Lymphoma (continued)
During a bone marrow/stem cell transplant, intensive chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy is given to kill residual cancerous cells. Then, healthy bone marrow/stem cells are introduced into the body in the hopes that it will begin producing white blood cells that will help the child fight infections.
Stem cell transplants use stem cells (primitive cells found mainly in umbilical cord blood and bone marrow that are capable of developing into mature blood cells) to boost the immune system after high doses of radiation and chemotherapy.
Promising new treatments being developed for childhood lymphomas include several different types of immune therapy, specifically the use of antibodies to deliver chemotherapy medicines or radioactive chemicals directly to lymphoma cells. This direct targeting of lymphoma cells may prevent the toxic side effects that occur when today's chemotherapy and radiation treatments damage normal, noncancerous body tissues.
Reviewed by: Donna Patton, MD
Date reviewed: June 2007
Originally reviewed by: Robin E. Miller, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
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