Advanced Diagnosis & Treatment by Dr. Rajib Bhattacharjee
What Are Lymphomas?
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system — a crucial part of the body’s immune system that helps fight infections and diseases. They begin in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that grows uncontrollably and accumulates in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, or other organs.
Lymphomas are broadly classified into:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and often responds well to targeted therapy and chemotherapy.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A diverse group of blood cancers that vary in aggressiveness, behavior, and treatment approach.
Treatment Options for Lymphoma
Treatment for lymphoma is highly individualized, depending on the type (Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin), stage, and patient condition.
1. Chemotherapy Combination chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of lymphoma treatment. Modern regimens are effective in both early and advanced stages.
2. Targeted Therapy Precision medicine that attacks specific proteins or pathways in lymphoma cells, leading to more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
3. Immunotherapy / Monoclonal Antibodies Therapies such as Rituximab and Brentuximab Vedotin help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
4. Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant For relapsed or aggressive lymphoma, autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplants can offer a potential cure.
5. Radiation Therapy Used selectively for localized disease or to enhance chemotherapy response.
6. Supportive & Palliative Care Comprehensive management including infection control, nutritional support, and symptom relief to enhance quality of life during and after treatment.
1. Chemotherapy Combination chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of lymphoma treatment. Modern regimens are effective in both early and advanced stages.
2. Targeted Therapy Precision medicine that attacks specific proteins or pathways in lymphoma cells, leading to more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
3. Immunotherapy / Monoclonal Antibodies Therapies such as Rituximab and Brentuximab Vedotin help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
4. Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant For relapsed or aggressive lymphoma, autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplants can offer a potential cure.
5. Radiation Therapy Used selectively for localized disease or to enhance chemotherapy response.
6. Supportive & Palliative Care Comprehensive management including infection control, nutritional support, and symptom relief to enhance quality of life during and after treatment.
