Radiation Has a Place in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

Posted by Radiation Clinic on September 20th, 2016

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is considered one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in the United States. With an estimated 72,500 new cases diagnosed each year, it represents about 4 percent of all cancers. The disease, which involves the body’s immune system, affects men, women and children alike. About 20,000 people die from this disease annually, according to the American Cancer Society.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a tricky form of cancer to treat. Surgery, which might help treat other forms of cancer, is not appropriate in this particular type of the disease. With that in mind, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy are often the most common treatment paths recommended. Stem cell transplants may also be used to help treat the disease.

The use of radiation in treating large B-cell lymphoma remains very much a matter of debate. Recent research, however, shows that the use of both radiation and chemotherapy in treating this form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma can greatly improve survival rates. A number of studies have shown that the use of both therapies can improve overall outcomes.

Most recently, researchers analyzed records related to nearly 60,000 patients. There was a clear survival advantage for patients who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy both. The benefit was witnessed at both the five-year and 10-year follow up points. The significance of the difference was enough that some are now recommending that doctors reconsider abandonment of the combination therapy option.

Some doctors have backed away from the prospect of using both chemotherapy and radiation to treat certain forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in recent years. The decision was prompted to prevent patients from enduring the potential for long-term toxicity associated with radiation treatment. Recent research, however, shows that the risk of toxicity may very well be worth the survival benefits.

Radiation is designed to target and kill off cancer cells by irradiating them. This form of treatment, however, can cause damage to nearby healthy tissue. It may also increase risks for secondary cancers in some cases. With a condition such as non-Hodgkin that is so difficult to treat, the use of radiation may very well be justified to ensure cancer is stopped in its tracks. The survival rates seen in recent studies support that contention.

People who are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma should speak with their healthcare providers about all treatment options and their potential benefits and risks. The best treatment options will be based on the particulars of a patient’s case.

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At Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, our team is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care.