Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Alternative Names

Treatment

Treatment depends on how quickly the cancer spreads, the stage of the cancer when you are first diagnosed, and symptoms.

Chemotherapy is commonly used. A drug called rituximab (Rituxan) is often used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rituxan is a form of immunotherapy.

Radioimmunotherapy may be used in some cases. This involves linking a radioactive substance with an antibody that helps the immune system fight infection, and injecting the substance into the body.

In select cases, a stem cell transplant may be needed.

Support Groups

The stress of illness may be eased by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can not be cured with chemotherapy. However, the low-grade form of this cancer progresses slowly, and it may take more than 10 years before the disease gets worse.

Chemotherapy can help cure high-grade lymphoma. However, if the cancer does not respond to chemotherapy drugs, the disease can cause rapid death.

Possible Complications

• Infection
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.

If you have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, call your health care provider if you experience persistent fever or other signs of infection.

References

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2006.

Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKena WG. Clinical Oncology. 3rd ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2004: 2985-3014.