Treatments for Lymphoma Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system and comes in two forms; Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatments for these cancers depends on a variety of factors, and your doctor will determine the most appropriate course of action.

Treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma

• Chemotherapy is the main treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma if several lymph nodes are involved or if the cancer has spread. Chemotherapy drugs are usually given in specific combinations.

  Radiation is appropriate if the cancer is limited to a small area. You will receive radiation to the affected lymph nodes and the next closest ones it might affect. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with chemotherapy, depending on the nature of your cancer.

  If you go into remission and your cancer comes back, bone marrow or stem cell transplants are an option. Healthy cells that were collected from your body after successful treatment are frozen and stored. Before transplantation, you will receive high-dose chemotherapy to kill cancerous cells. The healthy marrow or cells are then injected into your body.

Treatment for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

• If your cancer appears to be slow-growing, you might not require immediate treatment. Your doctor will regularly monitor your condition and determine a course of action.

  If your non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is advanced, chemotherapy is the main treatment. You might receive a single drug or a combination treatment.

  Radiation is most common for early stages of low-grade lymphoma. You might also receive radiation in conjunction with chemotherapy for intermediate-grade lymphoma tumors or for tumors that have spread beyond the lymphatic system, like the brain or lungs.

  Stem cell transplantation is often used for intermediate or high-grade tumors that come back after successful chemotherapy treatment. Healthy stem cells that were previously withdrawn from your blood or bone marrow are injected into your body.

  Rituxan is a medication used for B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; it encourages the immune system to destroy cancer cells. Zevalin and Bexxar combine immune-stimulating antibodies with radioactive isotopes; the antibodies attach to the cancer cells and the isotopes destroy them. They come with serious side effects and are usually used after other treatments have failed. Interferon therapy uses proteins naturally found in our body to fight infection and strengthen the immune system.

Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

• Treatment for ovarian cancer usually entails a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, nearby lymph nodes and a part of the abdomen where the cancer tends to spread. The surgeon will also remove fluid and tissue from your abdomen to determine staging and the need for additional therapy.

  Chemotherapy is common after surgery. The most common first-line treatment includes Paraplatin and Taxol injected intravenously. If your cancer is at an advanced stage, a combination therapy including the above regimen and chemotherapy injections into the abdomen can improve survival.

  If chemotherapy is not working, Avastin is often used. It aims to cut off the blood supply of tumors, causing them to shrink.

Supplementation

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some herbs have demonstrated anti-cancer benefits and can also strengthen the immune system. These herbs might enhance your conventional treatments; talk to your doctor before using natural supplements. The herbs include green tea (500 mg daily), reishi mushroom (300 mg daily), olive leaf (500 mg daily) and fermented wheat germ extract. Dissolve one packet of wheat germ in a beverage once or twice a day.

Acupuncture for Side Effects of Treatment

• The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends acupuncture to ease side effects of conventional cancer treatments. It has been extensively studied and shows benefit. Visit a licensed practitioner.