Read up on Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Key points about treatments

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer. It starts in the cells of your body that help fight infections. There are lots of different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Some types can be cured, even if they have spread around your body.

The information we provide here is for adults who have diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

If you have another type of lymphoma, you may need special, different or more intensive treatment. Talk with your cancer specialist about treatment options.

Key points about treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma work well. Many lymphomas can be cured, even if they are big or have spread.
Most people with lymphoma need chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
If you have early lymphoma that has not spread far, you might also need radiation therapy.
The most serious side effect of treatment is a drop in

white blood cells
White blood cells are the cells in your blood that help your body fight infections. The other cells in your blood, red blood cells, carry oxygen around your body.

white blood cells. When this happens, you can get severe infections or

blood poisoning
A severe infection in your blood is called blood poisoning or septicemia. Bacteria get into your blood and multiply quickly. Blood poisoning requires emergency treatment with antibiotics. The symptoms are fever, chills, low blood pressure, confusion and a rash. If it isn't treated quickly, it can cause serious damage to important parts of your body. And it may cause death.

blood poisoning. If you get a fever during treatment, tell your doctor immediately.
You might be offered an anti-cancer drug called rituximab along with your chemotherapy.
If your cancer comes back, a transplant of stems cells from your blood or bone marrow after high doses of chemotherapy might help you live longer.
Scientists discover new treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma all the time. New treatments are tested in studies called clinical trials. If you want to help test new treatments, talk with your cancer team about it. To find out more, see Taking part in research on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

This information was last updated on Jan 08, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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