Hodgkin's Lymphoma, or Hodgkin's Disease, is a type of cancer that originates from lymphocytes in the blood stream. Originally discovered in 1832 by Thomas Hodgkin, Hodgkin's Lymphoma typically occurs in young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 and adults over 55. Today, patients diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma have a high survival rate of about 90 percent if the disease is found in the early stages.
Chemotherapy
Hodgkin's Lymphoma is often treated with chemotheraphy. Chemotherapy uses a series of drugs and chemical compounds to shrink the lymphoma cancer cells. In the early stages of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it has proved quite effective.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can be used by itself or in conjunction with chemotherapy for the treatment of Hodgkin's Disease. However, with the current high effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation is often limited to large areas affected by the lymphoma or unresponsive cells.
Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Transplants
Hodgkin's Lymphoma can become resistant to chemotherapy or radiation treatment. When this occurs, therapy levels are increased, breaking down bone marrow, and doctors inject pre-therapy bone marrow to replace it. Transplants are most common in cases of lymphoma relapse and are rarely needed if the disease is discovered early.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, a type of therapy involving treating the disease through immune response, is being studied in treating Hodgkin's Disease. Initial testing has proved effective on the disease, and mainstream use for treating Hodgkin's may not be far off.
Clinical Trials
When all else fails, clinical trials may be used to treat Hodgkin's Disease. Clinical trials for Hodgkin's Disease usually involve one or more of the above therapies used in conjunctions with others in a new manner. Clinical trials are rarely needed for the treatment of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, as current programs have proved highly effective.
Tags: Hodgkin Lymphoma, Hodgkin Disease, chemotherapy radiation, Clinical trials, early stages, rarely needed