Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children is generally considered to be curable. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the lymphoma, as well as the overall health of the child. Generally, treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, or a combination of these treatments.
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children. The chemotherapy drugs used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children are typically less toxic than those used to treat adults. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with each cycle lasting several weeks.
Radiation therapy may also be used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children. Radiation therapy is most often used to treat tumors in the chest and abdomen. It can also be used to treat lymph nodes that are affected by the cancer.
Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children. This involves using drugs to target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This type of therapy may be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Stem cell transplants may also be used in some cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children. During a stem cell transplant, the patient's own stem cells are collected and transplanted back into their body. This can help restore healthy cells in the body and allow the child to better tolerate chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Overall, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children is generally considered to be curable. The type and stage of the lymphoma, as well as the overall health of the child, will determine the best treatment plan. In most cases, a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and/or stem cell transplant may be used to treat the cancer.