Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma describes a condition of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of a specific type of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte. Lymphocytes, both B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes, function in the immune system and are concentrated in certain organs of the immune system, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and bone marrow. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma most commonly affects these organs but can also occur in other organs containing lymphoid tissue such as the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, skin and breast. Treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease and the organs affected.
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Several types of radiation therapy exist including internal radiation, external radiation and systemic radiation. External beam radiation, in which the radiation source resides outside the body and focuses on the specific area containing the lymphoma, is the most common type of radiation therapy to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
To pinpoint the area of the cancer doctors measure and determine the best angles at which to deliver the radiation. Although external beam radiation focuses on treating only the cancer, the radiation can affect healthy cells surrounding the cancer and lead to side effects. The side effects are related to the part of body the radiation affects but can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, headaches and memory loss. Patients receiving external beam radiation also experience sunburn-like skin irritation and fatigue, according to the American Cancer Society.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy introduces anti-cancer drugs into the bloodstream where they can reach the entire body. This form of chemotherapy, known as systemic chemotherapy, causes a variety of side effects because normal, healthy cells are exposed to and affected by the chemicals as well. The type and extent of side effects---such as hair loss, mouth sores, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and increased risk of infections---depend on the medication administered, the dose and the frequency of treatment.
Doctors treating Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that has spread to the brain or spinal cord may use chemotherapy delivered directly to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, according to the A. P. John Institute for Cancer Research. Chemotherapy injected directly into the abdominal cavity, known as regional treatment, can treat lymphoma affecting organs in the abdomen. Patients with aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may benefit from a combination of radiation and chemotherapy.
A mixture of chemotherapy drugs, known as a cocktail, is often the most effective. One cocktail used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma includes cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone---known as CHOP.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses synthetic substances that mimic naturally occurring substances of the immune system. Monoclonal antibody therapy uses proteins commonly made by the immune system to help fight the cancer cells. Rituximab, one type of monoclonal antibody, kills lymphoma cells by attaching to a substance on the cells called CD20, according to the American Cancer Society. Alemtuzumab, another monoclonal antibody, is effective in treating a specific type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma known as peripheral T cell lymphoma.
