Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Learning you have Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a form of blood cancer with more than 60 types. Lymphomas develop from white blood cells. These cells help the body fight off disease. In some cases NHL appears to be linked with immune system weaknesses or illnesses -- but not always. This type of cancer is most often diagnosed in older adults who are thinking about retiring, not sickness. Signs of the illness such as fever, fatigue, and weight loss may have been subtle or else understood as normal signs of aging. An enlarged lymph node is often the first visible (seen and felt) sign. From here blood tests can help a doctor understand if a lymphoma should be suspected. There may be additional testing to rule out other viruses, diagnostic imaging like a CT scan to analyze the lymphoma size, and a biopsy to test the cells. Once a precise diagnosis of an NHL is made, treatment is planned and will likely have several different tactics over many months.

Understanding your options

The medical work-up for a possible lymphoma is involved. It takes time for the diagnosis to be confirmed and this uncertainty can be distressing. For newly diagnosed individuals, the path forward feels long and difficult. Yet overall, treatment success rates in NHL today are good. Standard NHL treatment generally includes a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. The exact plan in terms of cycles depends on many factors from the patient’s age and overall health to the size, genetic profile, and location of the lymphoma. There are many side effects along the road to recovery. Cases that don’t respond to these therapies may require a stem cell transplant. This is a worry of patients going through treatment, being isolated for a period of time. Ongoing research into lymphoma treatment is looking at these different components and how they can be improved to reduce unpleasant side effects.

Advances in treatment

Clinical research studies have led to many advances in the treatment of NHL. Already in 2025, one new drug for mantle cell lymphoma (a type of NHL), acalabrutinib, received FDA approval. This medicine is a bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor which can block signals involved in cancer cell growth. Lymphoma researchers continue to investigate new immunotherapy treatments. Today monoclonal antibodies (like rituximab) are used in standard treatment of NHL lymphoma as they have helped improve patient outcomes. CAR T-cell therapy remains a promising approach for many illnesses. It is being looked at for usage against more forms of NHL. Research on how to classify different NHLs is also ongoing. By being more precise at diagnosis, treatment plans can avoid therapies unlikely to provide benefit.

You can get involved

Clinical research offers opportunities for those with NHL to consider different options than what may be available at their primary hospital. This may include new therapies, combinations of existing therapies, therapies that are approved for other cancers, biomarker testing, and more. It is easy to stay informed about clinical research for non-hodgkin lymphoma by joining this patient and caregiver community.

RECRUITING TRIALS

References

American Cancer Society (February 2024): What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
National Cancer Institute (August 2024): NHL Treatment PDQ - Patient
Healthline (March 2024): Treatment of NHL types