What are Treatments for Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma?

The treatment for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) typically involves several phases and can include a variety of treatment modalities including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, stem cell transplant, immunotherapies and clinical trials. The treatment your AITL specialist will recommend depends on your age, AITL subtype, and if you have any other medical conditions. Explore the different categories below to learn more about treatment options for AITL.

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the main treatment for AITL. It involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. The most commonly used regimen is CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), but other regimens like EPOCH (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin) or hyper-CVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) may also be used. These drugs are usually given intravenously, but some can be taken orally.

2. Stem Cell Transplant

Stem cell transplant, also known as bone marrow transplant, may be considered for some patients with AITL, especially those who have not responded to chemotherapy or whose disease has relapsed. This treatment involves high-dose chemotherapy followed by an infusion of stem cells to replace the bone marrow that has been destroyed. The stem cells can be the patient's own (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant).

3. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. In the case of AITL, drugs like alemtuzumab (Campath), brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris), and nivolumab (Opdivo) may be used. These drugs work by targeting specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, helping the immune system to recognize and destroy them.

4. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a newer type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, usually by targeting the differences that make cancer cells different from normal cells. For AITL, drugs like romidepsin (Istodax), pralatrexate (Folotyn), and belinostat (Beleodaq) may be used. These drugs work by blocking the action of certain enzymes or proteins that help cancer cells grow and divide.

5. Supportive Care

Supportive care, also known as palliative care, is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. It may include pain management, nutritional support, and psychological support. It can be given at any stage of the disease and is often given alongside other treatments.

6. Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are not just a last resort for treating AITL. They can actually provide access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet approved but show promise over years of testing. The choice of a clinical trial depends on a variety of factors including the patient's age, overall health, and genetic changes in the lymphoma cells. It's important to discuss all treatment options, including goals and possible side effects, with your healthcare team to help make the best decision. 

To learn more about your AITL clinical trial options, visit HealthTree's AITL Clinical Trial Finder. Utilize the advanced filter option to locate trials that you are eligible to participate in. You can create a HealthTree account to favorite your top trial options so you can discuss them with your AITL specialist.

Want to Learn More About Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma's 101 pages!

• What Is Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma?
• How Is Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma?
• How Is Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma Staged And Classified?