A Guide to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment Options

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that attacks your lymphatic system, specifically the lymph nodes, bone marrow, tonsils,  and spleen. The lymphatic system contains lymphocytes (white blood cells) and protects the body against diseases. Since there are a number of forms of lymphoma, each type requires a different course of treatment. The lymphoma treatment will ultimately depend on the stage of the disease and the areas affected by the tumor.

Lymphoma Treatments

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most common treatment method for treating most types of cancer and comes in a variety of different medications, like alkylating agents, corticosteroids, and purine analogs. It is also the primary treatment for most people with lymphoma. Chemotherapy works to eliminate cancer cells and slow down the growth of tumors. Depending on the case, in addition to chemotherapy, some patients also undergo radiation therapy and take immunotherapy medications. Unfortunately, the side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, nausea, and sores.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy treatment enhances the immune system’s resilience to the cancer cells so the body can naturally battle the disease. Immunotherapy comes in the form of medications that contain monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies attack the cancer cells without damaging the healthy cells. Another alternative is radioimmunotherapy, which also includes a radioisotope that helps the antibodies attach themselves directly to the lymphoma cells.

Stem cell transplant

Before radiation and chemotherapy, your doctor may collect stem cells from your bone marrow for a future transplant upon the completion of chemotherapy or radiation. This measure is taken in case radiation or chemotherapy damages the bone marrow while targeting the cancer cells.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy entails the use of high-energy X-rays to destroy the lymphoma cells. Radiation therapy is often the preferred treatment method if the non-Hodgkin lymphoma is in stage I or II. Those who are are to get a stem cell transplant can also receive radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy to destroy the cancer cells in the entire body. In very advanced cases, radiation therapy is used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy may cause nausea in addition to fatigue, skin irritations, and diarrhea.

Surgery is rarely needed. However, supportive care to prevent low blood count and infections associated with the condition becomes imperative in treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

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Posted on May 5, 2023