Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for lymphoma

by Dr. Cheyenne Lehner DDS Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination is typically used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may also sometimes be done under special circumstances. Most patients with Hodgkin lymphoma live long and healthy lives following successful treatment.

Medication

Many people treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma will receive some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these. Bone marrow, stem cell transplantation, or CAR T-cell therapy may sometimes be used.

Procedures

Treatment for lymphoma may include radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. It may also include immunotherapy or other new treatments. The treatment that is best for you will depend on many factors, such as the type of lymphoma you have and whether it has come back after previous treatment.

Therapy

Jul 18, 2021 · The two main types, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of therapies. People with NHL may also benefit from newer biologic drugs and CAR T-cell therapy. Stem cell transplants are sometimes needed if lymphoma relapse occurs. Not all lymphomas can be cured.

Self-care

If the lymphoma is large, is causing symptoms, or is growing, it can be treated with radiation therapy to the stomach, rituximab, chemo, chemo plus rituximab, or a targeted drug such as ibrutinib (Imbruvica) or zanubrutinib (Brukinsa).

Nutrition

There are many different treatments used for lymphoma. If your medical team has recommended that you start treatment, you can find out more about your type of treatment on our detailed pages on: Chemotherapy Radiotherapy Targeted treatments and antibody therapy Steroids Stem cell transplants CAR T-cell therapy Treatment for skin lymphoma

What treatment is usually used to treat lymphoma?

How is non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated? Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Immunotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Targeted Drug Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Radiation Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. High-Dose Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Transplant for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Surgery for ...

What are some natural remedies for lymphoma?

Dec 03, 2021 · What lymphoma treatment is best for you depends on your lymphoma type and its severity. Lymphoma treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy medications, radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant or some combination of these. Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Show more products from Mayo Clinic Types

How much does it cost to treat lymphoma?

Apr 06, 2022 · Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment The majority of people with Hodgkin's lymphoma can be cured. 13 If you are newly diagnosed, your treatment may consist of radiation and chemotherapy, or chemotherapy alone. One of the most commonly used chemotherapy regimens for HL is called ABVD, which stands for: 13 A driamycin (doxorubicin) B lenoxane (bleomycin)

Can lymphoma kill you?

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What is the most common treatment for lymphoma?

The main treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma are chemotherapy alone, or chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. Occasionally, chemotherapy may be combined with steroid medicine. Surgery isn't generally used to treat the condition, except for the biopsy used to diagnose it.

Can you be completely cured of lymphoma?

Many people with Hodgkin lymphoma are cured, but the treatments used can lead to health problems in the future. See your doctor regularly, get the recommended cancer screening tests , and tell your health care team about any changes you notice in how you feel.May 1, 2018

How long does treatment for lymphoma last?

Treatment is normally given in short daily sessions, Monday to Friday, usually for no more than 3 weeks. You shouldn't have to stay in hospital between appointments.

What are the chances of surviving lymphoma?

The overall 5-year relative survival rate for people with NHL is 73%. But it's important to keep in mind that survival rates can vary widely for different types and stages of lymphoma....Follicular lymphoma.SEER Stage5-Year Relative Survival RateRegional91%Distant86%All SEER stages combined90%1 more row•Mar 2, 2022

What are the warning signs of lymphoma?

Lymphoma warning signs include swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, weight loss, shortness of breath, drenching night sweats, tiredness, and swelling in the abdomen. Lymphoma is a cancer of certain cells that are part of the body's immune system called lymphocytes.Mar 24, 2021

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 normal life after lymphoma?

It takes time but most people adjust well to life after a diagnosis of lymphoma and find a 'new normal'. This might involve making some changes to your everyday life.

Can you live a long life after 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 ...Apr 26, 2018

Do you lose your hair with chemo for lymphoma?

Chemotherapy and hair loss. 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 type of lymphoma is worse?

Is Hodgkin's worse than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma? The progression of Hodgkin's lymphoma is typically more predictable than that of non-Hodgkin's 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.Aug 24, 2021

What type of lymphoma is not curable?

