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When it comes to lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two distinct yet interconnected types of cancer. These blood cancers originate in the lymphatic system, affecting the body’s immune response and presenting unique challenges to medical professionals. The advancements in research for non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma treatment have brought hope and progress to patients worldwide.
With an ever-evolving landscape of treatment options and advancements in medical technology, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, offering tailored approaches to maximise patient outcomes and pave the way for a brighter future.
The following blog discusses the various non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment options available at different stages of cancer. Continue reading to find out.Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two types of cancers originating in the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body’s immune system. Lymphomas are characterised by the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL)
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL)
When you are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the next step is to find the cancer stage. The cancer stage helps determine the amount, location, and spread of cancer in your body. Based on this information, the doctor decides the best treatment plan for the disease.
The staging system used to classify Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the Lugano classification, based on the old Ann Arbor system. The classification has four stages: I, II, III, and IV.
Several Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment options are available, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant. However, the treatment choice varies depending on multiple factors, such as:
This stage of Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes cancer in only one side of the diaphragm (either above or below) and does not constitute any unfavourable factors. The following factors characterise the stage:
The treatment modalities for Stages IA and IIA are as follows:
While the cancer is limited to only one side of the diaphragm, this stage is characterised by one or more of the following mentioned risk factors:
The treatment modalities for Stages I and II are as follows:
In this stage of Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors generally recommend the following treatments:
A relatively newer treatment for all stages and types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes targeted therapy. This classic Hodgkin lymphoma treatment option uses medications to attack cancer cells. It delivers a drug to the inside of the Reed-Sternberg cells (large, atypical white blood cells found in people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma) to destroy these cells.
Several treatment options for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are available, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The best treatment for NHL depends on factors such as:
For early-stage Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination. Treatment choice depends on the subtype and characteristics of the lymphoma and individual patient factors.
You may not need treatment immediately if you have an indolent (slow-growing) subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The doctor may monitor the lymphoma for several months with regular checkups and tests. They may recommend treatment if the cancer starts to grow.
Advanced-stage NHL typically involves chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy.
There are several treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and scientists are conducting clinical studies to test more treatment approaches. Participation in clinical trials may be recommended for NHL with high-risk features. You can seek the advice of your healthcare provider to find the right one. Some new treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
A relative survival rate compares patients with the same type and stage of disease with the overall population. It identifies the percentage of people with cancer likely to live for a certain time (usually five years) after their diagnosis. However, survival rates are estimates and cannot predict an individual case. They are useful in providing a better understanding of the likelihood of successful treatment.
The overall five-year survival rate of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is 89%. Survival rates as per different stages are as follows:
Stage | 5-Year Survival Rate |
Localised | 93% |
Regional | 95% |
Distant | 83% |
The prognosis for Hodgkin’s lymphoma is generally poorer when the patient:
The overall five-year survival rate for individuals with NHL is 74%. However, the survival rates can vary depending on the stages and different types of lymphoma. Patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually have a good prognosis when they:
After lymphoma treatment, lifestyle changes can contribute to overall well-being and aid in recovery. The following are the lifestyle changes that can make you feel better and improve your long-term health:
Treatment for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma helps destroy lymphoma cells. However, it can also damage several healthy cells, leading to side effects. Side effects may differ from one individual to another and vary depending on the type and duration of treatment. Some common side effects of lymphoma treatment that can affect your day-to-day life include:
Other serious side effects of the treatment may include:
Yes, lymphoma can recur, meaning it can come back after a period of remission or successful treatment. The risk of recurrence can vary depending on several factors, including the specific type and stage of lymphoma, the initial treatment received, and individual characteristics.
Classical Hodgkin lymphoma treatment is generally more successful and less likely to relapse. Types of lymphomas more likely to relapse include low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma and some high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
If lymphoma does recur, further treatment options will be explored based on various factors, like the type and location of the recurrence, the individual’s overall health, and previous treatments. In some cases, additional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplantation may be considered.
If you are undergoing treatment for lymphoma, you should call your doctor when you notice changes in your body that indicate a worsening condition despite the ongoing treatment. If your treatment is complete, you will have regular follow-up appointments so the doctor can monitor your health and look for recurrence signs.
Call a doctor immediately if you experience persistent side effects that do not subside with prescribed medications or when you experience signs of recurrence, including:
The non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma treatment has significantly advanced, offering improved patient outcomes and increased hope. Classic Hodgkin lymphoma treatment often combines chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment approaches vary based on the subtype and stage, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
HexaHealth, a leading healthcare provider, can play a vital role in supporting patients with Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Our comprehensive and patient-centred approach offers expert medical guidance and healthcare services to help you throughout your treatment journey. Our team of specialists collaborates to create personalised treatment plans, provide emotional support, and ensure the best possible care and outcomes for lymphoma patients. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us TODAY!
