Treatment of Lymphoma

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Lymphomas are among the most treatable of all cancers. Many people with lymphoma will be cured. Your treatment will depend on what kind of lymphoma you have. Other factors will be taken into consideration, including your age and general health.

The treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma will depend on a number of things, most importantly the stage of the disease. Early stage Hodgkin lymphoma is treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The radiotherapy is given to the areas with enlarged lymph nodes. Until recently, early stage Hodgkin lymphoma was treated with radiotherapy alone. Although this has been very successful, specialists now feel that the combination therapy gives a better chance of cure with less risk to long- term health. Advanced Hodgkin lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy. Sometimes radiotherapy will be given too. The chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma involves combinations of several different types of drug. Some of these are given intravenously, and some of them are tablets. Steroids are included in these combinations. There are several combinations in routine use in the UK. Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma is usually given over a period of 6 â€“ 8 months.

The treatment of Non Hodgkin lymphoma differs widely, depending on the kind of lymphoma you have. High- grade Non Hodgkin lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy involves a combination of anti-cancer drugs. Some of these are given intravenously, and some of them are tablets. Steroids are included in these combinations. In some cases an antibody therapy called rituximab is added to the chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for high grade Non Hodgkin lymphoma is typically given over a period of 6 â€“ 8 months. It is curable in many cases, even if it has spread.

Low- grade Non Hodgkin lymphoma may not need treatment if the person feels well, and if their illness is not affecting their major organs. Sometimes people go for many years with very little treatment. Combination chemotherapy can be used, usually as a combination of intravenous drugs and tablets. Chemotherapy for low- grade lymphoma is usually given over a period of some months. An antibody therapy (rituximab) is also used for low- grade lymphoma. This is usually for people who have already had chemotherapy.

Advanced low- grade lymphoma is more difficult to cure. It behaves as a chronic condition with periods of remission and flare- ups in between.

Radiotherapy may also be used in some cases of Non Hodgkin lymphoma.