What are Treatments for B-Cell Lymphoma?

The treatment for B-cell lymphoma 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 B-cell lymphoma specialist will recommend depends on your age, B-cell lymphoma subtype, and if you have any other medical conditions. Explore the different categories below to learn more about treatment options for B-cell lymphoma.

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often the first line of treatment for B-cell lymphoma. It involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. The specific drugs used can vary, but common ones include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP). Rituximab, a type of immunotherapy drug, is often added to this regimen (R-CHOP).

2. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. For B-cell lymphoma, monoclonal antibodies like rituximab, obinutuzumab, and ofatumumab are often used. These drugs work by binding to specific proteins on cancer cells, which helps the immune system recognize and destroy them.

3. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. For B-cell lymphoma, targeted therapies might include drugs like ibrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax. These drugs work by blocking the growth of cancer cells in different ways.

4. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. This treatment may be used for B-cell lymphoma if the disease is localized to one area of the body.

5. Stem Cell Transplant

A stem cell transplant (also known as a bone marrow transplant) may be used for B-cell lymphoma if other treatments aren't working. This treatment involves replacing the patient's diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells that can make new blood cells. The stem cells can come from the patient (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant).

6. Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are not just a last resort for treating B-cell lymphoma. 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 avariety of factors including the patient's age, overall health, the subtype of B-cell lymphoma, 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 B-cell lymphoma clinical trial options, visit HealthTree for B-Cell Lymphoma's 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 B-cell lymphoma specialist.

Want to Learn More About B-Cell Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for B-Cell Lymphoma's 101 pages!

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