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The specific treatment approach depends on the cancer’s stage, type and characteristics. Hodgkin lymphoma treatment options typically include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. Chemotherapy regimens, such as ABVD or BEACOPP, are often combined with radiation therapy. The doctor may also recommend a stem cell transplant when other treatments do not work.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Treatment choice depends on the subtype, stage, and individual patient factors. Immunotherapy drugs, such as CAR-T cell therapy, may be employed in certain cases, and radiation therapy or stem cell transplant may be considered for specific situations.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation. The specific treatment approach depends on the stage, subtype, and individual patient factors.
Yes, classical Hodgkin lymphoma is generally treatable. It has a high cure rate, especially in the early stages. With advancements in treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy, the prognosis for classical Hodgkin lymphoma treatment has significantly improved, providing hope for patients.
Stage 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma is limited to a single lymph node region or organ. Stage 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment involves a combination of chemotherapy, such as ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine), and radiation therapy targeted at the affected lymph node or organ. The treatment plan may vary based on individual patient factors and the doctor’s preferences.
While the treatments are usually the same, the approach may differ based on the stage of the disease. Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually involves combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In contrast, the treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends on its subtype and may include options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant.
The standard Hodgkin lymphoma treatment protocol involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The chemotherapy regimen often used for Hodgkin’s lymphoma includes ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine). The treatment may vary depending on the cancer’s stage and subtype.
Yes, targeted therapies can treat both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab and rituximab have shown efficacy. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated with targeted therapies specific to certain subtypes, such as rituximab for CD20-positive B-cell lymphomas.
Chemotherapy has a central role in treating both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is usually used as a primary treatment or may be combined with other therapies. Chemotherapy drugs target and destroy cancer cells throughout the body, helping to achieve remission and preventing lymphoma spread or recurrence.
Radiation therapy is commonly used for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment, particularly in localised or early-stage cancer. The therapy involves using high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or with other treatments like chemotherapy to improve results.
Immunotherapy options are available for non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma treatment. Immunotherapies like rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20, are commonly used in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, like pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have been approved for certain cases of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The potential side effects of non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma treatment differ depending on the treatment approach. Common side effects may include hair loss, nausea, fatigue, sore mouth, itchy skin, increased infection risk, lower blood cell count, and long-term complications like secondary cancers and fertility issues.
The role of stem cell or bone marrow transplant in treating Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is to replenish the blood stem cells in the bone marrow. This helps them to produce healthy new blood cells.
The new advancements in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma treatment are combination chemotherapy and involved-field radiation therapy (IFRT). Combination chemotherapy may also be used alone. Commonly used first-line chemotherapy regimens for classical Hodgkin lymphoma treatment include a combination of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD).
New treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include CAR T-cell therapy. This immunotherapy involves changing a patient’s healthy T-cells so the immune system can recognise and eliminate lymphoma cells. Other advancements may include targeted therapies, different combinations of chemotherapies, genetic testing, etc.
Several treatment options are available for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The choice of treatment is determined based on the characteristics of the lymphoma, like the types of cells involved, the speed of growth, and whether the lymphoma is aggressive. The doctor will also consider your age, overall health, and preferences.
The long-term outlook after treatment for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may depend on a patient’s situation. However, Hodgkin lymphoma's five-year relative survival rate is generally higher than non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While the survival rate may vary depending on the lymphoma subtype, the overall five-year relative survival rate for non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma is 74% and 89%, respectively.
Supportive care options during and after treatment for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include treatment to manage the various physical, social, emotional, and financial side effects. It aims to improve your quality of life, maintain independence by decreasing symptoms, manage pain, and support you and your family.
Surgery is often used to get a biopsy sample to diagnose and classify the lymphoma, but it is rarely used as a form of treatment for Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is because chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy usually work well and are the primary options.
Surgery may be needed to remove limited disease from the affected organ like the stomach or small bowel, or spleen in splenic marginal zone lymphoma (a rare type of lymphoma).
The stage and subtype of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma help determine cancer's spread and severity and treatment's effect. They help decide whether to use chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplantation, or a combination of two or more treatments.
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Last Updated on: 5 June 2023
HexaHealth Care Team brings you medical content covering many important conditions, procedures falling under different medical specialities. The content published is thoroughly reviewed by our panel of qualified doctors for its accuracy and relevance.
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