Treatment FAQ

how long does hodgkin's treatment last

by Rossie Predovic Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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When cure is the treatment goal. Adjuvant chemotherapy (therapy after surgery has removed all visible cancer) may last 4-6 months. Adjuvant chemotherapy is common in cancers of the breast and colon. In cancers of the testis, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemias, length of chemotherapy treatment may be up to a year.

A typical chemotherapy regime for Hodgkin lymphoma might involve around six cycles of a combination of drugs, given over a period of six months. There are many different ways of giving chemotherapy. It may be given through a vein (intravenously or IV), usually in your arm or hand, or in tablet form (orally).Jun 18, 2019

Full Answer

How long do side effects of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment last?

Some treatment side effects might last a long time or might not even show up until years after you have finished treatment (see Late and Long-term Side Effects of Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment). These doctor visits are a good time to ask questions and talk about any changes or problems you notice or concerns you have.

Can Hodgkin lymphoma be cured?

 · If there is a Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin’s Disease Stages III, IV, the treatment may be done with 3-6 cycles of R-CHOP. In the similar way, treatment with BEACOPP also depends upon the stage of the disease. The treatment with BEACOPP is done for up to 8 cycles, each cycle is of 21 days, thereby taking approximately six months.

What is the survival rate for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Treatment for HL is based largely on the stage (extent) of the disease. But other factors, including a person’s age and general health, and the type and location of the lymphoma, might also affect treatment options. For almost all people with HL, cure is the main goal. But treatment can have side effects, some that don’t show up for many years.

How many cycles of chemotherapy are needed for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Find out about life after Hodgkin lymphoma cancer treatment, such as follow-up visits and tests, long-term side effects, and the risk of second cancers.

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How long does treatment for lymphoma last?

A short course of treatment usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks. Or you might have a longer course of chemotherapy and a targeted drug, without radiotherapy. Whether you have radiotherapy depends on factors such as where the lymphoma is in the body and how fit you are.

Can you be completely cured of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Overall, treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma is highly effective and most people with the condition are eventually cured.

How long is chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

ABVD chemotherapy is usually given every 2 weeks for 2 to 8 months.

How long does it take to get over Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Survival for all stages Generally, for people with Hodgkin lymphoma in England: around 90 out of 100 (around 90%) survive their cancer for 1 year or more after diagnosis. more than 80 out of 100 (more than 80%) survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis.

Can you live 20 years with lymphoma?

Most people with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma will live 20 years after diagnosis. Faster-growing cancers (aggressive lymphomas) have a worse prognosis. They fall into the overall five-year survival rate of 60%.

Can you live a long life after Hodgkin's lymphoma?

There are very few cancers for which doctors will use the word 'cure' right off the bat, but Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), the most common cancer diagnosis among children and young adults, comes pretty darn close: Ninety percent of patients with stages 1 and 2 go on to survive 5 years or more; even patients with stage 4 have ...

Does Hodgkins lymphoma return?

A small proportion of people with Hodgkin lymphoma or with other types of high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma might also relapse. Most relapses of Hodgkin lymphoma or high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma happen within the first 2 years after treatment. As time goes on, relapse generally becomes less likely.

How effective is chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Usually chemotherapy works very well for most people with Hodgkin lymphoma. But sometimes the lymphoma may not completely respond to the treatment. If this happens it can still be treated successfully. Your doctor may talk to you about having more intensive chemotherapy with a stem cell transplant.

How many rounds of chemo is normal?

During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.

What is the 20 year survival rate for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The 20-year actuarial rates of survival were 78%, 78%, and 46%, respectively, for patients aged 16 or less, 17 to 39, and 40 years or older at diagnosis. Hodgkin's disease diagnosed at age 40 or older was a significant risk factor for all causes of death.

Can you survive Hodgkin's lymphoma?

These numbers are based on people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma between 2011 and 2017....5-year relative survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma.SEER Stage5-Year Relative Survival RateLocalized92%Regional94%Distant82%All SEER stages combined88%Mar 2, 2022

Which is worse Hodgkins or non Hodgkins?

The prognosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma is also better than that of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma since non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Both forms of blood cancer are treatable when caught early, however.

Can Hodgkin lymphoma be cured?

