Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment

A cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a part of the body’s immune system, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) also is referred to as non-Hodgkin lymphoma or lymphoma. In this form of cancer, two types of white blood cells called B-lymphocytes (B-cells) and T-lymphocytes (T-cells) that work to fight off infections become cancerous. Approximately 65,000 new cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are expected to be diagnosed in 2010¹.

There are many different forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which are typically classified by cell type (B-cell lymphomas or T-cell lymphomas) or rate of growth (aggressive/fast-growing or indolent/slow-growing). It’s important to know exactly the type of lymphoma that is diagnosed -- Burkitt lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma to name a few -- as treatment options vary depending on the type of lymphoma.

However, treatment options for NHL generally fall in one or more of the following categories of therapy:

Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy rays to kill lymphoma cells is a standard treatment option. Radiation can be given externally, which focuses on an area of the body where there is a large tumor, or it can be given systemically, which occurs when it is injected directly into the body along with another treatment called a monoclonal antibody. It can be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy: Given intravenously or by mouth, a combination of one or more chemotherapy agents are usually given to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Chemotherapy can be given in combination with radiation therapy or with biological/immune therapies.
Biological Therapy or Immunotherapy: These type of therapies are specifically designed to attack a particular target or component found on the surface of the lymphoma cells. They are referred to as monoclonal antibodies, because they are man-made versions of antibodies, or proteins that the body makes to fight off infections. Drugs such as Rituxan, Zevalin, and Bexxar are types of monoclonal antibodies that are used to treat different forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Zevalin and Bexxar also deliver doses of radiation directly to the tumor.
Stem Cell Transplantation: If the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma recurs after initial treatment, a stem cell transplant may be considered in some patients. This form of treatment occurs when high doses of chemotherapy or radiation are given to destroy bone marrow cells (where white blood cells develop) and then are replaced with healthy stem cells, which form new white blood cells, previously removed from the patient or a donor.

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