Overview
Primary bone lymphoma (also called primary lymphoma of bone or PLB) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the bone itself rather than spreading to the bone from somewhere else. It is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, meaning it involves abnormal growth of white blood cells called lymphocytes within the bone tissue. The most common subtype is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), though other types can also occur. The disease most often affects adults, typically those over 40 years of age, and it can involve any bone in the body, though the long bones of the legs (especially the femur), pelvis, and spine are most commonly affected. The main symptom is persistent bone pain that does not go away with rest and may worsen over time. Some patients also experience swelling near the affected bone, fractures that happen without significant injury (called pathological fractures), and general symptoms like unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and fevers. Treatment usually involves a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The most commonly used chemotherapy regimen is R-CHOP, which includes rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. With modern treatment approaches, primary bone lymphoma generally has a better prognosis than many other bone cancers, with many patients achieving long-term remission. Surgery is sometimes needed if the bone is severely weakened or fractured.
Key symptoms:
Persistent bone pain that worsens over timeSwelling or a lump near the affected boneBone fracture from minor injury or no injury at allUnexplained weight lossNight sweatsFevers without an obvious causeFatigue and tirednessReduced ability to move the affected limbLimping or difficulty walking if a leg bone is involvedBack pain if the spine is affectedNumbness or tingling if the tumor presses on nerves
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Primary bone lymphoma.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Primary bone lymphoma at this time.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Primary bone lymphoma.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What subtype of lymphoma was found in my bone, and what stage is it?,What is the recommended treatment plan, and how long will treatment last?,Will I need both chemotherapy and radiation therapy?,What are the potential side effects of treatment, and how can they be managed?,Is there a risk that the affected bone could fracture, and do I need any restrictions on activity?,What is my expected prognosis with treatment?,Are there any clinical trials available for primary bone lymphoma that I might be eligible for?
Common questions about Primary bone lymphoma
What is Primary bone lymphoma?
Primary bone lymphoma (also called primary lymphoma of bone or PLB) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the bone itself rather than spreading to the bone from somewhere else. It is a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, meaning it involves abnormal growth of white blood cells called lymphocytes within the bone tissue. The most common subtype is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), though other types can also occur. The disease most often affects adults, typically those over 40 years of age, and it can involve any bone in the body, though the long bones of the legs (especially the femur), pelvi
How is Primary bone lymphoma inherited?
Primary bone lymphoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Primary bone lymphoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Primary bone lymphoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Primary bone lymphoma?
24 specialists and care centers treating Primary bone lymphoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.