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma or Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. This is a rare, slow-growing type of lymphoma. It's found mainly in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. People with this type usually live many years with the disease, but it's usually not curable.

Where does lymphoma usually start?

Lymphomas can start anywhere in the body where lymph tissue is found. The major sites of lymph tissue are: Lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are bean-sized collections of lymphocytes and other immune system cells throughout the body, including inside the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.Aug 1, 2018

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tends to grow quickly. Most often, the treatment is chemotherapy (chemo), usually with a regimen of 4 drugs k...

Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)

Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are considered different versions of the same disease. The main difference...

Extranodal Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma – Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma

Gastric (stomach) MALT lymphoma, the most common type, often occurs as a result of a chronic infection with the bacterium H. pylori, and it often r...

Nodal Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma

This rare type of lymphoma is generally slow growing (indolent), and it often doesn’t need to be treated right away. If it does need treatment, it...

Splenic Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma

This is typically a slow-growing lymphoma. If it is not causing symptoms, it is often watched closely without treating it right away.About 1 in 3 p...

Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma (Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia)

The main treatment for this lymphoma is usually chemo or rituximab. For more detailed information see Treating Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia.

Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma

This lymphoma begins in the brain or spinal cord. It often develops in older people or those with immune system problems caused by AIDS or drugs gi...

What is the treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Many people treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma will receive some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these. Bone marrow, stem cell transplantation, or CAR T-cell therapy may sometimes be used.

How long can you live with indolent disease?

Patients may live for 20 years or more following an initial diagnosis. In certain patients with an indolent form of the disease, treatment may not be necessary until there are signs of progression. Response to treatment can also change over time.

Is lymphoma a heterogeneous disease?

Blood cancers, including lymphoma, are extremely heterogeneous, and can involve a variety of treatment options, often in combination. Some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination is typically used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may also sometimes be done under special ...

Lymphoma Prognosis

The outlook for people with lymphoma has never been better, thanks to advances in molecular and genetic tumor testing and improvements in understanding the biology of different lymphoma types.

Why choose Memorial Sloan Kettering for lymphoma treatment?

At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we are committed to providing all our patients with access to the most effective and innovative treatments. Our lymphoma patients have excellent outcomes and receive superior care.

What is the treatment for lymphoma?

Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy , also known as radiotherapy, uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation is a local therapy, which means that it only affects cancer cells in the treated area. Radiation is often used on its own to treat lymphomas that have not spread.

What is immunotherapy for lymphoma?

Immunotherapy, also called immune-oncology, refers to treatments that interact with the immune system. Some of the immunotherapeutic drugs used in lymphoma are designed to recognize proteins on the surface of lymphoma cells, called antigens. The drugs target and attach to these antigens, and thereafter signal the immune system to attack and kill the "tagged" cells.

What is the advantage of chemotherapy?

The advantage of chemotherapy is that it can travel throughout the bloodstream to kill cancer cells wherever they are located. Lymphoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth in one of two different types of white blood cells, known as T-cells and B-cells.

How many types of lymphoma are there?

There are nearly 30 different types of lymphoma, numerous subtypes, and a variety of disease stages, each of which requires different treatment approaches. The two main types, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of therapies.

What is a chop?

CHOP is an acronym for cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin (a.k.a. doxorubicin), Oncovin, and prednisone. The drugs, some of which are delivered by IV and others by mouth, are given in six to eight 21-day cycles. R-CHOP regimen is used to treat diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and involves an additional biologic drug known as Rituxan ...

How long do low grade lymphoma remain indolent?

Many low-grade lymphomas remain indolent for years. Rather than exposing you to drugs that are likely to cause side effects, your doctor may recommend the active monitoring of the disease, also known as a "watch-and-wait" approach.

Can radiation be used for lymphoma?

In rare cases, extended field radiation (EFR) may be used to treat lymphoma that is widespread (although it is far less commonly used today than it once was). The indications for radiation vary by the type and stage: HL is typically treated with radiation alone as long as the malignancy is localized.

What is the treatment for lymphoma?

