Treatment FAQ

how long does treatment for hodgkin lymphoma take

by Micheal Pagac Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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

Medication

You will want to weigh the benefits of each treatment option against the possible risks and side effects. How is Hodgkin lymphoma treated? Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the main treatments for HL. Depending on the case, one or both of these treatments might be used.

Procedures

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.

Therapy

People in remission for Hodgkin’s lymphoma generally need to see their doctor every three to six months for follow-up examinations. This may include blood tests and PET or CT scans. If several years pass without any signs of relapse you can gradually decrease the frequency of your visits.

Self-care

If you have (or have had) Hodgkin lymphoma, you probably want to know if there are things you can do that might lower your risk of the lymphoma coming back, such as exercising, eating a certain type of diet, or taking nutritional supplements. Unfortunately, it’s not yet clear if there are things you can do that will help.

Nutrition

How is Hodgkin lymphoma treated?

How long do side effects of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment last?

How often should I see a doctor for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Can I lower my risk of Hodgkin lymphoma coming back?

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How long are chemo treatments for lymphoma?

A typical treatment regimen would be one dose of chemotherapy every 2 - 3 weeks for six months.

How long does lymphoma treatment usually last?

Treatment is normally given in short daily sessions, Monday to Friday, usually for no more than 3 weeks.

How long does a chemo session take for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

A course of chemotherapy is made up of a number of cycles. You have treatment, usually over 1 to 3 days, depending on the particular combination of drugs.

How long does it take to get treatment for lymphoma?

A short course of treatment usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks.

Is Hodgkin's lymphoma easy to treat?

Hodgkin lymphoma is considered one of the most treatable cancers, with more than 90 percent of patients surviving more than five years. Most patients with Hodgkin lymphoma live long and healthy lives following successful treatment.

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%.

Do you lose your hair with chemo for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

This occurs because chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells as well as normal cells that divide rapidly, such as hair cells. You can prepare yourself for the chance that you might lose your hair during chemotherapy.

How many rounds of chemo are needed for lymphoma?

Treatment for many patients is chemotherapy (usually 2 to 4 cycles of the ABVD regimen), followed by radiation to the initial site of the disease (involved site radiation therapy, or ISRT). Another option is chemotherapy alone (usually for 3 to 6 cycles) in selected patients.

Do you lose your hair with chemo for lymphoma?

Hair loss is quite common in people who are treated with chemotherapy; overall, around 2 in 3 people experience hair loss. Chemotherapy kills lymphoma cells, but it can also destroy healthy cells, particularly those that normally divide quickly. Hair follicles produce hair.

Which is more serious Hodgkin's or non Hodgkin lymphoma?

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.

What is the life expectancy of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Survival rates can give you an idea of what percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer are still alive a certain amount of time (usually 5 years) after they were diagnosed....5-year relative survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma.SEER Stage5-Year Relative Survival RateAll SEER stages combined88%3 more rows•Mar 2, 2022

Can you recover from Hodgkin's lymphoma?

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

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.

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.

Can you cure HL?

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. Because of this, doctors try to choose a treatment plan with the lowest risk of possible side effects. Treating Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma, by Stage. Treating Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Can you continue cancer treatment?

Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.

What is the goal of Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment?

The goal of treatment is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible and bring the disease into remission.

What is the procedure to remove Hodgkin's lymphoma?

A bone marrow biopsy and aspiration procedure involves inserting a needle into your hipbone to remove a sample of bone marrow. The sample is analyzed to look for Hodgkin's lymphoma cells. Other tests and procedures may be used depending on your situation.

What are the stages of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Stages of Hodgkin's lymphoma include: Stage I. The cancer is limited to one lymph node region or a single organ. 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.

What tests are done to detect Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Tests may include X-ray, CT and positron emission tomography. Removing a lymph node for testing. Your doctor may recommend a lymph node biopsy procedure to remove a lymph node for laboratory testing.

How does chemotherapy work?

Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in pill form or through a vein in your arm, or sometimes both methods of administration are used. Several combinations of chemotherapy drugs are used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma. Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs you're given. Common side effects are nausea and hair loss.

