Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL) is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that begins in the T-cells, a type of white blood cell. It is a rare form of cancer, accounting for only 1–2% of all NHL cases.
Stage 3 AITL is an advanced form of the disease, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body. It is usually treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the two. The prognosis for stage 3 AITL is not good, and many patients do not survive beyond five years.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for AITL, so treatment is primarily aimed at prolonging life and improving quality of life. Depending on the patient's overall health, treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted therapy.
The goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease and reduce symptoms. However, it is important to note that the length of survival depends on the individual's overall health and response to treatment.
In general, the median survival for advanced AITL is about two years. Some patients may live longer, but this is not always the case. There are some cases of patients living five years or more, but this is rare.
It is important to remember that AITL is a complex and unpredictable disease. The length of survival cannot be accurately predicted for any individual patient, and some patients may have a better outcome than others.
The best outcome will depend on the patient's overall health, the aggressiveness of the cancer, and the effectiveness of the treatments. It is important to discuss all of these factors with a doctor to determine the best possible treatment plan.