Treatment Options for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)
The goal of treatment for NHL is to destroy cancer cells. There are many treatment options for NHL. And which options may be right for you depend on a number of factors. These include:
- The type of the lymphoma—slow- or fast-growing
- The stage of the lymphoma—this is a way to describe how far the lymphoma has spread
- Personal characteristics—such as age, gender, and overall health
Standard treatment options are often tailored to each patient. But it is important to understand what options are available. Ask your doctor to discuss treatment options and all potential side effects of each treatment. Read full product information and any related medication guides prior to receiving any treatments.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays aimed at a tumor. Because cancer cells grow quickly, they are more likely to be killed by radiation than normal cells. This treatment may be used along with another treatment for NHL. Radiation is painless. But there may be some side effects such as skin problems and tiredness.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells, like tumor cells. It is often very good at killing tumor cells. And it is often an important part of many NHL treatment regimens. However, chemotherapy also attacks other fast-growing cells throughout the body. So it can have related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses your body's immune system to help fight cancer. This type of therapy targets cancer cells and some healthy cells. But it leaves most other types of cells alone. Immunotherapy may be used on its own or in combination with chemotherapy. Side effects such as fever, chills, and shaking may occur with immunotherapy. If it is used along with another treatment, you may experience side effects from both.
RITUXAN® is an immunotherapy that targets B-cells, the cells involved in some types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
RITUXAN is a prescription medicine used in adults:
- alone or with other anti-cancer medicines to treat certain types of NHL.
- with another medicine called methotrexate to reduce the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) after at least one other medicine called a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitor has been used and did not work well.
Rituxan has not been studied in children.
Remember that results may be different for different people. Read the Medication Guide for a summary of the most important information about RITUXAN. Be sure to ask your oncologist which treatment options are right for you.
Learn more about RITUXAN for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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.
