Lymphoma Treatment Options

Overview of Treatment Options for Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

Many different types of treatment are available for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. Before starting treatment, patients may want to get a second opinion to determine what treatment option may be best for them. This treatment section only covers adults with NHL. The cause of your Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, or the risk factors you have, typically will not affect the treatments available to you.

Clinical trials are taking place in many parts of the country, as well as overseas, especially in Europe. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI clinical trials Web site. Choosing the most appropriate cancer treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, family, and health care team. Second opinions on your treatment options are always a good idea.

Three types of standard treatment are used:

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells and keep them from growing. There are two types of radiation therapy. External (beam) radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation focused on the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken by mouth or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy). When chemotherapy is placed directly into the spinal column, an organ, or a body cavity such as the abdomen, the drugs mainly affect cancer cells in those areas (regional chemotherapy). To treat certain types of adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma that spread to the brain, CNS prophylaxis (chemotherapy given to kill cancer cells in the brain or spinal cord) may be used. The method of delivering the chemotherapy depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.

Combination chemotherapy is treatment using two or more anticancer drugs. Steroid drugs may be added, to relieve swelling and inflammation, but they do not fight cancer.

Biologic therapy

Biologic therapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Substances made by the body or made in a laboratory are used to boost, direct, or restore the body’s natural defenses against cancer. This type of cancer treatment is also called biotherapy or immunotherapy.

Monoclonal antibody therapy is a type of biologic therapy used to treat adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  This is a cancer treatment that uses antibodies made in the laboratory, from a single type of immune system cell. These antibodies can identify substances on cancer cells or normal substances that may help cancer cells grow. The antibodies attach to the substances and kill the cancer cells, block their growth, or keep them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies are given by infusion.  They may be used alone or to carry drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to cancer cells.  Monoclonal antibodies that have been joined to radioactive material are called radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies.

For a detailed discussion of treatments for NHL see the National Cancer Institute's discussion for patients and also the very detailed statement for health professionals.  The second statement is more difficult to read but with an online dictionary it is reasonable.

Legal Questions

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and think it may be caused by toxic exposure to organic solvents like benzene, and you have legal questions or require legal assistance, contact Paul & Hanley LLP.

Our firm has an outstanding track record of success in cases across the country, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion. We've built our reputation on toxic tort litigation representing individuals diagnosed with NHL, mesothelioma and other serious diseases with dignity and respect.

We handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case.  We understand your case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.  We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Our toll free telephone number is 800 933-2244. We look forward to helping you.