adult lymphoma

What is Adult Lymphoma?

Adult lymphoma, also known as blood cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the immune system cells called lymphocytes. These cells are found in various parts of the body, including lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow.

Types of Adult Lymphoma

There are two main types of adult lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that can often be cured, while the prognosis for NHL depends on the specific type.

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: This type of lymphoma begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic system change and grow out of control. It mostly affects older adults and young adults between 20 to 40 years old.
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): NHL is a broad category that includes more than 70 subtypes of lymphoma. It can be aggressive or indolent, and treatment can put it into remission or cure it.

Symptoms of Adult Lymphoma

The symptoms of adult lymphoma can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Swollen lymph nodes: Painless swelling in the neck, underarm, or groin
• Fever: Unexplained fever for no known reason
• Drenching night sweats: Sweating at night that is not related to a high temperature
• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or weakness

Risk Factors

Anything that increases the chance of getting lymphoma is a risk factor. These include:

• Biological sex: Lymphoma is slightly more common in males than females
• Race: Lymphoma is slightly more common in Caucasians
• Age: Lymphoma is most common in young adults (15 to 40 years old) and older adults (over 55 years old)

Overall Survival Rate

The overall survival rate for lymphoma is estimated to be around 72% [11].

References:

[1] - Search result 11 [2] - Search result 11 [3] - Search result 3 [4] - Search result 5 [5] - Search result 9

Treatment Options for Adult Lymphoma

Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, can be treated with various medications depending on the type and stage of the disease. Here are some common drug treatments used to treat adult lymphoma:

• Chemotherapy: This is the mainstay of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A combination chemotherapy regimen consists of two or more chemotherapy drugs, such as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), which is commonly used to treat HL [5].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted cancer drugs, such as rituximab, can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy for some types of NHL [7]. Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) is another targeted therapy that can be used to treat certain types of NHL, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) [2].
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs, such as brentuximab vedotin, nivolumab, or pembrolizumab (Keytruda), might be another option for treating HL. Treatment with these immunotherapy drugs can be more effective than the current standard initial treatment for HL [12].
• Chemotherapy Combinations: Chemotherapy combinations, such as AVD (doxorubicin, vinorelbine, and dexamethasone) combined with brentuximab vedotin, are also used to treat HL. Treatment with nivolumab and a three-drug chemotherapy regimen called AVD was better at eliminating cancer and keeping it at bay than the current standard initial treatment for the disease [12].

Common Chemotherapy Drugs Used in Lymphoma

Some of the common chemotherapy drugs used to treat lymphoma include:

• Alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide
• Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin
• Vinca alkaloids, such as vincristine
• Prednisone

These chemotherapy drugs can be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat lymphoma [15].

References

[1] Aug 26, 2024 - This page lists cancer drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

[2] Mar 14, 2024 - Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) can be used to treat some types of NHL, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL).

[3] Brukinsa is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with various types of lymphoma.

[4] Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for HL.

[5] May 31, 2024 - Most often, the treatment is chemotherapy (chemo), usually with 4 drugs known as CHOP.

[6] May 23, 2024 - Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and bone marrow transplant.

[7] You might have a targeted cancer drug on its own or in combination with other medications to treat NHL.

[8] Ibrutinib (Imbruvica) is another targeted therapy that can be used to treat certain types of NHL.

[9] Immunotherapy drugs, such as brentuximab vedotin, nivolumab, or pembrolizumab (Keytruda), might be another option for treating HL.

[10] Treatment with these immunotherapy drugs can be more effective than the current standard initial treatment for HL.

[11] This page lists cancer drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Hodgkin lymphoma.

[12] Treatment with nivolumab and a three-drug chemotherapy regimen called AVD was better at eliminating cancer and keeping it at bay than the current standard initial treatment for the disease.

[13] Many chemo drugs are useful in treating lymphoma. Often, several drugs are combined.

[14] The number of chemo drugs, their doses, and the length of treatment depend on the type and stage of the lymphoma.

[15] Here are some of the drugs more commonly used to treat lymphoma (divided into groups based on how they work): Alkylating agents. Cyclophosphamide...