Wednesday, September 15, 2010

What Are The Treatments For Mediastinal Large Bcell Lymphoma

Mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma is diagnosed in roughly one in 50 cases of lymphoma, according to MacMillan Cancer Support. This non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is caused by a rare B-cell lymphocyte in the thymus gland.


Chemotherapy


Chemotherapy is the main treatment for this condition, according to MacMillan. Anti-cancer drugs are injected intravenously for up to six months.


Radiotherapy


High-power X-rays are used to destroy cancer cells during radiotherapy. This treatment is used after chemotherapy.


High-Dose Chemotherapy


High-dose chemotherapy has been used with stem cell infusions to fight this lymphoma, according to MacMillan. Side effects can be severe, so some kinds of high-dose therapy aren't given to patients over 50.








Steroid Therapy


Steroids are sometimes given in conjunction with chemotherapy. These drugs can help reduce feelings of sickness.


Monoclonal Antibody Therapy


Monoclonal antibodies target proteins on the surface of cancer cells. These drugs can stimulate the body's immune system, making it attack the cancer.

Tags: according MacMillan, cancer cells, lymphoma according, lymphoma according MacMillan, These drugs