Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for non-hodgkin's lymphoma?

by Brycen Renner Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, although some people may not need treatment straight away. In a few cases, if the initial cancer is very small and can be removed during a biopsy, no further treatment may be needed.

Medication

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

Procedures

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.
  • A bone marrow transplant doctor: a doctor who specializes in treating cancer or other diseases with bone marrow or stem cell transplants.

Therapy

Lymphoma is categorized based on the types of cancer cells present, such as Reed-Sternberg cells, which can be identified when a tissue sample is viewed under a microscope. Certain forms of lymphoma, such as early-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma, usually respond well to treatment and therefore have a high cure rate.

Self-care

  • Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, are drugs that block proteasome (enzymes found in cells) activity, allowing defective proteins to accumulate. ...
  • Lenalidomide is approved for mantle cell lymphoma.
  • Ibrutinib for mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and lymphoplasmocytic lymphoma.
  • Acalabrutinib for mantle cell lymphoma.

More items...

Nutrition

What is Hodgkins lymphoma and can it be treated?

What is the best treatment for lymphoma?

Is Hodgkin lymphoma curable or not?

How do we treat Hodgkin lymphoma?

See more

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How long does treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma take?

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 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma be completely cured?

Yes, NHL is a very treatable disease and curable in many cases, particularly with aggressive NHL. Before treatment begins, it is necessary to know how far the cancer has advanced. This is called the stage of the disease.

What is the survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

The overall 5-year survival rate for people with NHL in the United States is 73%. For stage I NHL, the 5-year survival rate is more than 84%. For stage II the 5-year survival rate is 77%, and for stage III it is more than 71%. For stage IV NHL, the 5-year survival rate is almost 64%.

What are the treatment options for adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Depending on the type and stage (extent) of the lymphoma and other factors, treatment options for people with NHL might include:Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Immunotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Targeted Drug Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Radiation Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.More items...

Which is worse Non Hodgkins or 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.

Is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a death sentence?

What is the survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma? According to the American Cancer Society, about 71 percent of people of all races with non-Hodgkin lymphoma are still alive five years after diagnosis. Children tend to fare better, with 87 percent living for at least five years after diagnosis.

Can you live a long life after non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Takeaway. The outlook for people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma isn't generally as good as that of Hodgkin's lymphoma, but it still has a better outlook than many other cancers. More than 70 percent of people live longer than 5 years after their diagnosis.

Is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a terminal illness?

Survival for all non-Hodgkin lymphomas Generally, for people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in England: around 80 out of every 100 people (around 80%) survive their cancer for 1 year or more after they are diagnosed. around 65 out of every 100 people (around 65%) survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis.

How serious is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

NHL is a serious condition but commonly has a relatively promising outlook. Most people with NHL survive at least 5 years after a diagnosis. However, older people are more likely to die from the condition. Other factors that affect the outlook include the stage and spread of the cancer.

What is the newest treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) is made up of an antibody to CD30 that is attached to a cell poison. It has been shown to help treat patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and is now being studied for use against other types of lymphoma.

What is the most common treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Chemotherapy is a widely used treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma that involves using medicine to kill cancer cells. It may be used on its own, combined with biological therapy, or combined with radiotherapy. The medication can be given in a number of different ways, depending on the stage of your cancer.

What is the main cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is caused by a change (mutation) in the DNA of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, although the exact reason why this happens isn't known. DNA gives cells a basic set of instructions, such as when to grow and reproduce.

How to deal with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Maintain a strong support system. Keeping your close relationships strong will help you deal with your non-Hodg kin's lymphoma. Friends and family can provide the practical support you'll need, such as helping take care of your house if you're in the hospital. And they can serve as emotional support when you feel overwhelmed by cancer.

What tests can be done to detect lymphoma?

Imaging tests. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to look for signs of lymphoma cells elsewhere in your body. Tests may include CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET). Lymph node test. Your doctor may recommend a lymph node biopsy procedure to remove all or part of a lymph node for laboratory testing.

What tests can be done to check for swollen lymph nodes?

Physical exam. Your doctor checks for swollen lymph nodes, including in your neck, underarm and groin, as well as for a swollen spleen or liver. Blood and urine tests. Blood and urine tests may help rule out an infection or other disease. Imaging tests.

