B-Cell lymphomas make up approximately 85 percent of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. B-Cell lymphoma is characterized by a large growing mass in the lymph nodes, usually occurring in the chest or abdomen. There are many types of B-cell lymphoma and the treatment for these can include many combinations of chemotherapy, radiation and stem cell transplantation. The most common form of B-cell lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Treatment for diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma most often includes four drugs and most often lasts six months.
Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of many cancers. Cylcophosphamide causes cancer cells to die by inhibiting cancer cell growth. Physicians may prescribe the drug as an injection or as a pill taken by mouth. Cyclophosphamide may cause nausea and vomiting. Physicians often give anti-nausea medication one hour prior to treatment to combat this side effect. Cyclophosphamide may cause bleeding of the bladder. Physicians encourage patients to drink plenty of fluids to dilute the drug as it exits the system. Patients should notify the nurse or physician if they notice blood in the urine or pain upon urinating.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Doxorubicin belongs to a class of medications known as anthracycline antibiotics and is used to treat B-Cell lymphoma as well as many other cancers. Physicians prescribe doxorubicin intravenously, given over a fifteen-minute period. Doxorubicin is highly caustic to skin tissue and any leakage from the vein into the surrounding areas may cause damage and scarring. Like cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin often causes nausea and vomiting, and anti-nausea medicine can lessen the side effects. The American Cancer Society warns that doxorubicin may cause mouth sores. Patients should alert physicians if experiencing any pain, bleeding or trouble eating. Hair loss is common when taking doxorubicin and patients may choose to have wigs created prior to starting treatment.
Vincristine
Vincristine is a chemotherapy agent known as a vinca alkyloid and is thought to work by interfering with the cancer cells as they are dividing, leading to cell death. Physicians prescribe vincristine most often for the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma and childhood cancers. Patients receive medications into the vein. According to the National Institute of Health, vincristine is toxic to surrounding tissues and leakage from the IV site may cause permanent tissue damage and scarring. Like other chemotherapy agents, vincristine may cause nausea and vomiting. Mouth sores may develop while taking this medication. Vincristine can increase constipation and doctors may prescribe a laxative to alleviate the problem. Vincristine may damage the nerves in the body causing a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. The American Cancer Society reports that signs of peripheral neuropathy include numbness, pain, weakness and feelings of tingling or burning.
Prednisone
Prednisone is a type of steroid used to treat inflammation caused by a number of conditions. Physicians use prednisone in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat many types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. In cancer, prednisone affects inflammation and the immune system response. Prednisone helps prevent white blood cells from traveling to areas where they may add to swelling problems such as around tumors. Prednisone is given by mouth as a pill or liquid. Possible side effects of prednisone can include suppression of the immune system, increased blood sugar, slowed wound healing, stomach upset and fluid retention.
