Lymphoma refers to a type of cancer that strikes the lymphatic system. This is a system made of vessels that are responsible for transporting a clear fluid called lymph, which helps the body figh infection. Two types of lymphoma exist: Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's. General symptoms of lymphoma include unexplained weight loss, weakness, soaking night sweats, and painless but enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, neck or armpits. Fortunately, chemo drugs for lymphoma exist to stop the progression of this cancer.
Bleomycin
Bleomycin, typically sold as Blenoxane, is a medication that belongs to the class of medicines known as antineoplastics, which means drugs that fight cancer. Drugs.com says that bleomycin specifically treats cancer of the neck, head, penis, testicle and cervix, in addition to treating lymphoma. Specifically, bleomycin stops the progression of cancer cells and eliminates them. Some of bleomycin's common side effects include chills, fever, shortness of breath, cough, swelling of the fingers, and a poor appetite. Some of bleomycin's rare side effects include chest pain and leg or arm weakness. Suffering from such diseases of the lung, liver or kidney may require a reduction in bleomycin's dose.This drug is an injection given once or twice a week.
Vincristine
Vincristine, typically sold as Oncovin or Vincasar PFS, is another anti-cancer medication that stops cancer cells from growing. Drugs.com says that it treats lymphoma, leukemia, rhabdomyosarcoma and Wilm's tumor. Some of vincristine's less serious side effects include vomiting, nausea, bone pain, temporary hair loss and jaw pain. Some of vincristine's serious side effects include constipation, stomach pain, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty with swallowing, hearing, speech or balance. Suffering from such diseases as coronary artery disease, muscular dystrophy and liver disease may require a decrease in vincristine's dose. Vincristine is an injection given once a week.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin is also a medication that treats lymphoma. MedlinePlus says that doxorubicin also treats cancers of the blood, stomach, thyroid, bladder and lungs. This medication stops cancer cell growth. Some of doxorubicin's typical side effects include trouble swallowing, vomiting, nausea, darkened fingernails, and swelling, redness, or peeling of the palms and soles of the feet. Doxorubucin's serious side effects include abnormal bleeding or bruising, chronic diarrhea, a sore throat, and red urine or sweat. Taking such medications as phenytoin, phenobarbital, actinomycin and verapamil may require a decrease in doxorubicin's dose.
