Staging and Prognostic Tools
Determining How Much the Lymphoma Has Spread
Staging is one of the first things health professionals do to determine the right treatment for each non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patient. A stage number between I and IV tells the healthcare team how much the lymphoma has spread within your body. The chart below explains the stages.
The 4 Stages of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Prognostic Index
For people with follicular (grades I or II) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of indolent lymphoma, the Follicular NHL Prognostic Index (FLIPI) can be used to help predict the success of therapy. Important factors include age, disease stage, blood test results, and the number of affected lymph nodes. Each risk factor present is assigned a point. The FLIPI score is determined by adding the points. There are 3 risk groups, which are defined as low, 0-1 risk factor; intermediate, 2 risk factors; and high, 3-5 risk factors. So, for example, if you have 3 risk factors, your FLIPI score would be 3.
Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI)
Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Prognostic Index
For people with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), healthcare providers use an index, or risk list, called the International Prognostic Index (IPI) to help predict the risk of disease recurrence and overall treatment outcome.
The IPI score is determined by counting the number of risk factors a person has. Each risk factor present is assigned a point. The IPI score is determined by adding the points. The score is termed low if someone has 0 or 1 risk factor, low/intermediate for 2 risk factors, high/intermediate for 3 risk factors, and high for 4-5 risk factors. So, for example, if you have 3 risk factors, your IPI score would be 3. Studies show that the fewer risk factors a person has, the better the results of treatment may be.
Remember that results may be different for different people. So be sure to ask your oncologist which treatment options are right for your specific diagnosis.
International Prognostic Index (IPI)
INDICATIONS
RITUXAN® (rituximab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with:
- Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent
- Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with CVP chemotherapy
- Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive B-cell NHL, as a single agent, after first-line CVP chemotherapy
- Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
RITUXAN can cause serious side effects, some of which can be life-threatening, including: Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), and severe skin reactions. Other serious and life-threatening side effects with RITUXAN include: hepatitis B virus reactivation, heart problems, infections, and stomach and bowel problems. Common side effects during RITUXAN infusions include: fever, headache, chills and shakes, nausea, itching, hives, cough, sneezing, and throat irritation or tightness.
Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or that do not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with RITUXAN. Ask your doctor for more information.
Please read the Medication Guide in HTML or PDF versions for more information.
