Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that form a critical part of the immune system. Lymphomas are broadly classified into two major categories: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), each encompassing numerous subtypes with distinct clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics. These cancers primarily affect the lymphatic system, including lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow, but can also involve extranodal sites such as the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and central nervous system. Key symptoms of lymphoma include painless swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), often in the neck, axillae, or groin, along with constitutional 'B symptoms' such as unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, and unintentional weight loss exceeding 10% of body weight over six months. Patients may also experience fatigue, pruritus (itching), and in some cases, organ-specific symptoms depending on the site of involvement. Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly may be present. The treatment landscape for lymphoma has evolved significantly and varies by subtype, stage, and patient factors. Options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy (including monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab), targeted therapies (such as BTK inhibitors and PI3K inhibitors), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Stem cell transplantation may be considered for relapsed or refractory disease. Prognosis varies widely depending on the specific lymphoma subtype, with some indolent forms being managed with watchful waiting and others requiring aggressive multimodal treatment. Advances in molecular profiling and personalized medicine continue to improve outcomes for many patients.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Common questions about Lymphoma