Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
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Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body in order to kill cancer cells. The side effects from the chemotherapy come from the fact that it also destroys healthy cells. People with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are sometimes given a combination of drugs in cycles. Chemotherapy may be given either alone or along with radiation therapy . When given alone, it is given in a higher dose designed to kill off cancer cells. When given along with radiation therapy, it is delivered at a lower dose and is designed to make the cancer more sensitive to the radiation.
There is a wide variety of drugs used in treating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These may be used singly or in combination and will be different depending on the stage and type of lymphoma.
Chemotherapy is usually given by vein, but some forms can be given by mouth. Your medical oncologist will tell you how many cycles or courses of chemotherapy are best for you. Usually there are between 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy given when the chemotherapy is delivered on its own, and up to 10 cycles of chemotherapy when the drugs are given along with radiation therapy.
The side effects and amount of time required in the doctor’s office depend on the type of chemotherapy you receive, as well as how many cycles you receive and how often. The most common chemotherapy-associated side effects are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Hair loss
- Esophagitis or irritation of the swallowing tube
When chemotherapy is given at a lower dose, as when it is given along with radiation, these side effects are less common. However, most people still feel very fatigued.
Special Considerations
Infertility and premature menopause may occur with some of the drugs used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If fertility is a concern, discuss the possibility of storing sperm or eggs before starting therapy.
References:
Conn HF, Rakel RE. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.
Lymphoma. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website. Available at: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7030 . Updated September 2008. Accessed October 9, 2008.
Non-hodgkin lymphoma. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/non-hodgkin . Accessed October 9, 2008.
What is non-hodgkin lymphoma? American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_Is_Non_Hodgkins_Lymphoma_32.asp?sitearea=CRI . Updated August 2007. Accessed October 9, 2008.
Last reviewed June 2008 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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