First-line chemotherapy Newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma is often treated with regimens that use a combination of chemotherapy drugs given at 1 time. The most commonly used combination of drugs in the United States is referred to as ABVD.
Advancements in Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatments
Hodgkin lymphoma treatments are also being researched, and new treatment therapies have recently been approved. One new approach is for a targeted therapy with the use of brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris).
Treatment of early favorable classic Hodgkin lymphoma in adults may include the following: Combination chemotherapy. Combination chemotherapy with radiation therapy to the areas of the body with cancer. Radiation therapy alone in patients who cannot be treated with combination chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs used for Hodgkin lymphoma
The most common combination used to treat HL is called ABVD. This chemotherapy is given every 2 weeks for 2 to 8 months, depending on the stage and response to treatment. ABVD includes doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine.
The most commonly used regimen is ABVD (Adriamycin [doxorubicin], bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) for 2-4 cycles followed by involved-site radiation therapy (ISRT) (usually to 30 Gy). This regimen is the default regimen in the United States.
Chemotherapy is given as a combination of drugs, in several cycles (or courses) of treatment with a rest period of a few weeks in between each cycle. A typical chemotherapy regime for Hodgkin lymphoma might involve around six cycles of a combination of drugs, given over a period of six months.
Some form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination is typically used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may also sometimes be done under special circumstances.
People with lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) have a better prognosis, compared with other types of Hodgkin lymphoma.
around 90 out of 100 (around 90%) survive their cancer for 1 year or more after diagnosis. more than 80 out of 100 (more than 80%) survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis.
The 5-year relative survival rate of people with localized Hodgkin lymphoma is 93%. If the cancer spreads regionally, the 5-year relative survival rate is 95%. If the cancer has spread to different parts of the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 83%.
Follicular lymphoma is usually not considered to be curable, instead categorized as more of a chronic disease. Patients can live for many years with this form of lymphoma.
Blastic NK cell lymphoma
This very rare type of T cell lymphoma only affects a few people each year. It usually affects adults. Blastic NK cell lymphoma tends to grow very quickly and can be difficult to treat. It can start almost anywhere in the body.
With lymphoma, the lymph nodes often grow slowly and may be there for months or years before they're noticed. But sometimes they grow very quickly. Usually, the swollen nodes don't hurt. But some people say their lumps ache or are painful.
Overall, treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma is highly effective and most people with the condition are eventually cured.
Mayo Clinic doctors are widely respected for their expertise in diagnosing and treating people with all types of Hodgkin's lymphoma, including the rare and aggressive. Each year Mayo Clinic doctors care for more than 1,500 people with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
BEACOPP: Bleomycin, etoposide (available as a generic drug), doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (available as a generic drug), vincristine (Vincasar PFS), procarbazine (Matulane), and prednisone (multiple brand names). There are several different treatment schedules, but different drugs are usually given every 2 to 3 weeks.
If you have advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma (stage IIB-IV) you'll usually have six cycles of ABVD-based chemotherapy. After two cycles of ABVD you'll normally have a PET/CT scan, and depending on the result, you may have the next four cycles of chemotherapy without bleomycin (this is known as AVD).
Hodgkin lymphoma is a relatively aggressive cancer and can quickly spread through the body. Despite this, it's also one of the most easily treated types of cancer. Your recommended treatment plan will depend on your general health and age, because many of the treatments can put a tremendous strain on the body.
Burkitt lymphoma is considered the most aggressive form of lymphoma and is one of the fastest growing of all cancers.
Aggressive lymphomas are fast-moving and account for about 60 percent of all NHL cases. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common aggressive NHL subtype. Indolent lymphomas are slow-moving and tend to grow more slowly and have fewer signs and symptoms when first diagnosed.
Foods to avoid
Foods to skip or cut back on include: Animal fats like fatty meats, processed meats, lard and butter. Sugar, including added sugars in desserts, sweetened drinks and processed foods. White, refined grains like white bread, pasta and rice.
Stage 3 lymphoma is treatable and often curable.
Chemotherapy is one of the main tools used to treat lymphoma. Chemotherapy medications are chemicals that kill lymphoma cells. They may be taken as pills or infusions into your veins.