BACKGROUND: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is also referred to as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. This system is a disease-fighting network that’s spread throughout the body. In non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, tumors develop from a type of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte. There are many different subtypes of the disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, 66,000 Americans will be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma this year.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin; abdominal pain or swelling; chest pain or trouble breathing; fatigue; fever; night sweats; or weight loss. In most cases, people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma don’t have any obvious risk factors. However, older age, being exposed to certain chemicals that are used to kill insects and weeds, taking medications that suppress the immune system, and having certain viral and bacterial infections appear to increase a person’s risk of developing the cancer.
STANDARD TREATMENT: If a patient’s lymphoma appears to be slow-growing, doctors may use a “wait-and-see” approach, which means treatment may not be necessary. Many of these cancers that don’t cause symptoms may not require treatment for years. If a patient’s cancer is more aggressive, treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, immune-boosting medications and radioimmunotherapy drugs may be used.
A NEW OPTION: Now, researchers are testing a new type of chemotherapy that could help patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The experimental treatment links a powerful chemotherapy called mono-auristatin with an antibody called SGN-35. The antibody directs the drug directly to a protein on the surface of lymphoma cells and leaves healthy cells alone.
ONE PATIENT’S STORY: Steven Guarin was the very first patient in the U.S. who took part in the phase II clinical trial testing the SGN-35 therapy. Within 36 hours of receiving the treatment, Steven’s tumors disappeared. After four cycles, he was in complete remission. However, Steven passed away after opting for another experimental procedure. In an effort to prolong his remission, he had a cord blood transplant. Unfortunately, the toxicity of the transplant caused his death. Steven’s family says he would have wanted to share his story.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joseph Rosenblatt, M.D.
UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Miami, FL
jrosenblatt@med.miami.edu
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