Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy plays a role in the treatment of nearly all lymphoma patients and has achieved remarkable results, even some in late stages. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Such drugs are called cytotoxic drugs. Chemotherapy is referred to as bodywide or systemic therapy because the drugs travel throughout the bloodstream to the entire body. 

Studies are now showing that chemotherapy as sole treatment is adequate for most children and young adults in early and perhaps in many advanced stages. (Radiation has been commonly used for these patients but carries particular dangers for children.) It should be pointed out that when a study on a drug reports a complete response rate this does not mean a cure, only that the drug has caused the tumor to completely go away.

Chemotherapy Administration

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A chemotherapy cycle is usually 21 to 28 days. Patients take the drugs for a few days, then have a period of rest. The drugs may be taken by mouth or given by injection. Chemotherapy is injected into the spinal fluid if the cancer has spread to the brain. This is called intrathecal chemotherapy. Intrathecal chemotherapy is also used as a preventive measure in patients at high risk for central nervous system involvement. Chemotherapy may be administered at a medical center or in a doctor's office. Some patients receiving chemotherapy need to remain in the hospital for several days so the effects of the drug can be monitored. Patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma may need long-term maintenance chemotherapy. Such therapy does not seem to benefit patients with small-noncleaved-cell and large-cell lymphomas.

Effective Regimens and Drugs