Which treatments are typically used for lymphoma?

Lymphoma treatments primarily include radiation and chemotherapy because these methods are critically effective in targeting and destroying cancerous cells. Chemotherapy involves the use of cytotoxic drugs that interfere with the growth and division of cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as x-rays or gamma rays, to destroy or damage cancer cells in a specific area.

Combination treatments of radiation and chemotherapy are often used to enhance treatment efficacy, providing both systemic and localized control of the disease. This dual approach is particularly beneficial for aggressive forms of lymphoma where rapid tumor growth needs to be curtailed.

Other treatment options, although sometimes utilized in lymphoma management, do not serve as the primary standard treatments. For instance, immunotherapy can be part of the treatment regimen, especially for specific types of lymphoma, but it is not the first-line treatment and is typically considered in refractory cases or after standard treatments have been attempted. Radioactive iodine is primarily used in thyroid cancers rather than lymphoma. Stem cell transplants may be indicated for certain patients, especially those with relapsed or refractory disease, but they are also not the first-line treatment and involve significant preparation and eligibility requirements.

Thus, the choice of radiation and chemotherapy as the standard treatment reflects the broad consensus in oncology regarding