The first-line treatment for T-cell lymphoma depends on the stage and subtype of the disease. Generally, the initial approach is a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, tailored to the individual patient.
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy, to kill as many cancer cells as possible. Common chemotherapy drugs used to treat T-cell lymphoma include cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, vincristine, and prednisone.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used to treat localized areas of disease and it can also be used in combination with chemotherapy to treat more widespread disease.
Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. It works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Common immunotherapy drugs used to treat T-cell lymphoma include rituximab, alemtuzumab, and nivolumab.
In addition to these treatments, stem cell transplantation is often used for T-cell lymphoma. This procedure involves removing healthy stem cells from the patient and giving them back to the patient after they have been treated with high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. This can help to restore the patient's immune system and can help to prevent the cancer from coming back.
The treatment plan for T-cell lymphoma is individualized to each patient and their specific case of the disease. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment plan for you based on the type and stage of your disease.