The information on the different types of B-cell lymphoma and how these lymphomas are treated is presented in this article. Specific treatments for the common forms of B-cell lymphoma are explained.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Of the different types of B-cell lymphoma, the most common is Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Since it grows quickly, chemotherapy is used to destroy cancer cells. A treatment system R-CHOP is used, R being Rituxan, a monoclonal antibody and CHOP standing for chemo drugs Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone).

The advanced stages of this form of lymphoma will require 6 cycles of R-CHOP for treatment. Stem cell transplants may be used if a donor is found. Most patients are cured at the early stages.

Follicular Lymphoma
This lymphoma may not need treatment. Where treatment is needed, chemo and Rituxan are used along with radiation therapy. In advanced stages, the R-CHOP regimen is used for treatment. The problem with this form of lymphoma is that it may come back after a few years.

CLL and SLL
Since CLL (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and SLL (Small lymphocytic lymphoma) are indolent, in the early stages, radiation therapy would suffice. Advanced stages would need chemo. This is another form of chemo, which would return. In such a case, targeted treatment to stop the growth of cancer cells are tried.

Mantle cell lymphoma
This is another lymphoma difficult to treat. At the early stage, radiation therapy is used. When this doesn’t work and for advanced stages, R-CHOP is the preferred treatment option. If the initial treatments yield desired results, then a stem cell transplant can be considered for treatment.

Enhanced R-CHOP regimen for treatment and targeted drugs are used for treatment at advanced stages. Clinical trials can be considered where conventional treatment proves difficult.

Marginal cell lymphoma
In marginal cell lymphoma, gastric lymphoma affecting the GI region radiation therapy or a monoclonal antibody is used for treatment. In advanced stages, chemo is needed. For non-gastric marginal lymphoma, surgery can be a treatment option.

Burkitt lymphoma
This is a fast-growing lymphoma and five different chemo medications with Rituximab may be needed for treatment. Intensive chemo is required for treatment. Since this lymphoma may affect the spinal cord-brain area, intrathecal therapy with injection into the spinal fluid is used for treatment.

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia
Chemotherapy with the R-CHOP regimen is the most common treatment option for this form of b-cell lymphoma.

Hairy cell leukemia
During the initial stages, treatment is usually not needed. Chemotherapy is the course of treatment for hairy cell leukemia.

Intraocular lymphoma
Since this lymphoma affects the eye, a combination of external beam radiation therapy with chemotherapy is used for treatment. There is a possibility of cancer spreading from the eye to the brain, in which case radiation is needed for the brain.

Details of the different types of b-cell lymphoma and how each of them are treated were presented in this article. It would have given you insights on the common forms of lymphoma, different types of treatment options available, and the effectiveness of these treatments.