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Lymphoma is cancer that occurs in a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. Follicular Lymphoma Stage 4 is the result of metastasis of cancer cells outside of the lymphatic system, such as the spinal cord, lungs, or liver.
There are many randomized studies showing the advantage of adding Rituximab, to the initial chemotherapy treatment, for the overall survival of advanced stage patients with Follicular Lymphoma Stage 4.
Follicular Lymphoma Stage 4 Symptoms
Lymphoma is a term people use to describe cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. There are two main types of lymphoma:
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Follicular lymphoma belongs to this type
Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are mature B-type immune cells that become cancerous.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, unlike Hodgkin lymphoma, can come from B-type or T-type immune cells. It can also occur in other organs, outside the lymph nodes, such as the stomach, intestines, and skin.
In stage 4, the disease has spread to organs such as the liver, bone marrow, or lungs. Systemic symptoms are fever, night sweats, and weight loss. When the disease spreads from the lymph node to an organ, or when the disease involves a single organ other than the lymphatic system, it is considered to be stage 4.
While more than 90% of patients fully recover in the early stage, this rate is between 60-80% in an advanced stage patient. For this reason, precise staging is done first, and then the lymphoma treatment is planned according to the stage of the disease.
Follicular lymphoma symptoms include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, belly, or groin
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent fever and night sweats
- Weight loss
- Infections
However, some people with follicular lymphoma may not have any of these symptoms.
Clinical Trial Search Tool
More than 15,000 clinical trials are currently recruiting patients of all cancer types and stages.
Follicular Lymphoma Treatment
In general, follicular lymphoma follows an indolent course and most patients are asymptomatic. Therefore, the majority of patients are diagnosed at advanced stage (Stage III and Stage IV).
The age of the patient and the possibility of additional diseases are other factors that may affect the treatment decision. Follicular Lymphoma Stage 4 treatment is based on several variables.
When deciding on the treatment, the clinical characteristics of the patient such as age, tumor stage, lymph node regions involved, Hb, and LDH levels are considered. Also, the physical characteristics of the tumor such as tumor size, and growth rate effect the overall decision.
The kind of treatment depends on the purpose of the treatment, the side effects, the general condition of the patient, any additional diseases, and the drugs used.
Clinical research for follicular lymphoma has led to observed positive changes in the course of the disease. Immunotherapeutic and targeted agent studies for follicular lymphoma patients continue under experimental names such as “R2, R-CHOP, Obinutuzumab chemotherapy, and Ibrutinib-rituximab”.
Massive Bio can help you understand if you are suitable for targeted therapies, immunotherapy and other clinical trials. Regardless of your geographic location or past medical history, you can participate in a clinical trial that is reviewed and decided by experts, tailored to your specific cancer type, biomarkers, and needs.
10 Comments
My sister has non-hodgking’s lymhoma. She is under treatment for 2 years but her recovery is slow. Do you help with clinical trials?
Hello Lisa, our Clinical Trial Matching System can search through thousands of clinical trials to find the most appropriate trial for your sister, we would be happy to assist in locating and matching her to trials. We are available by live chat, email at support@massivebio.com, and by phone at +1 844-627-7246.
My father is in India and diagnosed for Follicular Lymphoma one year ago and treatment is not showing significant improvement could you please help me to improve his situation
Hi Venkata, I’m sorry to hear about your father. At Massive Bio, we can help to place your father to a clinical trial for which he is eligible. There are various treatment options being studied that could help to improve your father’s situation. We would like to support you and your father through his cancer journey, so please call us today at +1 844-627-7246 or email support@massivebio.com.
My daughter has been diagnosed with stage 4 follicular lymphoma and the dr has decided to monitor for 6 months. I am worried that she should be getting some form of treatment eg radiation of the tumours. Can you advise please
Thank you for reaching out. We are sorry to hear of your daughter’s diagnosis. The “watch and wait” approach is taken many times when treatment is not required yet for lymphoma. That being said, we can review your daughter’s records and see if treatment is necessary and/or if she is eligible for any clinical trials. Please reach out at support@massivebio.com or 844-627-7246 and we would be happy to support you and your daughter through this journey.
Hi, I am 50 years old, I was diagnosed for Follicular Lymphoma stage 4, a month ago. My doctor recommended to leave it untreated. How can massivebio assist me
Hi Alain, we are very sorry to hear of the difficulties you are experiencing. Please contact us at support@massivebio.com or 844-627-7246 and we will help guide you in the right direction.
I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma last April. I got into a clinical trial- they are doing tests every 4 months to watch the growth. It was found on my lower lobe of my lung last time and it’s effecting my groin so bad im starting to have problems walking or standing even setting down. I’m using inhaler every day from wheezing. It’s in my sinus and closes my nostrils so cannot breath. Meds are no help. When will they start treatment. I have multiple symptoms and put on tons of meds but I’m having problems just functioning. I think waiting has sealed my doom. So disappointed 🙁
Hello Julie, due to your increase of symptoms and your daily struggle I would suggest speaking with a representive from the clinical trial on when you will begin therapy. Additionally, I suggest speaking with your oncologist and decide if continuing to wait on treatment is the best option for you currently.