Cancer Treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type cancer of the lymphatic system. The cause is not known. Although it can occur at any age, according to the Mayo Clinic people over the age of 60 are most affected. Symptoms include night sweats, fatigue, itchy skin and fevers. Several different types of treatment are available for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Facts

• There are different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, depending on what cell type is involved. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the majority of patients have B-cell lymphoma. The other main type is T-cell. The cancer can be considered low grade, which is slow growing, or high grade, which is aggressive. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the stage of the lymphoma, cell type involved and the age of the patient.

Treatment Types

• There are several types of treatment, and people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma often have a combination of treatments. Chemotherapy is often given. Common chemo drugs include Carboplatin and Vincristine. It may be given orally, intravenously or, in some patients, injected into the fluid in the spine. According to the Mayo Clinic, radiation is also given in some cases and may include either external or internal. According to the National Cancer Institute, biological therapy, such as monoclonal antibody, may be given and uses a patient's immune system to help destroy the cancer.

Side Effects

• The side effects for the chemotherapy medications given for non-Hodgkin patients are similar to other types of cancer chemotherapy. They include vomiting, a decrease in white blood cells, mouth sores and hair loss. Rash, fatigue and headache are common side effects of biological therapy. Radiation therapy side effects include skin irritation and stomach upset. Medication can be given to help reduce certain side effects of treatment including nausea.

Time Frame

• Although exact treatment plans will vary, standard chemotherapy for B-cell, which is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is about six months. Chemotherapy is usually given in three- or four-week cycles, but it can be shortened to two weeks between treatments depending on the patient. Biological therapy is given in weekly injections, often over the course of four weeks. Radiation therapy may be given daily for several weeks, depending on the stage of the lymphoma.

Considerations

• Some people with early-stage lymphoma, which is classified as low grade, may just be monitored closely and not receive treatment if they don't have symptoms. If their condition worsens, treatment would start. The treatment given to children with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may be different than with adults. Since children are still developing, some treatments may have side effects that interfere with growth and learning. For instance, according to the American Cancer Society, radiation in children is only given in a limited amount. Other treatments, such as chemotherapy, are given much more frequently.