Imagine your body’s defense system suddenly turning against you. This is the harsh truth of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a type of cancer that begins in the very cells designed to defend our bodies. According to the American Cancer Society, around 80,620 people in the United States suffer from NHL. In this disease, lymphocytes, the white blood cells that fight infections, become distorted and multiply uncontrollably. They crowd out healthy cells, making the body susceptible and disrupting its natural defenses.
This blog post is your detailed guide to understanding non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We’ll break down the different forms it can take and the factors that increase your risk.
What is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer that targets the lymphatic system. It is essential for your immune system, consisting of vessels and tissues that aid in combating infections and diseases. A study published in ScienceDirect highlights that NHL is the 11th most common and leading cause of cancer deaths in the world.
A vital component of this system is lymphocytes, white blood cells that circulate throughout your body. There are two main types: B-cells and T-cells. B-cells create antibodies, while T-cells act as enforcers, directly attacking and eliminating threats.
In NHL, these lymphocytes become abnormal. They rapidly increase in number and overwhelm healthy cells, weakening the immune system and increasing vulnerability to infections. The abnormal lymphocytes can also form tumors in various parts of your body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. This disrupts the normal functioning of these organs and can lead to a range of symptoms.
What is the difference between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are both lymphatic cancers. The primary difference lies in the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. The presence of these abnormal cells characterizes Hodgkin lymphoma, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma lacks them. This distinction affects treatment and prognosis.
Types of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a diverse group of cancers affecting lymphocytes. Cleveland Clinic highlights that there are over 70 NHL types. However, there are two most common types of NHL which you’re going to learn:
B-cell Lymphomas
B-cell lymphomas are a subset of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) originating in B lymphocytes. It is a type of white blood cell vital to the immune system. According to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma ((DLBCL)) accounts for 22% of newly found B-cell NHL in America. Over 18000 people are diagnosed with DLBCL each year.
B lymphocytes produce antibodies to fight infections. When these cells grow uncontrollably, they form tumors in the lymphatic system, leading to B-cell lymphomas.
T-cell Lymphomas
While less common than B-cell lymphomas, T-cell lymphomas are still a significant concern. These lymphomas can affect various body parts and often present unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
Which non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not curable?
While many non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are curable, some indolent or slow-growing types, like follicular lymphoma, are generally not considered curable. However, treatments can effectively manage the disease, control symptoms, and provide extended periods of remission. It’s crucial to recognize that treatment options evolve, leading to a more positive outlook for those diagnosed with indolent lymphomas.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma remain elusive, researchers have identified several factors that can increase your risk. Understanding these risk factors can help you make informed health decisions and take steps to reduce your chances of developing this disease.
Infections
Certain infections have been linked to increased NHL risk. These include the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, and the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). These viruses can disrupt the normal functioning of lymphocytes, potentially causing cancerous changes.
Family History
Your risk may be slightly elevated if you have a close relative who had NHL. This indicates that genetic elements may play a role in the onset of this disease. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize that the majority of individuals with a family history of NHL will not go on to develop the condition.
Environmental Factors
While genetic factors play a role in NHL development, environmental factors are increasingly recognized as significant contributors. Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants in our environment can increase the risk of developing this form of cancer. Among the various environmental factors, exposure to specific herbicides, notably glyphosate-based products like Roundup, has been a focal point of public concern. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide, has been extensively used in agriculture to control weeds. However, its safety has been hotly debated.
TorHoerman Law highlights that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. This conclusion was based on evidence from studies showing that glyphosate can cause cancer in animals and damage human cells. As the link between glyphosate exposure and NHL became more apparent, many individuals diagnosed with the disease began seeking justice through legal channels. Victims claim they were not adequately warned about the potential dangers of Roundup and are now facing serious health issues.
The Roundup lawsuit has become a significant legal battle, with thousands of cases filed against Monsanto and Bayer AG. As of October 2024, there are 4,349 active lawsuits in the multidistrict litigation (as per Drugwatch), primarily from farm workers and landscapers. Moreover, Reuters reports a landmark settlement in which Bayer had to pay $78 million to a Pennsylvania man. The individual was diagnosed with cancer due to Roundup weedkiller. Despite these settlements, new cases continue to emerge, indicating glyphosate exposure’s persistent and widespread impact.
Treatment and Outlook
Once you are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan will be based on your disease’s specific type and stage, overall health, and preferences. Fortunately, numerous effective treatments are available, and continuous research is enhancing the prognosis for individuals with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Chemotherapy is a standard treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given orally or intravenously. Moreover, immunotherapy harnesses your body’s immune system to fight cancer. This approach has shown remarkable success recently, especially with advancements like CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy involves collecting your T-cells, modifying them in a lab to enhance their cancer-fighting abilities, and infusing them into your body. A study published in NCBI has shown that CAR T-cell therapy is highly effective in treating NHL cancer with few severe side effects.
When CAR T cells target a protein called CD19 in cancer cells, patients with B-cell lymphoma often experience long-lasting remissions. This means their cancer stays away for a long time, even if it doesn’t respond to traditional chemotherapy. The outlook for people with NHL has improved significantly in recent decades, thanks to advances in treatment and earlier detection. However, survival rates vary depending on the type and stage of NHL. Your doctor can give you more specific information about your prognosis.
How long is the treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Treatment length for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma varies significantly. It depends on factors like the type and stage of lymphoma, your overall health, and the specific treatments used. It can range from a few months to several years, with ongoing monitoring often necessary even after treatment concludes.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a complex and challenging disease, but it’s not impossible to treat. Awareness is key. You can protect your health by understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments. Moreover, early diagnosis is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and increasing the chances of a full recovery. Advancements in treatment, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, are revolutionizing the fight against NHL. With ongoing research and a growing understanding of this disease, the future for people with NHL is brighter than ever.