Where is Hodgkin's lymphoma stage IV?

Cancer may also be in one portion of tissue or an organ near the lymph node groups or in the spleen. Stage IV. This is the most advanced stage of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Cancer cells are in several portions of one or more organs and tissues.

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.

How is Hodgkin lymphoma treated?

Treatment. Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be treated successfully with chemotherapy alone, or chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

How often do you get radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Treatment is normally given in short daily sessions, Monday to Friday, over several weeks. You shouldn't have to stay in hospital between appointments.

What is Brentuximab used for?

Brentuximab vedotin. Brentuximab vedotin is a relatively new drug used to treat a particular type of Hodgkin lymphoma. It is available on the NHS for people with CD30-positive Hodgkin lymphoma who: have already had a stem cell transplant using their own cells or cannot have chemotherapy.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Other possible side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting. diarrhoea. loss of appetite. mouth ulcers. tiredness. skin rashes. hair loss. infertility, which may be temporary or permanent (see complications of Hodgkin lymphoma for more information)

What kind of doctor do you see for Hodgkin lymphoma?

During your treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, you may see any of the following professionals: specialist cancer nurse or "key worker" – who is the first point of contact between you and the members of the care team. haematologist – a specialist in blood and bone marrow disorders.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment where medicine is used to kill cancer cells. This medication can be given in a number of different ways, depending on the stage of your cancer.

What is the MDT team for lymphoma?

This is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT).

How long is chemo treatment for lymphoma?

A typical treatment regimen involves taking tablets daily for two weeks followed by two weeks’ break, and repeating this pattern for about six months. Some people we spoke to were treated with a combination of tablet and intravenous chemotherapy.

How long does it take for lymphoma to cure?

Treatment usually lasts about six months. To treat slow-growing follicular lymphoma, your doctor may start by prescribing rituximab and chemotherapy drugs.

What is the survival rate for Stage 1 lymphoma?

For stage I NHL, the 5-year survival rate is more than 83%. For stage II the 5-year survival rate is close to 76% and for stage III it is more than 70%. For stage IV NHL, the 5-year survival rate is around 63%. These survival rates vary depending on the cancer’s stage and subtype.

What was your first lymphoma symptom?

The best way to find HL early is to be on the lookout for possible symptoms. The most common symptom is enlargement or swelling of one or more lymph nodes, causing a lump or bump under the skin which usually doesn’t hurt. It’s most often on the side of the neck, in the armpit, or in the groin.

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%.

How many chemo sessions are needed for lymphoma?

Treatment for many patients is chemotherapy (usually 2 to 4 cycles of the ABVD regimen ), followed by radiation to the initial site of the disease (involved site radiation therapy, or ISRT). Another option is chemotherapy alone (usually for 3 to 6 cycles) in selected patients.

How successful is chemotherapy for 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 long does it take for chemo to work?

The drugs circulate throughout the body in the bloodstream. A course of chemotherapy is made up of a number of cycles. You have treatment, usually over 1 to 3 days, depending on the particular combination of drugs. Then you have a break of a few weeks to allow your body to recover from the effects of the chemotherapy. Then another cycle begins.

How long does it take to get a blood test?

Or the sample might be saliva or other fluid. Depending on which test your hospital uses, it can take from 90 minutes to a few days to get a result.

Can you get leukaemia from chemotherapy?

Your treatment might increase the risk of you getting another type of cancer in the future. If you have had chemotherapy to treat Hod gkin lymphoma, you have a small increased risk of getting leukaemia in the future (between 1 and 3%).

Can you take things in to the cancer day clinic?

You usually have treatment into your bloodstream at the cancer day clinic. You might sit in a chair for a few hours so it’s a good idea to take things in to do. For example, newspapers, books or electronic devices can all help to pass the time. You can usually bring a friend or family member with you.

Can you have children with Hodgkin lymphoma?

Loss of fertility. Some chemotherapy used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma can cause damage to your ovaries or testicles. This can mean that you can't have children (infertility). It is difficult for doctors to say definitely whether this will happen to you.

