Treatments for Lymphoma
While lymphoma can be a serious illness, there are effective treatments available like Calquence, a prescription medication used to treat mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Here’s a look at some common treatments for lymphoma.
1. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for lymphoma. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy can be given in a hospital, clinic or sometimes even at home. The drugs are usually given through an IV or as pills. Most people need multiple rounds of chemotherapy, often spread out over several months.
Side effects: Chemotherapy can cause side effects like nausea, hair loss and fatigue. These effects usually go away once treatment ends, but it’s important to talk with your doctor about managing them.
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2. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, like X-rays, to kill cancer cells. This treatment is often focused on a specific area of the body where the cancer is located. Radiation therapy can be effective for certain types of lymphoma, especially if the cancer hasn’t spread widely.
Side effects: Common side effects include skin changes, fatigue and sometimes issues in the area being treated, such as throat soreness if the radiation is aimed at the neck. Doctors work with patients to minimize these effects.
3. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a newer treatment option that works by attacking specific parts of cancer cells. These drugs are different from chemotherapy because they target only cancer cells, which helps protect healthy cells. Targeted therapy is often used for certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Side effects: Because it is more focused, targeted therapy may have fewer side effects than chemotherapy. However, some people experience fatigue, diarrhea or skin problems.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. One common type of immunotherapy is called a monoclonal antibody. This therapy uses lab-made antibodies that attach to cancer cells, making it easier for the immune system to find and destroy them. Another form is CAR T-cell therapy, where a patient’s own immune cells are modified in a lab to fight lymphoma more effectively.
Side effects: Immunotherapy can cause side effects like fever, chills or muscle pain. CAR T-cell therapy can have more intense side effects, so it’s usually done in a hospital setting.
5. Stem Cell Transplant
For some people with lymphoma, a stem cell transplant (also known as a bone marrow transplant) can be an effective treatment. This treatment is usually recommended when lymphoma doesn’t respond to other therapies. In this process, damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy stem cells. These new cells can then produce healthy blood cells.
There are two types of transplants:
- Autologous: Uses a patient’s own stem cells.
- Allogeneic: Uses stem cells from a donor.
- Side effects: Stem cell transplants are a major procedure, so they can cause side effects such as infections, fatigue and bleeding.
6. Watchful Waiting
Some people with slow-growing types of lymphoma may not need immediate treatment. Instead, doctors may recommend “watchful waiting,” where the patient’s health is closely monitored without active treatment. This approach is typically used when the lymphoma isn’t causing symptoms and isn’t spreading quickly. If symptoms do start, active treatment can begin.
Calquence
Calquence (acalabrutinib) is a targeted cancer medication primarily used to treat certain types of blood cancers, including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It belongs to a class of drugs known as Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, which work by blocking a specific protein (BTK) that helps cancer cells grow and survive.
By inhibiting this protein, Calquence can slow the progression of the disease and help manage symptoms. It is typically taken as a pill, often with other treatments, and is prescribed under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Managing Side Effects
Lymphoma treatments can be hard on the body, but doctors have ways to help manage side effects. This might include medications to prevent nausea, special diets to help with nutrition or therapies to ease pain. It’s important to talk to your healthcare team about any symptoms you experience.
Finding Support
Going through lymphoma treatment can be challenging. Many people find support groups helpful, where they can talk to others who understand what they’re going through. Family and friends can also be great sources of support. Additionally, there are online communities and resources that can offer guidance and support for both patients and caregivers.
Looking Ahead
With the right treatment plan, many people with lymphoma can achieve remission, meaning the cancer is no longer detectable in the body. Every treatment plan is unique, so it’s important to work with your doctor to decide what’s best for you. Early diagnosis and following your doctor’s advice can help improve outcomes and offer hope for recovery.
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