Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Chemotherapy is often recommended for treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Chemo can destroy cancerous cells by disrupting their accelerated growth patterns or by causing the cells to die. Powerful anticancer (cytotoxic) drugs can be administered by mouth or vein. From there, the drugs can circulate throughout a patient’s body via the bloodstream to reach widespread lymphoma cells, which naturally disperse through the blood.
There are many different chemotherapy drugs and regimens used for treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The optimal treatment plan for a patient will take into account the:
- Specific subtype of the lymphoma
- Growth rate of the cancer
- Location of the tumors
- Resulting symptoms
- Patient’s overall health condition
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we’ve found that highly focused chemotherapy can be very effective for some patients who have been diagnosed with certain types of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Instead of attempting to cure the cancer through intensive chemo, the goal of this type of therapy is to treat the lymphoma so that it goes into remission for long periods of time while minimizing the impact on the rest of the patient’s body. When taking this approach, long-term monitoring is essential, and our multispecialty team of experts works closely with each patient to ensure the best possible outcome and quality of life. For instance, because chemotherapy can affect blood cell counts, a physician may prescribe certain medications to promote blood cell production and prevent infection during or after treatment. Our team also includes skillful and compassionate supportive care providers who are available on an ongoing basis to help a patient manage any side effects of treatment.
Moffitt offers all forms of chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma at all locations, and each patient’s treatment plan is fully customized to meet their specific needs. For assistance in scheduling a visit, call 1-888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.
Treatment