For many people with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), treatment can cure the lymphoma. Completing treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You may be relieved to finish treatment, but find it hard not to worry about the lymphoma coming back. (When cancer comes back after treatment, it's called a recurrence .)

Does Hodgkin lymphoma come back?

If Hodgkin lymphoma comes back. If Hodgkin lymphoma does come back ( recurs) at some point, your treatment options will depend on where the lymphoma is, what treatments you’ve had before, how long it’s been since treatment, and your current health and preferences.

Can HL come back after treatment?

It’s very important to go to all your follow-up appointments because HL can sometimes come back even many years after treatment .

Is it normal to feel anxious when you have lymphoma?

Some amount of feeling depressed, anxious, or worried is normal when lymphoma is a part of your life. Some people are affected more than others. But everyone can benefit from help and support from other people, whether friends and family, religious groups, support groups, professional counselors, or others.

Is it important to keep health insurance after cancer treatment?

Even after treatment, it’s very important to keep health insurance. Tests and doctor visits cost a lot, and even though no one wants to think of their cancer coming back , this could happen.

What is the treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Following are the treatments for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Chemotherapy: Various chemotherapy strategies such as AVBD and BEACOPPS are currently used by the oncologist for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Drug combination is used to minimize side effects. Advertisement. Radio therapy: Radio therapy is generally used as a adjuvant to chemotherapy ...

How long does it take to recover from chemo?

Generally time taken by the chemotherapy is almost 6-8 months and other treatment options are also used to reduce the time and number of cycles of chemotherapy.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Chemotherapy is the treatment option at the hands of the oncologists to cure the cancer. There are various drugs used in chemotherapy , which kills the cancer cells by stopping the cell cycle. The length of the chemotherapy depends upon various factors.

How does chemotherapy kill cancer cells?

There are various drugs used in chemotherapy, which kills the cancer cells by stopping the cell cycle. The length of the chemotherapy depends upon various factors. One of the important factors for deciding the length of therapy is the stage of the disease at which chemotherapy is given.

Can HL be treated with radiation?

For unknown reasons, the immune systems of people with HL often do not work the way they should. Treatments such as chemo, radiation, or removal of the spleen (splenectomy) can add to this problem. (Splenectomy was once commonly done, but is now rarely needed.)

Can HL cause second cancer?

Second cancers. One uncommon but very serious side effect of HL treatment is developing a second type of cancer later on. People who've had HL have a higher risk for many types of cancer. See Second Cancers After Hodgkin Lymphoma for more on this.

Can radiation therapy affect fertility?

Fertility issues. A possible long-term effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy , especially in younger patients, is reduced or lost fertility. For example, some chemo drugs can affect a male’s ability to make sperm, which might be short-term or permanent.

Can chemo affect fertility?

A possible long-term effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy , especially in younger patients, is reduced or lost fertility. For example, some chemo drugs can affect a male’s ability to make sperm, which might be short-term or permanent.

Does radiation affect thyroid?

Radiation to the chest or neck to treat HL can affect the thyroid gland, causing it to make less thyroid hormone. People with this condition, known as hypothyroidism, may need to take thyroid medicine every day for the rest of their lives. Anyone who got radiation to the neck or upper chest should have their thyroid function checked with blood tests at least once a year.

Can radiation cause heart disease?

People who have had radiation to the chest have a higher risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Though this has become less of a problem with more modern radiation techniques. Some chemo drugs such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin ®) can also cause heart damage.

Does smoking cause heart disease?

Smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure (hypertension) also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s important to do what you can to help lower your risk, such as not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, being active, and eating a healthy diet.

What is the best treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Bone marrow transplant , also known as stem cell transplant, is a treatment to replace your diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells that help you grow new bone marrow. A bone marrow transplant may be an option if Hodgkin's lymphoma returns despite treatment.

What is the most advanced stage of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

This is the most advanced stage of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Cancer cells are in several portions of one or more organs and tissues. Stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma affects not only the lymph nodes but also other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs or bones.

What happens after a doctor determines the stage of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

After your doctor has determined the extent of your Hodgkin's lymphoma, your cancer will be assigned a stage . Knowing your cancer's stage helps your doctor determine your prognosis and treatment options.

Where is bone marrow removed?

In a bone marrow aspiration, a doctor or nurse uses a thin needle to remove a small amount of liquid bone marrow, usually from a spot in the back of your hipbone (pelvis). A bone marrow biopsy is often done at the same time. This second procedure removes a small piece of bone tissue and the enclosed marrow.

