# Lymphoma treatment: chemotherapy, radiotherapy and watch and wait

> Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/treatment

## In short

Hodgkin lymphoma is often treated with combination chemotherapy, sometimes followed by radiotherapy. Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma is treated promptly, often with antibody drugs such as rituximab plus chemotherapy. Slow types may be watched. Some people have a stem-cell transplant if lymphoma comes back. World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas, not UK wards.

Antibody drugs and PET-guided treatment have improved UK outcomes. Those same drugs are unaffordable for many families in our Object countries.

## What is R-CHOP?

R-CHOP is a common combination for some aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas: rituximab plus chemotherapy. Hodgkin regimens use different drug mixes. The letters on a consent form should match the subtype on the biopsy.

## When is radiotherapy used?

Radiotherapy can treat remaining sites after chemotherapy or, in some localised Hodgkin lymphoma, form part of first treatment. It is planned to spare as much healthy tissue as possible.

## How can a donation help?

A gift to the Cancer Emergency Appeal helps pay for tests or drug cycles a partner hospital has recommended. The appeal funds all types of cancer, including lymphoma. We do not run research labs.

## Key takeaways

- Treatment follows the subtype, not the word lymphoma alone.
- Some people are monitored rather than treated immediately.
- Rituximab and similar antibodies are standard in many UK NHL pathways.
- WAN funds overseas bills, not NHS care.

## Related pages in this guide

- Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma
- Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/symptoms
- Hodgkin & NHL: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/types
- Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/lymphoma/treatment

## Frequently asked questions

### Will I lose my hair?

Many combination regimens cause hair loss. Some slower-type treatments do not. Ask about the specific protocol.

### Can lymphoma come back?

Yes. Relapsed disease may still be treatable, sometimes with different drugs or a transplant.

### Do you fund rituximab overseas?

Only if a licensed partner oncologist has recommended it and the hospital can give it. We fund the bill, not a drug menu.

## How you can help

World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency

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This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.