Stem Cell Therapy for Lymphoma in South Africa

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma: It can occur at any age. It affects men more than women. It is diagnosed when the Reed-Sternberg cell is present under a microscope.
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: It affects B-cells and T-cells.

Lymphoma symptoms are similar to those of simple illnesses such as the common cold. This can result in diagnosing the disease late. However, the symptoms of lymphoma persist after the normal time of a viral infection.

The most common symptoms are swelling of the lymph nodes, especially where they are concentrated such as in the neck and armpits. The enlarged glands can press on organs and other structures and result in pain.

• Swelling in the ankles and legs
• Bloating and cramping of the abdomen
• Fever and night sweats
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Unusual itching
• Altered sensation
• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Enlarged tonsils

A stem cell transplant is a way of replacing lost cells due to treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the BEAM combination. High-dose chemotherapy treatments combined with stem cell therapy can greatly enhance the chances of survival in lymphoma.

Stem cells are found in the bone marrow (the spongy substance inside your bones). After the chemotherapy, the stem cells which were harvested from you are put back through a transfusion. This process is known as autologous stem cell transplant.

If the stem cells have been donated by a sibling, a blood test is done to confirm that the bone marrow is a match. A stem cell transplant done using stem cells that are donated is called allogeneic stem cell transplant.

The most common treatment for lymphoma is intensive treatment with high doses of chemotherapy. The chemotherapy kills the cancer cells as well as the healthy cells. A stem cell transplant is then given to replace the lost cells. The stem cells travel through the bloodstream and into the bone marrow and begin to make blood cells. The stem cells are harvested from the patient or a donor before the chemotherapy.

• Your doctor may recommend stem cell transplant if:
• The lymphoma is in remission but there is high likelihood of relapse
• The lymphoma is in the second remission
• The lymphoma has not resounded to other treatment

Stem cells are usually collected for 2-3 days in a row and each session last for 3-4 hours. G-CSF injections are usually given. This helps the stem cells spill out into the blood from the bone marrow. The G-CSF injections are given for up to 10 days. The stem cells collected are frozen until it is time to transplant them usually after chemotherapy treatment is completed.