What is the difference between stage 1 and stage 2 cancer?

Stage II. In this stage, the cancer is in two lymph node regions or the cancer has invaded one organ and the nearby lymph nodes. But the cancer is still limited to a section of the body either above or below the diaphragm. Stage III.

Can chemotherapy be combined with radiation?

Chemotherapy drugs travel through your bloodstream and can reach nearly all areas of your body. Chemotherapy is often combined with radiation therapy in people with early-stage classical type Hodgkin's lymphoma. Radiation therapy is typically done after chemotherapy.

How long does radiation treatment last?

A typical treatment plan might have you going to the hospital or clinic five days a week for several weeks. At each visit, you undergo a 30-minute radiation treatment.

What is the treatment for HL?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the main treatments for HL. Depending on the case, one or both of these treatments might be used. Certain patients might be treated with immunotherapy or with a stem cell transplant, especially if other treatments haven’t worked. Except for biopsy and staging, surgery is rarely used to treat HL.

Why is it important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor?

It’s important to discuss all treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. You may feel that you need to make a decision quickly, but it’s important to give yourself time to absorb the information you have learned.

What kind of doctor treats lymphoma?

Based on your treatment options, you might have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors could include: 1 A hematologist: a doctor who treats blood disorders, including lymphomas. 2 A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy 3 A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy

What is a hematologist?

A hematologist: a doctor who treats blood disorders, including lymphomas. You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, and other health professionals.

What is the difference between a radiation oncologist and a medical oncologist?

A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines such as chemotherapy. A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy. You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, ...

Why are clinical trials important?

Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment.

Is there a cure for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

There still isn’t a cure for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Being in remission means that the disease is no longer present or detectable. It’s common for people to feel relieved when they’re told they’re in remission. At the same time, it’s important to remember to stay diligent about medical appointments and tests.

Can you still have side effects from Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Even when you’re in remission, it’s possible that you may still experience ongoing or new side effects from your Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment. In some cases these side effects may not appear for years after your course of treatment has ended.

What is the survival rate for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The five year survival rate is currently about 86 percent.

Is it too soon to start educating yourself about Hodgkin's lymphoma?

No matter what stage you’re at in your Hodgkin’s lymphoma recovery, it’s never too soon to start educating yourself about the condition and what you should expect following treatment. Your doctor can provide more information about your outlook after treatment and how to reduce your risk of relapse.

What is the treatment for a relapse?

The typical treatment response to a relapse is to begin second-line chemotherapy. The next step is often a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. The goal of treating a relapse is for you to be in remission, just as it’s the goal after an initial diagnosis.

What is the goal of relapse?

The goal of treating a relapse is for you to be in remission, just as it’s the goal after an initial diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to give you more information about the course of treatment that best suits your medical needs. 6. You can take measures to lower your risk of relapse.

How to reduce risk of relapse?

6. You can take measures to lower your risk of relapse. If you’re in remission from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, there are a variety of steps you can take to reduce your risk of relapse. First, aim to live a healthy lifestyle through eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

How long does Hodgkin lymphoma last?

About 85 out of every 100 people (85%) will live for at least 5 years. And more than 80 out of every 100 will live for at least 10 years after they are diagnosed. The treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma is often very successful and many people are cured.

Is Hodgkin lymphoma cured?

Overall outcome. The treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma is often very successful and many people are cured.

How many people are cured of Hodgkin lymphoma?

The treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma is often very successful and many people are cured. Overall, more than 91 out of every 100 people ...

How long do people live after cancer diagnosis?

Overall, more than 91 out of every 100 people (91%) will live for at least a year after their diagnosis. About 85 out of every 100 people (85%) will live for at least 5 years. And more than 80 out of every 100 will live for at least 10 years after they are diagnosed. As with many other types of cancer, the outcome depends on how advanced your ...

Does radiation therapy increase the risk of breast cancer?

Young women who received radiation therapy have a higher risk of breast cancer and require extra. Continue Reading. With today's treatments, it's reasonable for patients who receive ABVD type chemotherapy and limited field/limited dose radiation therapy to live a normal life span with lower long term risks.

Is Hodgkin lymphoma curable?

