Chemotherapy
The main form of treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma is chemotherapy. Drugs are used to eradicate cancer cells in the system. The medications used for chemotherapy can be administered orally or through intravenous infusion. A combination of multiple drugs is typically used in a regimen known as ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) (Guninski & Balermpas, 2022). Chemotherapy aims to destroy cancerous cells and shrink tumors, leading to remission or eradication of the disease.
Radiotherapy
X-rays with high energy or other types of radiation are used in radiation treatment to locate and eliminate cancer cells. It is frequently used as a standalone therapy for regional lymphoma or following chemotherapy. Radiotherapy can be administered using a device extrinsically or internally by placing radioactive materials near the affected area (Che et al., 2023). It is particularly effective in treating preliminary Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and reducing the risk of relapse.
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem cell transplantation may be recommended for individuals having intolerant or recurrent Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The procedure involves the replacement of normal stem cells in the bone marrow that have been destroyed. Before the transplant, malignant cells are eliminated by radiotherapy or chemotherapy and suppress the immune system (Turbatu et al., 2019). The healthy stem cells are then infused into the patient’s bloodstream to restore normal blood cell production.
Challenges in Carrying Out Treatment Strategies and Providing Care
Side Effects
All three treatment strategies can cause various side effects that may be challenging for patients. Chemotherapy often leads to nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infections (Guninski & Balermpas, 2022). Radiation therapy may result in skin reactions, fatigue, and long-term complications such as cardiovascular or lung problems (Che et al., 2023). Stem cell transplantation involves significant risks, including infection, organ damage, and graft-versus-host disease (Turbatu et al., 2019).
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Coping with a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and undergoing treatment can significantly impact patients’ mental and emotional health. They might feel anxious, depressed, afraid, or doubtful of the treatment outcome (Che et al., 2023). Providing psychosocial support, counseling, and access to mental health services is crucial in addressing these challenges.
Treatment Resistance and Relapse
Despite the effectiveness of treatment strategies, some patients may resist chemotherapy or radiation, leading to treatment failure or relapse. This can necessitate the exploration of alternative therapies or clinical trials (Guninski & Balermpas, 2022). Monitoring for relapse and managing recurrent disease pose additional challenges for healthcare providers.
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References
Che, Y., Ding, X., Xu, L., Zhao, J., Zhang, X., & Li, N. (2023). Advances in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 62(5). https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2023.5509
Guninski, R. S., & Balermpas, P. (2022). The choice of chemotherapy under PET/CT-guided treatment de-escalation has a significant impact on fertility and quality of life in young Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients. Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie: Organ Der Deutschen Rontgengesellschaft … [et Al], 198(8), 752–754. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-022-01946-x
Turbatu, A., Coliţă, A., Stoian, M., Bordea, A.-M., Oprea, M., Ghimici, C., Gelatu, I., Ghimfus, L. A., Stoica, A. G., Banu, C. E., & Lupu, A.-R. (2019). Present and Future in Treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma. Internal Medicine / Medicină Internă, 16(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.2478/inmed-2019-0050