What is car T cell therapy?

A specialized treatment called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)- T cell therapy takes your body's germ-fighting T cells, engineers them to fight cancer and infuses them back into your body. CAR -T cell therapy might be an option for certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that haven't responded to other treatments.

Can you get a stem cell transplant with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

For people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chemotherapy is also used as part of a bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant. Very high doses of chemotherapy drugs can help prepare your body for the transplant.

Can non-Hodgkin's lymphoma be overwhelming?

A non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis can be overwhelming. The following strategies and resources may help you deal with cancer:

Can radiation kill lymphoma?

For certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, radiation therapy may be the only treatment you need, particularly if your lymphoma is slow growing and located in just one or two spots. More commonly, radiation is used after chemotherapy to kill any lymphoma cells that might remain.

What is the goal of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

The goal of treatment is to eradicate the lymphoma while causing as little damage as possible to normal cells to minimize the side effects of treatment .

How Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosed?

Non- Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed by a tissue biopsy. If there is an enlarged, painless lymph node, without an infection, a biopsy will be needed.

What test is used to determine if you have lymphoma?

Depending on your specific symptoms, the type of the lymphoma, its site of origin, and the biopsy results, you will need some or all of the following tests: Spinal tap (lumbar puncture), depending upon the type, stage, and location of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

What is the procedure to biopsy a lymph node?

To perform a lymph node biopsy a doctor will cut into the lymph node to remove a sample of tissue or remove the entire lymph node. If the biopsy shows non-Hodgkin lymphoma, further testing will be needed to determine the specific type as well as to determine the stage of disease.

Can you treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma alone?

The most common treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include: These treatments may be used in combination or alone, depending on the type, stage, and symptoms of the non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Is there a way to prevent non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Prevention of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Because most causes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are unknown, there are few ways known to prevent it. Researchers are looking into prevention of infections that have been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as HHV-8, HIV, HTLV-1, and H. pylori.

What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lymph system. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lymph system. The lymph system is part of the immune system. It helps protect the body from infection and disease. The lymph system is made up of the following:

What is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Follicular lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma is the most common type of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a very slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that begins in B lymphocytes. It affects the lymph nodes and may spread to the bone marrow or spleen. Most patients with follicular lymphoma are age 50 years and older when they are diagnosed. Follicular lymphoma may go away without treatment. The patient is closely watched for signs or symptoms that the disease has come back. Treatment is needed if signs or symptoms occur after the cancer disappeared or after initial cancer treatment. Sometimes follicular lymphoma can become a more aggressive type of lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

What is the name of the B cell lymphoma that grows and spreads quickly?

Burkitt lymphoma. Burkitt lymphoma is a type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that grows and spreads very quickly. It may affect the jaw, bones of the face, bowel, kidneys, ovaries, or other organs. There are three main types of Burkitt lymphoma ( endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency related).

What is intravascular large B cell lymphoma?

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. This type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affects blood vessels, especially the small blood vessels in the brain, kidney, lung, and skin. Signs and symptoms of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma are caused by blocked blood vessels. It is also called intravascular lymphomatosis.

What are the symptoms of diffuse large B cell lymphoma?

It grows quickly in the lymph nodes and often the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs are also affected. Signs and symptoms of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma may include fever, drenching night sweats, and weight loss. These are also called B symptoms.#N#Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. This type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It is marked by the overgrowth of fibrous (scar-like) lymph tissue. A tumor most often forms behind the breastbone. It may press on the airways and cause coughing and trouble breathing. Most patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma are women who are age 30 to 40 years.

Where does lymph enter the body?

The lymph enters the blood through a large vein near the heart. Lymph tissue is also found in other parts of the body such as the lining of the digestive tract, bronchus, and skin. Cancer can spread to the liver and lungs. There are two general types of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Where does mantle cell lymphoma spread?

It begins in the lymph nodes and spreads to the spleen, bone marrow, blood, and sometimes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Treatment options

Treatment will depend on the type of B-cell or T-cell lymphoma and how fast the lymphoma is growing ( the grade ).

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What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are lymphoid malignant neoplasms with diverse biological and clinical behavior. Patients typically present with persistent painless lymphadenopathy, but some patients may present with constitutional symptoms or with involvement of organs other than the lymphoid and hematopoietic system.

