Mantle cell lymphoma is a relatively rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affects primarily older men. It's very difficult to treat and can affect numerous parts of the body including bone marrow, lymph nodes, the spleen and even the G.I. tract. It is an aggressive form of lymphoma, which means that it progresses quickly. There is no known cure, however, there are several treatment options for those diagnosed with the disease.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for mantle cell lymphoma. It is administered by means of injection into the veins or through an IV drip. The treatment is given in several sessions of which constitute a cycle. The typical chemotherapy prescription for this type of cancer is called CHOP, which uses four different drugs. Should a patient not respond to treatment, a more rigorous chemotherapy will be used, though not everyone can handle this as the side effects are miserable.
Biological Therapy
Biological therapy is also sometimes used for mantle cell lymphoma and many other types of lymphoma. This treatment method involves injecting monoclonal antibodies into your body, a molecular agent which actively go after cancer cells and destroys them.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Sometimes a bone marrow transplant may be needed in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. This is usually discussed as an option after chemotherapy. However, since most people that develop this disease are older, they are often not capable of having the transplant.
Radiation Therapy
It is rare to see radiation used as a treatment option for mantle cell lymphoma but it is required occasionally. Usually, those diagnosed with this disease are further along and have it throughout numerous parts of their body. However, should the diagnosis come earlier and the disease be localized, radiation can be used following chemotherapy for good measure.
Medications
Newer medications are now making the rounds in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. Most of these drugs are tested in clinical trials, but don't let that fool you. It is out of these trials that the newest treatments are produced. One particular medication currently being looked at is called bortezomib, which works as a proteasome in the body, which can get rid of bad cell proteins often found in cancer cells.
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