Diffuse large B cell Lymphoma, or DLBCL, is one of the most common types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, accounting for approximately 40 percent of all cases, as reported in May 2010 by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. DLBCL occurs when B lymphocytes, a specific type of white blood cell, mutate and grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Classified as a high-grade lymphoma, DLBCL grows rapidly and, therefore, requires prompt treatment. Despite the aggressive nature of DLBCL, the American Cancer Society reports that about half of all patients treated for DLBCL are cured.
Chemotherapy
Due to the rapid growth rate, DLBCL responds well to chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer chemicals, or drugs, to damage or destroy the cancer cells. Usually administered either orally or intravenously, chemotherapy agents enter the bloodstream and can find the cancer cells anywhere in the body. This type of systemic treatment, however, results in many side effects since the entire body receives the medication. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, hair loss and mouth sores.
The Lymphoma Research Foundation reports the most common chemotherapy therapy treatment for DLBCL, known as CHOP, consists of a mixture of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone. Depending on the stage of the cancer and the location, chemotherapy may be administered along with other forms of treatment such as radiation or monoclonal antibody therapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays, similar to an X-ray, to damage or destroy cancer cells. Several methods for delivering radiation therapy exist including internal, external and systemic. External beam radiation, which delivers the radiation from a source outside the body, can treat DLCBL when the lymphoma remains localized, meaning in one area of the body. Since about one out of three cases of DLCBL are confined to one area of the body at diagnosis, as reported by the American Cancer Society, radiation is a treatment option.
Although doctors take measurements to try to focus the radiation on the area of the cancer, some surrounding normal tissues may sustain damage. The type and severity of the side effects often depends upon the location of treatment, but common side effects include sunburn-like skin irritation, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, memory loss and difficulty breathing.
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Monoclonal antibody therapy uses man-made proteins specifically engineered to recognize and attach to a specific target in the body. These proteins mimic proteins naturally produced by the immune system, so once attached they stimulate the immune system to fight off the cancer cells. The most common monoclonal antibody used to treat DLBCL is rituximab, which attaches to CD20, a substance found on the surface of B lymphocytes. Patients may experience mild side effects including chills, fever, nausea, rashes, fatigue and headache.
