Lymphoma
"The highest incidence of lymphoma occurs mainly in older people"
DR. JOSÉ RIFÓN
SPECIALIST. HEMATOLOGY AND HEMOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
Lymphoma is characterized by the malignant proliferation of lymphocytes that constitute the defensive cells of the immune system.
Lymphoid tissue is mainly found in the lymph nodes, so lymphomas are generally characterized by the presence of enlarged lymph nodes.
However, there are also lymphoid cells in many other organs, so lymphomas can affect the digestive tract, spleen, liver, lung, bone marrow, etc.
The incidence of this pathology is high, since every year 5,000 new cases are diagnosed in Spain in adults over 40 years old.
The multidisciplinary coordination allows the study and diagnosis in a short time. In addition, the Clinica Universidad de Navarra has the most advanced techniques for the diagnosis of the disease.
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Symptoms of lymphoma
Swollen lymph nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes, which can be felt in the neck, armpits or groin. Not every swollen lymph node is lymphoma, so it is key to consult a specialist.
Persistent fever
Unexplained high temperature, which may last for days or weeks.
Night sweats
Episodes of excessive sweating during the night, often soaking the bedding.
Unexplained weight loss
Significant decrease in body weight with no change in diet or physical activity.
Extreme fatigue
Prolonged feeling of fatigue that does not improve with rest.
Pruritus (itchy skin)
Persistent itching of the skin without visible lesions or known allergies.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
What causes lymphoma
The cause of lymphomas is currently unknown and they account for 84% of all haematological neoplastic diseases.
However, Hodgkin's lymphoma has been found to be most common among people aged 15-35 and 50-70 years.
One of the reasons why Hodgkin's lymphoma may be associated with past infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
On the other hand, patients with HIV infection have a higher risk of contracting the disease than the general population.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, although they can occur at any age, have an incidence of less than 5% in children.
Most subtypes increase in frequency with age, with the average age of onset being 65 years. It is slightly more common in men, and the causes are still unknown.
What is the prognosis of lymphomas?
An accurate diagnosis is essential, as well as a good study of the extent of the disease. Traditionally, lymphomas have been divided into:
- Aggressive or high-grade malignant, when the malignant cells grow more rapidly. They are more severe and need stronger treatments, but are potentially curable.
- Indolent or low-grade lymphomas, when the cells are slower growing. They allow a better quality of life for years, but are very difficult to cure.
Currently, there is a tendency to establish a differentiated prognosis in each case, taking into account the variety, extension and therapeutic possibilities of each patient.
Lymphomas are one of the tumours whose incidence is increasing, especially non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, although the causes of this increase are unknown.
However, they are also the tumours with the most therapeutic options and the best chance of cure.
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
A fundamental role in the efficacy of treatment is played by the global therapeutic consideration of the disease, that is, not only the treatment that each patient will need at the time of diagnosis, but also the treatment that may be required in the future in the event of relapses.
Our Haematology Department has developed a comprehensive care programme for patients with chronic lymphoproliferative syndromes, which includes all aspects related to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
The Genomic Medicine Unit, the cytogenetics laboratory and molecular genetics have specialised in the study of chromosomal alterations specific to each lymphoma.
How is lymphoma treated?
We have a Day Hospital for outpatient treatment of lymphomas.
The specific treatment of the disease is based on the use of chemotherapy in most cases. This is administered on an outpatient basis in the day hospital.
This allows prolonged treatments without the need for hospitalisation, with the consequent comfort for the patient and a reduction in economic costs. A omepatients require radiotherapy treatment.
The Clinic's Radiation Oncology and Oncology departments have the necessary linear accelerators to carry out this type of treatment.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), historically called bone marrow transplantation, aims to restore the haematopoietic function of damaged or diseased bone marrow, allowing the normal production of blood cells.
Haematopoietic progenitor transplantation or bone marrow transplantation is used in:
- Neoplastic diseases (malignant tumours).
- Diseases with impaired bone marrow function (production of blood cells).
- Diseases of the immune system.
- In some congenital metabolic disorders.
Haematopoietic progenitor cells used to be obtained from bone marrow. Nowadays, however, they are mostly extracted from blood and sometimes from the umbilical cord and placenta.
One of the treatments that have revolutionized the therapy of lymphoproliferative syndromes has been the application of monoclonal antibodies.
With them, it has been possible to increase in a significant percentage the rate of answers that were obtained only with the chemotherapy.
The most used is the anti-CD20 antibody, which binds to lymphoid cells and induces their destruction. To date, at the Clinic, this treatment has been administered together with chemotherapy to almost 700 patients, mainly follicular lymphomas and large cell lymphomas.
Recently, in coordination with the Nuclear Medicine Service, the use of other types of monoclonal antibodies has been initiated, which combine the effectiveness of the previously described with the action of a radioactive isotope to which they are attached.
In addition to treatments with conventional schemes, there is a line of clinical and therapeutic research in lymphoproliferative syndromes that mainly includes the use of new drugs and the development of specific immunotherapy against lymphoma
In relation to the use of new drugs, it is very possible that if you come to our center for treatment we will propose you to participate in one of the clinical trials in which we are offering new therapies to patients with lymphoma.
In this sense, the close collaboration between the physicians involved in the Program of lymphoproliferative syndromes and the Central Unit of Clinical Trials allows us to find therapeutic options even for some patients in whom the standard treatments with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy have not worked.
What clinical trials do we have on Lymphomas?
Advanced Therapies Unit
The Advanced Therapies Unit of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra develops cell therapies against cancer and other diseases of the immune system.
It is implemented by a highly specialised multidisciplinary team of nurses, together with doctors from all the specialties involved.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Hematology and Hemotherapy Service of the
at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Hematology Service of the Clinic, formed by specialists of recognized national and international prestige, has integrated molecular diagnostic techniques and the use of new personalized treatments in its assistance work, allowing a more precise and fast diagnosis of the hematological diseases.
The joint work of the medical staff and the researcher facilitates the development and application of the new treatments and at the same time the precise evaluation of the result of the treatments.
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in the development of Cellular Therapy treatments.
- International reference center in lymphomas, multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathies.
- Experts in the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhagic and thrombotic problems.
Our expert lymphoma team