Does HL go away?

For some people, HL may never go away completely. These people may get regular treatments with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other therapies to help control it for as long as possible and to help relieve symptoms. Learning to live with HL that doesn't go away can be difficult and very stressful.

Do supplements help with HL?

About dietary supplements. So far, no dietary supplements (including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products) have been shown to clearly help lower the risk of HL progressing or coming back. This doesn’t mean that no supplements will help, but it’s important to know that none have been proven to do so.

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 you go back to follow up after HL?

Follow-up after Hodgkin Lymphoma. Even if you’ve completed treatment, your doctors will still want to watch you closely. It’s very important to go to all your follow-up appointments because HL can sometimes come back even many years after treatment. Some treatment side effects might last a long time or might not even show up ...

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.

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 .)

What is the treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually includes chemotherapy and radiation. Both treatments increase the risk for certain types of cancer. These include leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and bone cancer. Seeing your oncologist annually, and undergoing any recommended testing, may help catch any signs of cancer.

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.

Does Hodgkin's lymphoma increase the risk of cancer?

3. Hodgkin’s lymphoma increases the risk of a second cancer. People who have experienced Hodgkin’s lymphoma have a higher-than-average chance of developing a second type of cancer later in life. That’s true even if you’re in remission. That’s why it’s so important to continue monitoring your health by staying up-to-date with your doctor’s ...

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.

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.

Is it possible to relapse from Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The five year survival rate is currently about 86 percent. That’s a higher rate than many other cancers. However, relapse is still possible. Your doctor is always the best source of information regarding your Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment and outlook.

How long can you wait to get treatment for NHL?

"About half of all patients can put off treatment for at least 3 years," Abetti says. "Some patients can be in watch-and-wait mode for 10 years or more .". It's possible you'll never need treatment.

Can you wait to get treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

It's an approach called "watch and wait," and it might be a choice for you if you don't have any pain or other symptoms. Your doctor will keep a close eye on your disease, and they won't start treatment ...

Can you wait to see a doctor for lymphoma?

Also, if you aren't very good about visiting your doctor, watch and wait may not be a good choice. If you wait too long to set up an appointment, your lymphoma may get worse. Pagination. 1.

Is it hard to accept that you're not actively treating your cancer?

There's a risk that your cancer may change to a fast-growing type. It may also be hard to accept that you're not actively treating your cancer. Tsai says many of his patients struggle with this, but they feel better when they learn that watch and wait is an accepted strategy.

Can you wait to see your doctor if you have a slow growing NHL?

Also, if you aren't very good about visiting your doctor, watch and wait may not be a good choice.

What is the best treatment for lymphoma?

Depending on the type and stage (extent) of the lymphoma and other factors, treatment options for people with NHL might include: 1 Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 2 Immunotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 3 Targeted Therapy Drugs for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 4 Radiation Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 5 High-Dose Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplant for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 6 Surgery for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

What kind of doctor treats lymphoma?

Based on your treatment options, you may have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors could include: A medical oncologist or hematologist: a doctor who treats lymphoma with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy.

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.

Can you continue cancer treatment?

Whether or not you continue treatment, there are still things you can do to help maintain or improve your quality of life.

Is treatment information given here official policy of the American Cancer Society?

The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Choice of treatment is based on the stage of lymphoma, severity, and overall health of the patient. Treatments include medications, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant.
Medication

Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells.

Adriamycin . Bleomycin . Vinblastine . Dacarbazine

Procedures

Bone marrow transplantation: Also known as stem cell transplant, the therapy involves introducing healthy bone marrow stem cells from a donor.

Therapy

Radiation therapy:Uses high energy waves to destroy cancer cells.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Learn about the disease.
  • Get adequate rest.
  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet.
  • Remain physically active.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods low in saturated fat: e.g. fish, lean meat, skinless poultry, eggs, nonfat and low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes
  • Drink plenty of fluids: e.g. water, soup

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Oncologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Hematologist
Specializes in the study of the blood and blood disorders.

Coping and Support

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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

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • 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

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