If treatment is needed for lymphoma that is only in 1 lymph node group or in 2 nearby groups on the same side of the diaphragm (the thin muscle separating the chest from the abdomen), the preferred treatment is radiation therapy to the lymph node areas affected by lymphoma (called involved site radiation ).

What is the treatment for follicular lymphoma?

If treatment is needed for follicular lymphoma that is only in 1 lymph node group or in 2 nearby groups that are both above or below the diaphrag m (the thin muscle separating the chest from the abdomen), the preferred treatment is radiation therapy to the lymph node areas affected by lymphoma (called involved site radiation ). Other choices include treatment with chemo plus a monoclonal antibody (rituximab [Rituxan] or obinutuzumab [Gazyva]), or rituximab alone, which might be followed by radiation therapy.

What is the treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) tends to grow quickly. Most often, the treatment is chemotherapy (chemo), usually with a regimen of 4 drugs known as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), plus the monoclonal antibody rituximab (Rituxan). This regimen, known as R-CHOP, is most often given in cycles 3 weeks apart.

How many chemo drugs are needed for lymphoma?

It is usually treated in the hospital with intensive chemo, which usually includes at least 5 chemo drugs. Rituximab may also be added. Some examples of chemo regimens used for this lymphoma include:

Where does lymphoma start?

This lymphoma begins in the brain or spinal cord. It often develops in older people or those with immune system problems caused by AIDS or drugs given to keep transplanted organs from being rejected.

Is lymphocytic leukemia the same as lymphocytic lymphoma?

Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are considered different versions of the same disease. The main difference is where the cancer cells are (the blood and bone marrow for CLL, and the lymph nodes and spleen for SLL). CLL and SLL tend to grow slowly, but are very hard to cure.

What is a chemo drug?

The chemo can be a single drug (such as bendamustine) or a combination of drugs, such as the CHOP ( cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vin cristine, prednisone) or CVP ( cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone) regimens. If some lymph nodes are very large from the lymphoma, radiation may be used to reduce symptoms.

Treatments for lymphoma

Our information on types of lymphoma outlines the most commonly used treatments for each type of lymphoma. Your specialist might recommend a different treatment to those most commonly used based on your individual circumstances.

How is my treatment decided?

Your treatment is planned by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals who are specialists in different areas. Your medical team aims to offer you treatment that has the best chance of successfully treating your lymphoma with the fewest possible side effects or long-term effects on your health.

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.

What is a radiation oncologist?

A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy. A bone marrow transplant doctor: a doctor who specializes in treating cancer or other diseases with bone marrow or stem cell transplants. You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, ...

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 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.

What do people with cancer need?

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

What is the treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Lymphoma treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy medications, radiation therapy, a bone marrow transplant or some combination of these .

What causes lymphoma to multiply?

Causes. Doctors aren't sure what causes lymphoma. But it begins when a disease-fighting white blood cell called a lymphocyte develops a genetic mutation. The mutation tells the cell to multiply rapidly, causing many diseased lymphocytes that continue multiplying.

What is the lymphatic system?

Your body's lymphatic system is part of your immune system, which protects you against infection and disease. The lymphatic system includes your spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and lymph channels, as well as your tonsils and adenoids. Lymph nodes are bean-sized collections of lymphocytes.

What is lymph node?

The nodes are connected by a network of lymphatic vessels. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting network. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (lymph glands), spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all those areas as well as other organs throughout the body.

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Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatments include medications, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant.
Medication

Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, either as pill or injected directly into the bloodstream through the veins (intravenous).

Methotrexate


Targeted drug therapy: Drugs that target a particular substance on the cancer cells are used to destroy them.

Bortezomib


Immunotherapy: Work by targeting various proteins on tumor cells.

Nivolumab

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 powerful rays to kill cancer cells.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Get adequate rest
  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • NA

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.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Which lymphoma treatments are right for you depends on the type and stage of your disease, your overall health, and your preferences. The goal of treatment is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible and bring the disease into remission. Lymphoma treatments include: 1. Active surveilla
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