Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system characterized by the presence of an abnormal cell type called the Reed-Sternberg cells. The two major types of Hodgkin's lymphoma are classical Hodgkin's lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma. Either type can occur in adults and children, but is most common in early adulthood, between 15 and 40 years old. Standard treatments include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs kill or damage fast-dividing cells, particularly cancer cells. Medical oncologists administer chemotherapy either intravenously or orally. Over years of research, doctors have developed a variety of combination chemotherapy regimens that are effective for treating Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Chemo Regimens
Chemotherapy regimens are given in cycles, usually every day for several days or weeks, followed by rest periods. The American Cancer Society say the three most common chemotherapy regimens for Hodgkin's lymphoma are named by abbreviations for the drugs used. ABVD stands for adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine. BEACOPP stands for bleomycin, etoposide, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, oncovin, procarbazine and prednisone. The Stanford V regimen includes adriamycin, mechlorethamine, vincristine, vinblastine, bleomycin, etoposide and prednisone.
Chemo Side Effects
Chemotherapy side effects vary, depending on the chemotherapy drugs used. The most common side effects for Hodgkin's lymphoma regimens include hair loss, reduced red and white blood cell counts, reduced blood-clotting platelets, mouth sores, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Radiation Therapy
For Hodgkin's lymphoma, a radiation oncologist administers radiation therapy to specific parts of the body where cancerous immune system cells collect and grow in lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and tonsils. For large tumors, or for cases where the Hodgkin cells are widely dispersed, radiation alone is not likely to be successful, and will be combined with chemotherapy, according to the American Cancer Society.
Radiation Side Effects
Radiation side effects can occur during or shortly after treatment, and can show up some months or even years after treatment. Short-term side effects include skin inflammation similar to sunburn and digestive tract irritations resulting in dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Radiation combined with chemotherapy may deplete blood cells resulting in anemia, fatigue and infections. Long-term side effects include development of another type of cancer years later. Children can have their growth impaired, keeping them from reaching full height. Radiation also may damage the thyroid gland and the cardiovascular system, resulting in increased the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Stem Cell Transplant
People whose Hodgkin's lymphoma fails to be cured with chemotherapy and radiation may be cured with a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. This treatment involves high-doses of chemotherapy or radiation, or both, to wipe out or substantially deplete the diseased bone marrow. Patients then receive healthy marrow from a matched donor.
Stem Cell Transplant Side Effects
Complications of stem cell transplantation can include graft versus host disease (GVHD), which occurs when the immune system that grows from the donor marrow recognizes the patient's tissues as "foreign" and begins to attack them. This can result in rashes, liver problems and diarrhea, according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Acute GVHD can resolve soon after the transplant, while chronic GVHD can occur between three months and three years after transplant.