Hodgkin lymphoma is very curable, while some non-Hodgkin lymphomas are more difficult to treat 4 8. Stage IV lymphoma is the most advanced, but this can mean very different things for different people -- including living a fulfilling life for many years, in some cases.

Does chemotherapy help lymphoma?

As lymphoma spreads throughout the body, therapies that were previously used to treat the cancer may be used as a means of controlling symptoms 1. Chemotherapy may be advantageous in shrinking distant tumors that are blocking the function of organs, such as the bowels.

How does lymphoma affect the body?

Changes in Body Function 1 As lymphoma spreads throughout the body, therapies that were previously used to treat the cancer may be used as a means of controlling symptoms 1. 2 Chemotherapy may be advantageous in shrinking distant tumors that are blocking the function of organs, such as the bowels.

What is Stage IV lymphoma?

Stage IV lymphoma is the most advanced, but this can mean very different things for different people -- including living a fulfilling life for many years, in some cases. If the disease does progress toward the end of life, people go through stages that include changing the focus of therapy, emphasis on quality of life and symptom control, ...

What is continuing care?

Continuing care focuses on preserving the quality of a person's life, rather than prolonging it, but this does not mean giving up. Many people don't realize that the final process of dying is relatively short, occurring over just a few days.

Does radiation help lymphoma?

For example, if lymphoma spreads to the bones, radiation may be used to relieve pain. Chemotherapy may be advantageous in shrinking distant tumors that are blocking the function of organs, such as the bowels.

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Second Cancers

Fertility Issues

Infections

  • For unknown reasons, the immune systems of people with HL often do not work the way they should. Treatments such as chemo, radiation, or removal of the spleen (splenectomy) can add to this problem. (Splenectomy was once commonly done, but is now rarely needed.) Patients who have their spleen removed should get vaccinated against certain bacteria. All people who have h…
See more on cancer.org

Thyroid Problems

  • Radiation to the chest or neck to treat HL can affect the thyroid gland, causing it to make less thyroid hormone. People with this condition, known as hypothyroidism, may need to take thyroid medicine every day for the rest of their lives. Anyone who got radiation to the neck or upper chest should have their thyroid function checked with blood tests at least once a year.
See more on cancer.org

Heart Disease and Stroke

  • People who have had radiation to the chest have a higher risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Though this has become less of a problem with more modern radiation techniques. Some chemo drugs such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) can also cause heart damage. And sometimes the damage isn't seen until more than 10 years after treatment. Your doctor mi...
See more on cancer.org

Lung Damage

  • The chemo drug bleomycin can damage the lungs, as can radiation therapy to the chest. This can lead to problems like shortness of breath, which might not show up until years after treatment. Smoking can also seriously damage the lungs, so it’s important that people who have had these treatments do not smoke.
See more on cancer.org

Special Concerns in Childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors

  • Just as the treatment of childhood HL requires a very specialized approach in children, so does follow-up and monitoring for relapse (HL coming back) and late effects of treatment. Careful follow-up after treatment is very important and it should be done for the rest of the child's life. The earlier problems are found, the more likely it is they can be treated effectively. Along with physic…
See more on cancer.org

Diagnosis

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Tests and procedures used to diagnose Hodgkin's lymphoma include: 1. A physical exam.Your health care provider may ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. This might involve checking for swollen lymph nodes, including in your neck, underarm and groin, as well as a swollen spleen or liver. 2. Blood tests.…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

  • The goal of Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment is to destroy as many of the lymphoma cells as possible and bring the disease into remission. Which treatments are right for you depends on the type and stage of your cancer, your overall health, and your preferences.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Alternative Medicine

  • No alternative medicines have been found to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma. But alternative medicine may help you cope with the stress of a cancer diagnosis and the side effects of cancer treatment. Talk with your health care provider about your options, such as: 1. Art therapy 2. Exercise 3. Meditation 4. Music therapy 5. Relaxation exercises 6. Spirituality
See more on mayoclinic.org

Coping and Support

  • A Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis can be challenging. The following strategies and resources may help you cope with your diagnosis: 1. Learn about Hodgkin's lymphoma.Learn enough about your cancer to feel comfortable making decisions about your treatment and care. In addition to talking with your health care team, look for information in your local library and on the internet. Start you…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If your provider suspects that you have a type of lymphoma, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the blood cells (hematologist). Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of information to discuss, it's a good i…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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