Combination Chemotherapy is the use of a number of drugs together to combat the cancer.   They often have acronyms for names like CHOP, CVP and COP.

Chemotherapy is given in measured doses.  Often a chemotherapy regimen will be given in cycles - treatments spaced over 

a period of days.  The number of cycles vary according to the chemotherapy regime and the extent of the disease.

Chemotherapy is delivered many different ways depending on the drugs and treatment. Intravenous means delivered by inserting a needle in a vein, orally is by mouth, and via catheter or port is by a tube inserted into the chest via a surgical procedure.  As always consult with your own doctors on the best treatment for you given your specific disease and its presentation.

A newer treatment uses immunotherapy.  The body's own immune system is used to fight the cancer.  One group of agents currently used are monoclonal antibodies - antibodies which seek out cancer cells and either have the body identify them for destruction or kill them using an attached radioactive isotope. This may offer new hope for many low grade and follicular NHL patients. One type of antibody, Rituxan (rituximab/MabThera), has recently received US FDA approval as have Bexxar and Zevalin

Chemotherapy is tough on the body.  There are a number of side effects which can include nausea and hair loss.  Nausea is controllable with newer drugs such as Zofran and Kytril.  Hair loss is another matter - many people come up with creative coping mechanisms including scarves and hats.  Wigs are also an option and should be explored before chemotherapy is desired.

For Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is resistant to chemotherapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation is an option.  More information is found on the Lymphoma Transplant Resource Page.

Clinical trials are often used for people who are not responsive to conventional treatment or who wish to help researchers test new therapies.

A list of questions you can use to discuss chemotherapy treatment options and what to look for in after treatment warning signs.

For specific types of treatment see the National Cancer Institute (NCI) data sheets listed under the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Resources Page.

Further Reading / In-Depth

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas, Peter M. Mauch (Editor), James O. Armitage (Editor), et al., 2004.

• Section III: Treatment Principles and Techniques
  • Chapter 12: Principles of Chemotherapy and Combined Modality Therapy

• Chapter 3: Chemotherapy
  

General Support

• Chemotherapy and You from NCI   New URL
• Chemotherapy: How You Can Help from NCI   New URL

Catheters

• See the new page The Facts About Intravenous Catheter Lines

Side Effects

• Coping with the Side Effects of Chemotherapy from Li Sparks
• Coping With Hair Loss
• Supportive Care Information Sheets from NCI  New URL
• Peripheral Neuropathy - nerve damage in the arms and feet
• Talaria is a site devoted to cancer pain.  It is geared towards professionals but has many useful features.

Nutrition

Clinical Trials

• See the page on Clinical Trials

For more information on Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, please see the following pages: :

• Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment
• Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Resources
• Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplants
• Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Diagnosis
• Lymphoma Classification and Types
• Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Aggressive NHLs
• Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Indolent NHLs
• Adult Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Introduction

Other pages you may want to visit: