Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of two categories of lymphoma, a type of blood cell and lymph node cancer. We’re taking a look at non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the major advance in therapy called CAR T-cell therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)—the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma—is now available at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.
Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: How Do They Differ?
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancers that start in the body’s lymphatic system—the tissues and organs that contain infection-fighting white blood cells.
The two categories are Hodgkin lymphoma (also called Hodgkin disease), which was discovered and named first, followed by the discovery of a second type of lymphoma, which was given the name non-Hodgkin lymphoma to make this distinction. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the more common type, and can be the more serious type.
They act and spread differently and also respond to treatment differently.
- Hodgkin lymphoma: Spreads in an orderly way from one group of lymph nodes to another. Hodgkin lymphoma is marked by the presence of a type of lymphocytes (white blood cells) called Reed-Sternberg and is more common in younger people. It typically begins in the upper body (neck, chest, armpits). Hodgkin lymphoma is very curable compared to other cancers.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Spreads through the lymphatic system randomly. It is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma and tends to affect people over the age of 60. It can grow and spread slowly (known as indolent lymphomas) or more aggressively. The recovery rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the specific type.
Symptoms of Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Despite the differences, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma have similar symptoms:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Treatment
The type of lymphoma you have helps your care team determine the best treatment options.
Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
As mentioned previously, DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is an aggressive cancer and grows quickly in the lymph nodes. Many times, other organs are also affected. Treatment depends how far the disease has progressed. Chemotherapy is normally the first line treatment. A stem cell transplant is sometimes an option for younger patients with a high risk of the lymphoma coming back.
CAR T-cell therapy, the latest type of immunotherapy, may be an option if a patient is no longer responding to treatment or the lymphoma has recurred. CAR T genetically re-programs a patient’s own T cells—a type of white blood cell that fights illness and infection—to be target and destroy cancer cells.
Risk Factors for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
According to the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, these and other factors may increase the risk of certain types of adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
- Being older, male, or white. Most cases occur in people in their 60s and older.
- Having a parent, child or sibling with NHL.
- Radiation exposure.
- Having a weakened immune system.
- Some autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), Sjogren disease, and celiac disease.
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of lymphoma or think you may be at risk. The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute always provides a variety of new treatments and constantly evolving clinical trials. We bring more hope than ever before to patients and families fighting lymphoma.