Lymphoma is a type of cancer that arises in the infection-fighting cells of the immune system called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. These lymphocytes circulate throughout the body via the blood and lymphatic system. Lymph nodes—key structures of the lymphatic system—are located throughout the body and filter lymph fluid to remove foreign particles.
The immune system's natural ability to recognize and destroy abnormal cells before they become cancerous prevents many cancers. However, even a healthy immune system cannot always stop cancer from developing, as some cancer cells can grow and survive despite immune surveillance.
Over the past few decades, the development of immunotherapies for lymphoma has evolved significantly. Immunotherapy works by boosting or modifying the immune system so it can better identify and destroy cancer cells that have escaped detection. Several types of immunotherapies are currently approved by the FDA or are being studied in clinical trials to evaluate their effectiveness in treating different types of cancer. Scroll down to learn more about diagnosis, treatment choices, and the future of immunotherapy for lymphoma.
The two main classes of lymphoma are
Lymphoma develops when these lymphocytes transform from healthy cells into cancerous ones. Based on the affected cell type, lymphomas are classified as B-cell lymphomas (the most common), T-cell lymphomas, or the rarer NK-cell lymphomas.
Lymphoma begins with alterations in the lymphocytes' DNA, yet the exact cause of the disease is still unknown to doctors. Normally, instructions for cell growth, proliferation, and death are carried in DNA. Lymphoma, on the other hand, causes mutations in lymphocyte DNA.
The following conditions may increase one's risk of developing lymphoma:
There are a lot of similarities between lymphoma symptoms and those of less serious illnesses. To be safe, though, you should consult a doctor if any physical changes you experience don't improve within a few weeks. The following are the common symptoms of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas:
Your medical team will conduct active surveillance by closely monitoring any changes in your general health or symptoms of lymphoma. Common approaches to lymphoma treatments include:
| Treatment Type | Brief Description |
| Chemotherapy | Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. |
| Radiation Therapy | Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in specific areas. |
| Targeted Therapy | Targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth with less damage to normal cells. |
| Immunotherapy | Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. |
| CAR T-Cell Therapy | Modifies a patient’s T cells to better identify and destroy cancer cells. |
| Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant | Replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells after high-dose treatment. |
| Palliative Care | Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life at any stage of illness. |
Positive developments in immunotherapy for lymphoma are on the horizon. The immune system's ability to attack cancer cells is getting better because of new therapies that are more focused and easier for patients to handle, due to ongoing research. Modern methods, including combination treatments and enhanced CAR T-cell therapies, are allowing a growing number of patients to have responses that continue for longer. Living with lymphoma can be challenging, but immunotherapy offers long-term advantages, including remission and immune system vigilance against cancer cells. This aspect gives patients hope for sustainable results and improves their quality of life.
The following are the side effects of immunotherapy (a lymphoma treatment):
The following is the research-backed 5-year survival rate for lymphoma with immunotherapy:
Conditions like lymphoma are life-threatening in advanced stages. Due to ongoing research and development, lymphoma therapies like immunotherapy are becoming more effective and extending survival times. Rates of survival are getting better every year. Lymphoma risk factors are also being better understood by researchers. If you are worried that you may be at risk for lymphoma, it is important to consult your doctor. If so, they will be able to shed light on the steps you may take to safeguard your health.
You seek effective treatment from the best oncologists after discovering that you or a loved one may have lymphoma. At BMCHRC, we craft a treatment plan tailored to you and your needs. For the best cancer care, choose BMCHRC. Book your consultation now!
Q1: What is the overall survival rate for lymphoma?
A: Although the success rate varies depending upon the type and stage of disease, the overall 5-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is 74%.
Q2: How long can you live with lymphoma without knowing?
A: Certain forms of lymphoma progress at such a slow rate that the patient may go years without experiencing any symptoms.
Q3: Is lymphoma a life-threatening cancer?
A: The type of lymphoma determines the severity of the condition. The risk of developing potentially fatal infections, other cancers, or cardiovascular disease is high in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is responsible for around 3 deaths in every 10,000 people.
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