Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma refers to cancers that originate in the lymph system. The lymph system is a part of the body's immune system, and contains lymphoid tissue (like bone marrow and the spleen), lymphocytes (lymph cells) and lymph nodes. Unlike most cancers, which are named for the body part the cancer originates in (for example, breast cancer originates in the breast), Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma can originate in any body part that is in the lymph system. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is distinct from the other type of lymphoma cancer, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, because of the difference in the appearance of cancer cells when viewed under a microscope. The treatment method for Non-Hodgkin 's Lymphoma varies depending on the stage of cancer, the specific type of lymphoma and the extent of the cancer spread. The American Cancer society states that lymphoma is still difficult to treat, but recent advances in treatment have improved the prognosis for patients diagnosed with this form of cancer.
Surgery
Surgery is generally used only to diagnose lymphoma, not as a method of treatment. When lymphoma is suspected, surgery is often performed to obtain tissue samples for doctors to biopsy to determine the type and extent of the caner. However, surgery is not effective at removing the cancer from the body. In rare cases, if the lymphoma starts in organs like the thyroid or stomach and is caught before it spreads, surgery may be an option. However, radiation is generally more effective at treating localized lymphomas (lymphoma that is located in only one spot in the body).
Radiation
Radiation is commonly used in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, especially if the cancer is discovered in Stage I or Stage II. Radiation usually involves directing high energy beams (like X-rays) at the body to kill cancer cells in a process called external beam radiation. Radiation is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy, and early stage lymphomas tend to respond well to this treatment, according to the American Cancer Society. Radiation may also be used for later stage cancers as well. If the cancer has spread, or metastasized, to other organs, radiation may be administered as a pain-management therapy to relieve symptoms. Here, the goal is not cure but improving quality of life.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy refers to a class of over 100 cancer killing drugs. Chemotherapy is usually administered systemically, through an intravenous drip (which means it is injected into your body into a vein and travels through the bloodstream). Because chemotherapy can kill cancer cells throughout the whole body, it is useful in treating lymphomas. Some patients with lymphoma in the brain or spinal cord also receive intrathecal chemotherapy, which means the chemotherapy drug is injected into the spinal fluid. The most common combination of chemotherapy drugs used for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma consists of a combination of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone.
Stem Cell Transplants (SCT)
Stem cell transplants are a treatment option prescribed for approximately 4,000 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma patients each year. This treatment is usually used for patients who are in remission or who have a recurrence of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Stem cell transplants allow doctors to administer higher doses of chemotherapy and radiation, because they help keep cell counts high that are normally destroyed by the chemo and radiation treatments.
Immunotherapy
Immune therapies are drugs designed to mimic functions of the immune system. Two major immunotherapy drugs are used in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: rituximab and Ibritumomab. Rituximab helps to kill lymphoma cells by attaching to a substance called CD20 on the cells. Ibritumomab is similar, but also has a radioactive element that brings radiation directly to the lymphoma cells, as an alternative to external beam radiation.
Tags: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, cancer cells, lymph system, American Cancer, beam radiation, body part, cancer originates