Cancer is by far one of the most terrible diseases of all. Be it non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) or other types of cancer. In the US alone, this cancer caused 20,180 deaths in 2023. NHL is metastatic, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body and organs. This requires appropriate systemic treatment, which brings us to the topic of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma therapeutics. Extrapolate projects that the global market for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) therapeutics is estimated to reach a valuation of $12.14 billion by 2030. This blog gives a comprehensive look into the deadly cancer.
What Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) comprise a broad spectrum of lymphoproliferative malignancies with variable behavior and response to treatment.
Similar to Hodgkin’s lymphoma, NHL usually originates from lymphoid tissue and can metastasize to other organs. However, NHL is more unpredictable than Hodgkin’s lymphoma and is more likely to spread to sites outside the lymph nodes. The prognosis is influenced by the specific histologic type, stage, and treatment approach.
This condition can be more likely to occur in older people, in men, and in people with compromised immune systems. Swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and exhaustion are typical warning signs and symptoms. Tests directed against the lymphatic system and other body areas are commonly used in diagnosis and staging.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treatment Options
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated in various ways, depending on the specific type and severity of your case. Here’s a breakdown of some common treatment methods:
Chemotherapy
- Description: A powerful drug treatment that kills cancer cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously and is often used alone or combined with other therapies.
- Application: Common initial treatment for most lymphomas. Can be used again if the cancer recurs. Part of a bone marrow transplant procedure.
Radiation Therapy
- Description: Uses high-energy beams like X-rays or protons to destroy cancer cells. You lie on a table while a machine directs these beams at specific areas of your body.
- Application: May be the sole treatment for slow-growing, localized lymphoma. Often used after chemotherapy to eliminate remaining cancer cells. Targets affected lymph nodes and surrounding areas.
Targeted Drug Therapy
- Description: Drugs that target specific abnormalities within cancer cells, causing them to die.
- Application: Can be used alone but often combined with chemotherapy for initial or relapse treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Engineering Immune Cells (CAR-T Cell Therapy)
- Description: A specialized approach that modifies your body’s T cells (immune system fighters) to target and attack cancer cells. These modified cells are then infused back into your body.
Bone Marrow Transplant (Stem Cell Transplant)
- Description: Involves high-dose chemotherapy and radiation to suppress your bone marrow and immune system. Healthy bone marrow stem cells, from you or a donor, are then infused into your bloodstream. These cells travel to your bones and rebuild your bone marrow.
- Application: Considered if other treatments haven’t been successful.
Immunotherapy
- Description: Boosts your body’s natural immune system to fight cancer cells. Cancer cells sometimes produce proteins that hide them from immune system attacks. Immunotherapy disrupts this hiding mechanism.
- Application: This may be an option for specific types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): DLBCL is the most common subtype of NHL, accounting for about one-third of cases. It is an aggressive lymphoma that primarily affects older individuals, although it can occur in younger adults and children in rare cases.
- Follicular Lymphoma (FL): FL is an indolent (slow-growing) lymphoma that typically affects middle-aged or older adults. It arises from B-lymphocytes and is characterized by a partially follicular pattern.
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): MCL is an aggressive lymphoma that arises from B-cells and primarily affects older individuals. It is characterized by the involvement of the mantle zone of lymphoid follicles.
- Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma (PTCL): PTCL is a group of aggressive lymphomas that arise from T-cells.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (CLL/SLL): SLL and CLL are thought to have distinct outward manifestations but have the same underlying illness. The buildup of mature-appearing lymphocytes in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and blood is a hallmark of CLL. SLL is defined as lymph node involvement without a considerable amount of blood or bone marrow involvement.
Final Takeaway
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) presents a significant healthcare challenge. While its diverse nature and unpredictable course pose difficulties, the blog highlights a cause for optimism: the expanding treatment landscape. From traditional options like chemotherapy and radiation to innovative approaches for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma therapeutics like CAR-T cell therapy, there’s a growing arsenal against this complex cancer.
The projected market growth for NHL therapeutics reinforces the ongoing research and development efforts. Despite the seriousness of NHL, advancements in treatment offer a promising outlook for patients. The future holds the potential for even more effective therapies.
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