Side effects of the therapy

Like almost every therapy, lymphoma therapy usually has side effects for the patient. Many of the substances found in the chemotherapy protocols of lymphoma treatment are cytostatically active. These are various substances that generally have the goal of inhibiting the growth and proliferation of tumor cells so that the cancer is defeated.

These substances are often very aggressive and cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss, inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucous membranes or infertility, among other things. However, modern chemotherapeutic drugs are much better tolerated with appropriate concomitant medication, so that side effects are minimized. Depending on the substance used, there are also specific side effects such as damage to the lungs, kidneys, bladder or heart.

A rare long-term complication of chemotherapy is the occurrence of a secondary tumor. This is rare, but should be mentioned as a complication. Radiation therapy can also cause side effects and complications.

In lymphomas, radiotherapy is very precise, so that only the affected areas are irradiated. The dose of radiation is also calculated precisely (radiation therapy planning) so that side effects and complications are minimized. Thus, the radiation therapy is well tolerated.

However, acute nausea, vomiting, reddening of the skin and inflammation of the mucous membranes can occur. Several weeks after radiation therapy, radiopneumonitis can occur as an inflammation in the lungs, which can manifest itself as irritable cough, shortness of breath and coughing up blood. In the area of the irradiated tissue, chronic damage can occur, resulting in functional impairment of the surrounding organs. In rare cases, a second malignancy, i.e. a new tumor disease, occurs as a long-term consequence.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of patients with lymphomas can vary greatly, so that no uniform statements can be made. There are many different types of lymphomas, which differ in their aggressiveness and chances of cure. Many lymphomas are well treatable, so that they can sometimes be cured until a late stage of the disease. Other lymphomas, however, have a worse prognosis because they are particularly aggressive or the treatment options are particularly poor. In general, however, it is quite possible to reach an advanced age despite lymphoma.