NonNon-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Michael Hakim Bio 316 August 5, 2004

Lymphoma
      

History and Overview Statistics What it effects (biology) Classification and Staging Symptoms Causes and Risk Factors Diagnosis and Treatment

Lymphomas
Where They Begin


Lymphomas are a cancer of the lymphatic system

Lymphatic vessels Lymph nodes (underarms, groin, neck, spleen, tonsils and bone marrow)

Lymphomas
Where They Begin


The Lymphatic system is our bodies main fight against infection Lymphocytes (B-cell and T-cell) (BT Carried through our lymphatic system and help our bodies fight infection Lymphocytes are carried through the lymph vessels as well as the blood stream, so cancer can start in nodes and spread anywhere throughout the body.

Lymphatic System

American Medical Association

NonNon-Hodgkins Lymphoma Statistics

for 2004
 

54,370 new cases 19,410 deaths

In California Alone there are est. 5,550 new cases and a Death rate of 1,730 (California has the highest incidence and Death rate for NonNonHodgkins Lymphoma Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is the 6th and 7th Nonmost deadly cancers for men and women Recent studies have shown that overweight patients are more likely to die then those patients who are in better shape.

Classification


Usually classified by how the cells look under a microscope and how quickly they grow and spread
Aggressive lymphomas (high-grade (highlymphomas) Indolent Lymphomas (low-grade (lowlymphomas)

NonNon-Hodgkins Lymphoma Staging



Stage is the term used to describe the extent of tumor that has spread through the body( I and II are localized where as III and IV are advanced. Each stage is then divided into categories A, B, and E
A: No systemic symptoms B: Systemic Symptoms such as fever, night sweats and weight loss E: Spreading of disease from lymph node to another organ

Staging

NonNon-Hodgkins Lymphoma


Two main types of Non-Hodgkins NonLymphoma:

B-Cell and T-Cell Lymphomas T B-Cell lymphomas (80%) T-Cell lymphomas (15%)

B-Cell Lymphoma (80%)



B-Cells help make antibodies, which are proteins that attach to and help destroy antigens Lymphomas are caused when a mutation arises during the B-cell life cycle BVarious different lymphomas can occur during several different stages of the cycle
Follicular lymphoma, which is a type of B-cell Blymphoma is caused by a gene translocation which results in an over expressed gene called BCLBCL-2, which blocks apoptosis.

B-Cell Cancers

T-Cell Lymphoma (15%)



The T-cells are born from stem cells, Tsimilar to that of B-cells, but mature Bin the thymus. They help the immune system work in a coordinated fashion.
These types of lymphomas are categorized by how the cell is affected


Anaplastic Large cell Lymphoma, t-cell tlymphoma caused by a gene translocation in chromosome 5

Lymphoma.org

Symptoms


    

Painful Swelling of lymph nodes located in the neck, underarm and groin. Unexplained Fever Night Sweats Constant Fatigue Unexplained Weight loss Itchy Skin

Cancer Sourcebook

Causes and Risk Factors



The Exact causes are still unknown

Higher risk for individuals who:


 

Exposed to chemicals such as pesticides or solvents Infected w/ Epstein-Barr Virus EpsteinFamily history of NHL (although no hereditary pattern has been established) Infected w/ Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Lymphoma.org

Diagnosis
    

X-Rays CT scans Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Biopsy Lymphangiogram

Pictures of the lymphatic system taken w/ x-ray after a special dye is injected xto illuminate lymph nodes and vessels

Treatment


NonNon-Hodgkins Lymphoma is usually treated by a team of physicians including hematologists, medical oncologists and a radiation oncologist. In some cases such as for Indolent lymphomas, the Doctor may wait to start treatment until the patient starts showing symptoms, known as watchful waiting

Treatment Options
     

Chemotherapy Radiation Bone Marrow Transplantation Surgery Bortezomib (Velcade) Immunotherapy



Using the bodies own immune system combined with material made in a lab.

Survival Rates


Survival Rates vary widely by cell type and staging.

1 Year Survival Rate: 77% 5 Year Survival Rate: 56% 10 Year Survival Rate: 42%

Cancer.org

Any Questions?