Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare form of lymphoma that accounts for approximately 4 percent of non-Hodgkins lymphomas. Typically occurring in men over the age of 50, it is aggressive and can occur in four different stages, with most cases first being diagnosed at stage three or stage four. Treatment types are myriad and include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and stem-cell therapy, among others.
Stages of Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Each of the four stages of mantle cell lymphoma is dependent on the location, the number of infected lymph nodes and other organs that have been infected.
Mantle cell lymphoma is considered to be in stage one when only a singular group of lymph nodes in one specific area is affected. The disease is considered to be in stage two when two or more groups of lymph nodes are infected but are relegated entirely above or below the diaphragm, while stage three is when the affected lymph nodes are both above and below the diaphragm. Finally, stage four occurs when the lymphoma has spread to other lymphatic organs.
Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
The most popular method of treatment for mantle cell lymphoma is chemotherapy. The form of chemotherapy used is contingent upon the stage in which the lymphoma presents, as well as the current health and age of the patient. Given the aggressiveness and rarity of the condition, the level of chemotherapy required is much stronger than normal. Even with chemotherapy, the average survival rate is two and a half to four years.
According to LymphomaInfo.net, immunotherapy treatments, designed to strengthen the immune system, might be the best method of treatment for mantle cell lymphoma. One such effective form of immunotherapy treatment is a combination of rituximab (a monoclonal antibody) with the chemotherapy regiment CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisone).
Other treatments include a combination of rituximab and other, more aggressive chemotherapy drugs. These, however, can be incredibly toxic and are not recommended for older patients. On rare occasions, if the cancer has spread to the central nervous system, a form of treatment called intrathecal therapy may be used, wherein the drugs are injected right into spinal canal fluid.
Stem Cell Treatment
Stem cell transplants are often used in conjunction with high-dose radiation or chemotherapy. Given the potential for severe side effects, some types of this treatment are not suggested for those over the age of 50. According to leukemia-lymphoma.org, a form of stem cell transplant called autologous stem cell transplantation, which involves the freezing of one's own cells and returning them to the body after receiving intensive therapy, has shown to be quite effective for the remission of mantle cell lymphoma. This method of treatment is also considered safe for older patients in excellent health.
Proteasome Inhibitors
Proteasome inhibitors are a type of biological drug made from substances that occur naturally in the body. They work by inhibiting the proteins necessary for cells to grow and survive. According to CancerHelp UK, trials are being conducted to see if bortezomib, a common proteasome inhibitor, works better in conjunction with CHOP chemotherapy or as a stand-alone treatment.
Radiotherapy
Often used in conjunction with chemotherapy, radiation therapy involves the use of highly concentrated energy particles aimed directly at the lymphoma. It is typically used during the first two stages of mantle cell lymphoma and is a quick and painless procedure. Potential side effects include sore skin at the site of treatment and the potential to make you tired. If used in conjunction with stem cell therapy or a bone marrow transplant, or if the radiation therapy is used on the brain, somnolence syndrome may occur, which is characterized by extreme bouts of tiredness. This is a short-term side effect and will eventually wear off.
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