Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Defined
About Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that's in the blood and lymph nodes. It affects lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes are part of your immune system, and they help you fight infection. A lymphocyte's job is to recognize antigens — foreign substances that invade the body. These substances can include bacteria, for example, and the lymphocytes act quickly to destroy them.
Lymphocytes circulate in the bloodstream and the lymph vessels, often collecting in glands called the lymph nodes (see diagram). There are many lymph nodes in your body. Lymphocytes, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes make up the lymphatic system. Common sites of lymph nodes are the neck, armpit, and groin. NHL can start in the lymph nodes, spleen, or lymph tissue found in organs such as the stomach or intestines.
Common Sites of Lymphoma Involvement
How Common Is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?
You are not alone. NHL is the fifth most common cancer in American men and women. It ranks among the top 10 most common cancers in the United States. Nearly 300,000 people in the United States are living with NHL. The disease may be diagnosed in more than 60,000 Americans this year.
Types of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
NHLs are divided into types (approximately 30) depending on how the cancer cells look under a microscope and their pattern of growth. Classification is very complex and can be quite confusing. The most recent classification system is the WHO/REAL system.
WHO/REAL Classification of Selected B-cell Lymphomas
| Indolent lymphomas | |
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| Aggressive lymphomas | |
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| Highly aggressive lymphomas | |
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*World Health Organization/Revised European-American Lymphoma.
†Most common subtypes representing over 50% of all B-cell NHLs.3 RITUXAN is approved for these subtypes. Other subtypes are not approved RITUXAN indications.4 Please see full prescribing information.
Subtypes of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
While there are many subtypes of NHL, 2 groups account for approximately half of all cases.
Follicular lymphoma (grades I and II): About 2 out of 10 cases of NHL are follicular. In follicular lymphoma, the cells tend to grow in a circular pattern in the lymph nodes. This is a slow-growing cancer. It is found most often in older people and is rare in very young people. Although standard treatment will not often cure this cancer, people may live a long time with it. Studies show that after 5 years, 6 to 7 out of 10 people with this type of cancer may still be alive.
Diffuse large B-cell, CD20+, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (DLBCL): DLBCL (a type of aggressive lymphoma) makes up about 3 out of 10 cases of NHL. The cells are large, and the cancer often grows quickly. It occurs mostly in older people. With appropriate treatment, patients may achieve long-term survival.
Together, these 2 types make up approximately half of all lymphoma cases. The other half consists of numerous other types of lymphoma. Ask your doctor about the exact type of lymphoma you have and what treatment options are right for you.
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.
