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Suggest Treatment For Non Hodgkins Lymphoma Other Than ABVD
Question: Hello,
I have been diagnosed to have Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma and is scheduled to go on ABVD Treatments for 8 months (16 sessions). I have been reading about how chemo can give long-term negative effects such as heart-related disorders, reproductive issues, lung disorders, etc.. Is there any alternative to the ABVD treatments that is clinically and statistically proven to be effective?
Thank you,
XXXXX
I have been diagnosed to have Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma and is scheduled to go on ABVD Treatments for 8 months (16 sessions). I have been reading about how chemo can give long-term negative effects such as heart-related disorders, reproductive issues, lung disorders, etc.. Is there any alternative to the ABVD treatments that is clinically and statistically proven to be effective?
Thank you,
XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Non hodgkins lymphoma management.
Detailed Answer:
Dear
XXXXXX,
In any stage of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma the management is by chemotherapy only .ABVD is the first line of chemotherapy. When advantages over weigh the disadvantages then only a treatment is given. It is question of life. As regards the side effects those happen when a cumulative dose of drug exceeds the prescribed limit. For example heart effect (cardiotoxicity) occurs when a total dose exceeds beyond 540 mg. of Adreamycin. Your doctor will not exceed this dose.
There may be some immediate side effects of chemotherapy but they will overcome with proper management. So you should not worry and you should go for chemotherapy as recommended.
If you use alternative therapies also the side effects will be there as usual but will wane after some time and timely management. May be alternatives have more serious side effects.
Truly,
Dr. j. Ticku
Non hodgkins lymphoma management.
Detailed Answer:
Dear
XXXXXX,
In any stage of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma the management is by chemotherapy only .ABVD is the first line of chemotherapy. When advantages over weigh the disadvantages then only a treatment is given. It is question of life. As regards the side effects those happen when a cumulative dose of drug exceeds the prescribed limit. For example heart effect (cardiotoxicity) occurs when a total dose exceeds beyond 540 mg. of Adreamycin. Your doctor will not exceed this dose.
There may be some immediate side effects of chemotherapy but they will overcome with proper management. So you should not worry and you should go for chemotherapy as recommended.
If you use alternative therapies also the side effects will be there as usual but will wane after some time and timely management. May be alternatives have more serious side effects.
Truly,
Dr. j. Ticku
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you for your reply, Cr. Ticku. However, I have been diagnosed with Classical Hodgkins Lymphoma and not Non-Hodgkins Lymphona. Is there any difference to the approach for treatment?
Brief Answer:
Classical Hodgkins Lymphoma
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX,
Sorry for topographical error of non hodgkins. In hodgkins lymphoma early stage 1A or 2A we normally recommend Radiation therapy and keep the chemotherapy in reserve. In all other stages chemotherapy is recommended and the first line is ABVD. There are definitely cardiac side effects in the long run but if the cumulative dose has exceeded.Other less stronger regimens are there Which are called COPP or Only COP but ABVD has longer duration of remission. If you are in any stage of hodgkins lymphoma without B symptoms which means fever, night sweats, pruritis, weight loss then these regimens can also be considered and keeping ABVD as second option. More so it depends on the respective physician what he thinks best.
I have seen many people getting radically treated by ABVD living without any untoward effects unless they had already some cardiac problems before starting the treatment. If you are otherwise in good general health you should not worry. The hair loss which will be induced by this chemotherapy will be restored after the chemo is halted.
Truly,
Dr. J. Ticku
Classical Hodgkins Lymphoma
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX,
Sorry for topographical error of non hodgkins. In hodgkins lymphoma early stage 1A or 2A we normally recommend Radiation therapy and keep the chemotherapy in reserve. In all other stages chemotherapy is recommended and the first line is ABVD. There are definitely cardiac side effects in the long run but if the cumulative dose has exceeded.Other less stronger regimens are there Which are called COPP or Only COP but ABVD has longer duration of remission. If you are in any stage of hodgkins lymphoma without B symptoms which means fever, night sweats, pruritis, weight loss then these regimens can also be considered and keeping ABVD as second option. More so it depends on the respective physician what he thinks best.
I have seen many people getting radically treated by ABVD living without any untoward effects unless they had already some cardiac problems before starting the treatment. If you are otherwise in good general health you should not worry. The hair loss which will be induced by this chemotherapy will be restored after the chemo is halted.
Truly,
Dr. J. Ticku
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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