Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma
Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Follicular lymphoma is a type of slow-growing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which can cause lymph nodes to become enlarged and cause symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma occurs when the lymphoma returns after initial treatment or does not respond to initial treatment.
The cause of relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma is unknown. It may be due to genetic changes in the cancer cells, the body's immune system not recognizing the cancer cells, or a combination of both.
Common symptoms of relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Itchy skin
- Joint pain
There are several different treatment options available for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are also being explored as possible treatments. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment option for you depending on your specific case.
Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that stimulates your own immune system to fight cancer. It works by using drugs to help make the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Targeted therapy uses drugs to target molecules that make cancer cells grow and divide.
In general, the goals of treatment for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma are to reduce symptoms, prevent the lymphoma from progressing, and prolong survival. Depending on your individual case, your doctor may suggest different treatments.
