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What Are Treatments For Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, the body's disease-fighting network. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped structures that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease), the spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma varies depending on the type and stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and whether the lymphoma is aggressive or slow-growing. The main treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, a stem cell transplant and clinical trials.
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body. It is the most common treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The specific drugs used in chemotherapy treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP). Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, is often added to this regimen which is then called R-CHOP.
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. Radiation therapy is often used in early-stage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
3. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that helps your immune system to fight cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are a type of immunotherapy used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These drugs attach to specific antigens on the surface of lymphoma cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system. Rituximab and obinutuzumab are examples of monoclonal antibodies used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, usually by targeting the differences that help a cancer cell grow and survive. Ibrutinib and idelalisib are examples of targeted therapy drugs used in the treatment 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 your body to replace your damaged or diseased bone marrow. It may be an option if non-Hodgkin's lymphoma returns despite treatment. Before a stem cell transplant, you'll receive high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy to destroy your diseased bone marrow. Then you'll receive an infusion of stem cells that travel to your bone marrow where they produce new blood cells.
6. Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are not just a last resort for treating non-Hodgkin's 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 a variety of factors including the patient's age, overall health, the subtype of the disease, 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 clinical trial options, visit HealthTree'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 specialist.