What Are Treatments For Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, specifically in the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. There are several types of lymphoma, but the main categories are Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the patient's overall health. The main treatments for lymphoma include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used.

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in the body, including lymphoma cells. It is often used as the first line of treatment for lymphoma. The specific drugs used in chemotherapy for lymphoma may include Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone (CHOP regimen). These drugs can be given orally or injected into a vein.

2. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. The specific type of radiation therapy used for lymphoma is called external beam radiation therapy, which is delivered from a machine outside the body.

3. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It can be used to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer cells. The specific drugs used in immunotherapy for lymphoma may include monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab (Rituxan) and obinutuzumab (Gazyva), and immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo).

4. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that targets the specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. The specific drugs used in targeted therapy for lymphoma may include ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and idelalisib (Zydelig), which are used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

5. Stem Cell Transplant

A stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, is a procedure that infuses healthy blood-forming stem cells into the body to replace the lymphoma-damaged bone marrow. The stem cells can be the patient's own (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant).

Want to Learn More About Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for Lymphoma's 101 pages!

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