Lymphoma is a puzzle that casts a shadow over both medicine and the public's concerns.
Is it possible for lymphoma to be a benign cancer?
Lymphoma is unfortunately a malignant cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Types of lymphoma
Lymphoma can generally be classified into two main types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma
It is an uncommon form of the disease, accounting for about 10% of all lymphoma cases.
It can be recognized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large, abnormal lymphocytes.
Fortunately, Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most treatable types of cancer, with a high survival rate.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
In contrast, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common form, accounting for the vast majority of lymphoma diagnoses.
Includes a wide range of types CancerT lymphocytes, some of which grow slowly and others are more aggressive, each have their own unique characteristics and different therapeutic approach.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can arise from B cells or T cells and appear in various anatomical sites throughout the body, as abnormal cells accumulate in lymph nodes and other areas of the body.
Most people with this type are age 55 or older when diagnosed.
To you Complete symptoms of lymphoma
Causes of lymphoma
The underlying causes of lymphoma are not fully understood. The disease can develop due to a complex interaction between factors. However, researchers have identified several risk factors that may contribute to its development, such as:
- Genetic factors: While lymphoma is not directly inherited, individuals who have a close family member diagnosed with the disease or another type of blood cancer may have a slightly increased risk.
- Infectious agents: Certain viral and bacterial infections have been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma.
- Immune system dysfunction: Individuals with a weak or faulty immune system, such as those undergoing organ transplants or living with autoimmune diseases, are at a higher risk of developing lymphoma.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, solvents, and industrial chemicals, has been observed to indirectly increase the risk of lymphoma.
Read also: What are the signs of deterioration in a cancer patient?
In addition, some studies have indicated a possible association between lymphoma and obesity, as well as previous exposure to radiation or certain cancer treatments.
Early detection of lymphoma increases the chances of treatment and recovery. Oncology center. احجز استشارتك الآن
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Latest targeted and immunotherapies for lymphoma
Below we explain the latest targeted and immunological treatments for lymphoma. The field of lymphoma treatment is witnessing rapid development in targeted and immunotherapy techniques, and with advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the tumor and the immune response, precise therapeutic solutions have emerged that target cancer cells more efficiently with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
1- Modern immunotherapies
- CAR‑T treatment without access restrictions REMS-Free CAR‑T. The US Food and Drug Administration recently announced the removal of regulatory restrictions on a number of CAR‑T treatments such as Breyanzi, Abecma, Yescarta, Tecartus, and this will enable medical centers to provide this effective type of treatment, thus expanding access opportunities.
- Universal T-cell CAR-T: A new promising treatment has emerged, CTD-402, which targets the CD7 protein and is used in rare cases of T-cell lymphoma and T-cell leukemia. This treatment is the first comprehensive type, and it is expected to open new horizons in the treatment of resistant T-cell lymphoma.
2- Targeted therapies
- Inhibitors of vital proteins: such as Pirtobrutinib, which targets the BTK enzyme and is used in cases of recurrent and treatment-resistant B-cell lymphoma, and cases of recurrent and treatment-resistant B-cell lymphoma and is effective in insulated cell lymphoma, and Venetoclax, which is a BCL-2 inhibitor and is given to patients with small cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) such as Loncastuximab tesirine to treat relapsed B lymphoma, Polatuzumab vedotin, used in combination with chemotherapy, and Epcoritamab and Glovetamab, which are dual action antibodies that activate T cells against tumors.
Clinical trials have brought about a qualitative leap by combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy in cases of widespread lymphoma, as it has shown positive results in increasing response rates and reducing relapse rates. There are specialized treatments for rare types such as Mogamulizumab, which is an antibody directed against CCR4 to treat rare cutaneous T-cell lymphomas such as Sézary Syndrome and Mycosis Fungoides.
How to live with lymphoma after treatment
After the end of the lymphoma treatment journey, a new stage begins that is no less important, which is living with the disease and restoring a normal lifestyle in a balanced and safe manner. At this stage, it requires health awareness in various aspects of life, from nutrition to mental health, in order to ensure the chances of relapse and support continued recovery.
1- Healthy nutrition
It is important to follow a balanced diet, which is considered a pivotal step after treatment. This is done by following the following steps:
- Make sure to eat fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants to support immunity.
- Choose lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, and legumes, to help repair tissue and build physical strength.
- You should reduce your intake of sugars and saturated fats, which negatively affect general immunity.
- It is important to stay well hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water daily.
2- Vaccinations
After treatment, immunity may weaken, so it is important to consult a doctor about the vaccination schedule, especially the seasonal influenza vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and the Covid-19 vaccine, and you must continue to perform periodic follow-up examinations such as blood tests and x-rays to detect any indicators of an early recurrence of the disease.
3- Return to work
There is no fixed rule for when to return to work, and the decision depends on the patient’s condition, type of work, and energy level. It is important to start gradually, and be honest with the employer about your needs. It is preferable to allocate rest periods during the day to avoid fatigue.
4- Supporting mental health
It is normal for the patient to feel fear or anxiety about the return of the disease, so it is important to talk to a psychologist or join support groups, in addition to practicing meditation or yoga exercises to improve the mood, and it is important to involve family and friends to cooperate in the moral support plan.
Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is considered one of the leading authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of oncology treatment through Oncology centerThis includes lymphoma, as the hospital relies on the latest international treatment protocols, such as targeted and immunological treatments that are implemented under the supervision of an elite group of doctors specializing in oncology. The hospital’s services also extend to include integrated programs for rehabilitating cancer patients after the end of treatment, and include psychological support, nutritional counseling, and a periodic follow-up plan to ensure complete recovery, in addition to providing physical therapy sessions to strengthen the body and restore daily activity.
Receiving a diagnosis of lymphoma is undoubtedly a difficult and stressful experience.
Frequently asked questions
How many years does a lymphoma patient live?
The number of years that a lymphoma patient lives depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, the stage of diagnosis, the patient’s age, response to treatment, and general health condition, and in cases where early diagnosis and effective treatment are provided, survival rates can reach more than 10 years, and some patients may live completely normal lives. For example, the 5-year survival rate in some types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma can exceed 85%, but the percentage in other types varies according to severity and according to their response to treatment.
Is lymphoma contagious?
Lymphoma is not contagious, and cannot be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact, sneezing, touching, or sharing tools. It is the result of a defect in the growth of lymphatic system cells within the body, and not due to a virus or bacteria that is transmitted between individuals. There are some viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and the human immunodeficiency virus, that increase the risk of contracting some types of lymphoma, but their presence does not mean that the cancer itself is transmittable.
How long does lymphoma treatment take?
The duration of treatment for lymphoma varies according to its type and stage, and in most cases it requires continuous treatment from approximately 3 months to 6 months when using standard chemotherapy. The duration may increase with some aggressive types or in the case of combining more than one type of treatment, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy. In chronic or recurrent cases, the patient may undergo periodic treatments over a period of years according to his condition and response.
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