Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treatments: Chemotherapy & Radiation

Mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma is diagnosed in roughly one in 50 cases of lymphoma, according to MacMillan Cancer Support. This non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is caused by a rare B-cell lymphocyte in the thymus gland.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy is the main treatment for this condition, according to MacMillan. Anti-cancer drugs are injected intravenously for up to six months.

Radiotherapy

• High-power X-rays are used to destroy cancer cells during radiotherapy. This treatment is used after chemotherapy.

High-Dose Chemotherapy

• High-dose chemotherapy has been used with stem cell infusions to fight this lymphoma, according to MacMillan. Side effects can be severe, so some kinds of high-dose therapy aren't given to patients over 50.

Steroid Therapy

• Steroids are sometimes given in conjunction with chemotherapy. These drugs can help reduce feelings of sickness.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

• Monoclonal antibodies target proteins on the surface of cancer cells. These drugs can stimulate the body's immune system, making it attack the cancer.