Treatments

Lymphoma Treatments

Treatment for lymphoma depends on your age, overall health, the type and extent of the disease and your tolerance for therapies. Northwestern Medicine offers a wide range of treatments, including:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is medication that is administered intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells in the blood or lymph system and may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses lab-created antibodies to fight cancer cells.
  
• Transplant: Specialists in oncology and hematology (blood) may use bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplants for lymphoma.

Palliative medicine

Side effects from cancer treatment can impact your quality of life and your body’s ability to respond to treatment. Northwestern Medicine is home to a diverse team of palliative medicine specialists who work with your oncologist to help relieve your pain and manage your symptoms. The palliative medicine specialists offer comprehensive care, including:

• Treatment of pain and other physical symptoms of cancer, such as fatigue, nausea, trouble sleeping, poor appetite, breathing difficulties and weight loss
• Treatment of emotional symptoms, such as depression and anxiety
• Improving your body’s ability to tolerate cancer treatments
• Helping you better understand tests, procedures and options
• Guiding you and those who care for you to helpful outside resources

From your initial diagnosis throughout your care, the palliative medicine team can help you remain stronger in your fight against cancer and feel better, every step of the way.

Clinical trials

Northwestern Medicine offers access to advanced clinical research and trials.

Certain types of lymphoma may be treated with:

• Leukapheresis: A procedure to remove excess lymphocytes (white blood cells) from the body
• Splenectomy: Surgery to remove the spleen
• Other treatments for complications such as infection or anemia