What is the basis of treatment selection?

An accurate diagnosis, careful staging of the disease, and identification of adverse prognostic factors form the basis of treatment selection. Patients commonly receive chemoimmunotherapy as initial treatment, and radiation therapy may be added if patients have early-stage disease.

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 to treat diffuse lymphoma?

A common treatment is 6 courses of CHOP chemo plus rituximab (R-CHOP). This may be followed by radiation to the mediastinum. Often a PET/CT scan is done after the chemo to see if there’s any lymphoma remaining in the chest. If no active lymphoma is seen on the PET/CT, the patient may be observed without further treatment. If the PET/CT scan is positive (shows possible active lymphoma), radiation may be needed. Sometimes, the doctor will order a biopsy of the chest tumor to confirm that lymphoma is still present before starting radiation.

How to treat malignant gastric lymphoma?

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). The chemo drugs used are the same as those used for follicular lymphoma, and may include single agents such as chlorambucil or fludarabine or combinations such as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) or CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone).

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.

What happens if you have a positive PET scan after chemo?

If the PET/CT scan is positive (shows possible active lymphoma), radiation may be needed.

What is the best treatment for mediastinal B cell lymphoma?

If the primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma comes back or does not respond to chemo, immunotherapy with the drug pembrolizumab may be an option.

What is the goal of lymphoma treatment?

In general, the goal of treatment is to destroy as many lymphoma cells as possible and to induce a complete remission. Complete remission means that all evidence of disease is eliminated. Patients who go into remission are sometimes cured of their disease. Treatment can also keep non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in check for many years, ...

How long does non-Hodgkin lymphoma stay in check?

Treatment can also keep non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in check for many years, even though imaging or other studies show remaining sites of disease. This situation may be referred to as a “partial remission.”.

What kind of doctor treats NHL patients?

This type of specialist is usually called a hematologist oncologist.

What is the most effective treatment for a patient with NHL?

The most effective treatment plan for a patient with NHL is individualized and depends on: The disease subtype. The disease stage and category. Factors, such as fever, drenching night sweats and loss of more than 10 percent of body weight over 6 months, referred to as “B symptoms”.

Is age a prognostic factor for lymphoma?

The presence of lymphoma in areas of the body outside of the lymph nodes (extra nodal involvement) Other prognostic factors, such as age and any underlying medical conditions. The patient’s age may be a factor, but older age is no longer a major determinant in treatment for most patients.

Can you get radiation therapy in an outpatient clinic?

Patients may undergo treatments over long periods, but most therapy can be administered in an outpatient setting. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy can be administered in an outpatient clinic of an oncology center. Short periods of hospitalization are sometimes required.

Is NHL curable for children?

Children and adolescents with NHL should be referred to medical centers that have a specialized pediatric oncology team to ensure that young patients receive optimal treatment, support and follow-up care. With current treatments, NHL in most children is highly curable. You also need to be concerned about the treatment's long-term effects including effects on fertility. Read more about Childhood Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The choice of treatment is based on the type and stage of lymphoma, age and overall health of the patient. Slow growing lymphoma may not require any treatment, but a regular follow-up may be recommended.
Medication

Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells; administered orally or intravenously.

Cyclophosphamide . Doxorubicin


Targeted therapy: To improve body’s immune system.

Rituximab

Procedures

Bone marrow transplantation: It is also known as stem cell transplant and the therapy involves introducing healthy bone marrow stem cells from a donor.

Therapy

Radiation therapy:High-powered energy beams like X-rays are used to kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Learn about your condition.
  • Keep your family and friends informed of your condition.
  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet.
  • Remain active.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in carbohydrates like rice, bread and pasta
  • Foods rich in vitamins and minerals like fruits and vegetables
  • Milk and other dairy Foods

Foods to avoid:

  • Foods rich in saturated fats like butter, meat and cakes
  • Processed Foods like sausages and crisps

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

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Several non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treatments are available. Which treatment or combination of treatments is best for you will depend on the particulars of your lymphoma, such as the types of cells involved and whether your lymphoma is aggressive. Your doctor also considers your overall health and your preferences. If your lymphoma appears to be slow growing (indolent) and doesn'…
See more on mayoclinic.org

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