Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Understanding non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is an important part of the immune system consisting of lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and other organs like the spleen and thymus. NHL specifically affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections. Unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, which has a specific set of characteristics, NHL has a diverse group of blood cancers, each with unique features and behaviors. The two main types of lymphocytes involved are B cells and T cells, with B-cell lymphomas being more common. ​

NHL can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults. The disease can develop in various parts of your body, including lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood, or other organs. The exact cause of NHL is unknown, but risk factors include a weakened immune system, certain infections, exposure to certain chemicals, and age​. Common symptoms can vary but typically include fatigue, fever, painless swelling of lymph nodes, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin, chest pain and abdominal swelling.

Learn more: Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma statistics in the UK

NHL is the seventh most common cancer in the UK, representing about 4% of all new cancer cases. Annually, around 14,000 new cases are diagnosed, with the incidence rates being highest among individuals aged 80 to 84 years. The disease affects slightly more men than women, with about 7,600 cases in men and 6,000 in women each year.

Over the last few decades, the incidence of NHL has increased, though projections suggest a slight decline in future years. Despite advancements in treatment, NHL sadly remains a significant cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for about 4,900 deaths per year in the UK.

Treatment options for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Treatment for NHL varies depending on the type and stage of the disease, as well as your overall health. Common treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: the most common treatment, involving the use of drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy: uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used for localised NHL or as part of a combination therapy with chemotherapy.
• Targeted therapy: involves drugs that specifically target certain molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts your body's immune system to help recognize and attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy are examples of immunotherapies used for certain types of NHL.
• Stem cell transplant: Also known as a bone marrow transplant, this procedure replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells

Learn more: Treatments for blood cancer and blood disorder

Stem cell transplants and non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Stem cell transplants are a critical treatment option for certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), especially when the disease is aggressive or has relapsed after initial treatment. This procedure involves administering high doses of chemotherapy (and sometimes radiotherapy) to destroy cancerous cells, followed by the infusion of healthy stem cells to restore the bone marrow's ability to produce new blood cells.

For patients, stem cell transplants can offer a potential for long-term remission. However, the procedure also comes with significant risks, such as infections, graft-versus-host disease, and other complications. The decision to proceed with a stem cell transplant should be made in close consultation with your medical team. They will evaluate your condition thoroughly, considering both the potential benefits and risks before recommending this treatment.

Learn more: Donor search and match

How we can help

At DKMS patients and their families are at the heart of everything we do. If you are currently seeking a stem cell donor, we can share your story to raise awareness and encourage more people to join the donor register, which can give hope to patients everywhere of finding their compatible stem cell match.

With a global database of 12 million potential stem cell donors and over 115,000 donations facilitated so far, we are dedicated to supporting you. Please reach out to us to learn more or get involved.