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This page discusses the use of chemotherapy for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. For a thorough review of chemotherapy, please see the chemotherapy treatment monograph .
Cancer chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Unlike radiation and surgery, which are localized treatments, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning the drugs travel throughout the whole body. This means chemotherapy can reach cancer cells that may have spread, or metastasized, to other areas.
Chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends on the type of cancer cells present. The drugs may be given alone or in combination. The drugs are given in cycles on multiple days. You may receive six to eight cycles of therapy. Between cycles the doctor will likely check your tumor status. This may involve a physical exam and x-rays or other tests. If the tumor continues to grow the doctor will make changes to your treatment plan.
Chemotherapy is most often ordered before radiation treatment or if the disease recurs. Doctors are investigating using regimens that combine chemotherapy and radiation.
Successful initial treatment provides the best chance of survival. Receiving the optimal dose increases the odds of success. But side effects may prevent giving as much drug as possible.
The combination of drugs recommended by your doctor will depend on the known side effects, your general health and age, and his or her familiarity with the regimens.
Combination options include the following:
Most low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas initially respond well to chemotherapy; between 30% and 60% of patients respond. But the remission only lasts about 2.5 years. In almost all cases, the disease recurs—only 20% to 25% of patients remain free of disease four years after treatment. When the disease recurs, doctors typically try different drugs.
For aggressive lymphomas, chemotherapy often produces only short-term results. Better results in some aggressive lymphomas have been seen with combination therapy.
For a thorough review of chemotherapy, please see the chemotherapy treatment monograph .
Sources:
Abeloff, M. Clinical Oncology , 2nd ed., Orlando, FL: Churchill Livingstone, Inc., 2000: 486-490 and 2658-2701.
American Cancer Society
Bast, R., et al. Cancer Medicine e5 ., Hamilton, Ontario: B.C. Decker Inc.; 2000
National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
Rakel, R. Conn's Current Therapy 2002, 54th ed., St. Louis, MO: W. B. Saunders Company; 2002: 434-439.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Last reviewed February 2003 by Francine Foss, 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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