Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Chemotherapy Drugs and Delivery

There are many kinds of drugs that can be used. The care team will help find the best ones for each person.

Examples of common chemo drugs to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:

• CHOP—cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone
• CVP—cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone
• Cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin
• Fludarabine
• Methotrexate
• Dexamethasone

Chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is usually given through an IV. Some forms can be given by mouth or injected into fluid around the brain and spine. Chemo is given in cycles over a set period of time. A cancer doctor will determine the mix of drugs and how many cycles are needed.

Side Effects and Management

Chemo is made to target cancer cells. It can also affect fast growing healthy cells. This can cause a range of health problems. The most common are:

:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Hair loss
• Reduced blood cell counts, which can lead to anemia or problems with blood clotting
• Bone marrow suppression and/or reduced white blood cell counts, which increases the risk of infection
• Inflammation and sores in the mouth, throat, or esophagus
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Infertility, and/or reproductive and sexual problems—For those who want children, there may be options for preserving fertility before treatment. This also applies to adolescents who have gone through puberty.

Most side effects will fade once chemo has stopped. Other side effects may be long term. It can include damage to the heart and nerves, or some thinking and memory problems. Rarely, other cancers can form.

There are many ways to manage these problems. Medicines and lifestyle changes are the most common. Sometimes cycles may be changed to lower the risk of serious problems. It is important to talk to the care team as soon as side effects appear. That way they can be better controlled