins that the immune system can recognize, which may make them more responsive to checkpoint inhibitors.

Example: Comprehensive genomic profiling: TMB 18 mut/Mb, TMB-high; pembrolizumab eligible.

Usage notes

In 2020 the FDA granted a tissue-agnostic approval of pembrolizumab for solid tumors with a TMB of 10 or more mutations per megabase that progressed after prior treatment. Melanoma and smoking-related lung cancers typically have high TMB. Assays and cutoffs vary between laboratories, and TMB predicts response less consistently in some tumor types.

More hematology and oncology abbreviations

  • SD – Stable disease
  • SEER – Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program
  • TACO – Transfusion-associated circulatory overload
  • TKI – Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
  • TLS – Tumor lysis syndrome
  • TMA – Thrombotic microangiopathy
  • TNBC – Triple-negative breast cancer
  • TNM – Tumor, Node, Metastasis
  • TRALI – Transfusion-related acute lung injury
  • TTP – Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • VRd – Velcade (bortezomib), Revlimid (lenalidomide), dexamethasone
  • VTE – Venous thromboembolism

See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.