Living with Lymphoma: Beyond Chemotherapy
When faced with a lymphoma diagnosis, many individuals find themselves wondering about the available treatment options. While chemotherapy has long been the go-to approach, there have been significant advancements in the field. Dr. Stephen Ansell, an expert at the Mayo Clinic, explains that there are now treatments that go beyond traditional chemotherapy.
The goal of these new treatments is to improve outcomes while minimizing side effects. Researchers are developing therapies that specifically target cancer cells, reducing the impact on healthy cells in the body. “Most patients with lymphoma can be cured,” says Dr. Ansell. However, it’s important to address any potential long-term issues that may arise from treatment.
According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the most common type of lymphoma, affects approximately 80,620 individuals in the United States each year. Sadly, there are over 20,000 fatalities attributed to this disease. It is more prevalent in men than in women. Hodgkin lymphoma, the second most common type, affects around 8,600 people annually and is responsible for over 900 deaths. This type of cancer often appears in young adults and adolescents, making it the most common cancer among individuals aged 15 to 19.
Understanding the symptoms of lymphoma is crucial for early detection. Swollen lymph nodes, itchy skin, night sweats, fever, chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and shortness of breath are common signs. Additionally, some individuals experience excessive sweating at night.
When it comes to treatment options, chemotherapy is often used either alone or in combination with other therapies such as immunotherapies, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and radiation therapy. Dr. Ansell provides insight into these non-chemo options:
1. Immunotherapy: This approach involves using medications that stimulate the body’s immune system to target and eliminate lymphoma cells. Known as immune-checkpoint therapy agents, these medications specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
2. CAR-T Therapy: CAR-T stands for “chimeric antigen receptor-T cell” therapy. In this method, a patient’s white blood cells are extracted and modified in a lab to develop receptors that can activate T-cells’ ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
3. Targeted Therapy: Medications used in targeted therapy are designed to identify and combat abnormalities within cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
4. Bone Marrow Transplant: Stem cells are transplanted into the body to assist the bone marrow in producing healthy blood cells.
5. Radiation Therapy: This method utilizes high-powered energy to target and eliminate cancer cells. In some cases, radiation therapy may be the sole treatment needed, particularly for slow-growing lymphomas that are localized. More commonly, it is used after chemotherapy to ensure any remaining lymphoma cells are eradicated.
Beyond medical treatments, Dr. Ansell emphasizes the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing lymphomas. This includes maintaining a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
In conclusion, while chemotherapy remains a vital treatment for lymphomas, there are now additional options available that specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Advances in immunotherapy, CAR-T therapy, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and radiation therapy have provided new hope for individuals battling lymphoma. By staying informed about these treatment options and leading a healthy lifestyle, we can work towards better outcomes for those affected by this disease.