Researchers Say New Drugs Can Reduce Cardiac Side Effects in Frail Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients, According to the Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Center
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) March 07, 2014 -- The Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Center is reporting on a new article published in Leukemia & Lymphoma journal suggesting that an alternative to a popular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma drug can reduce the risk of heart problems and help more patients. This is especially good news for elderly Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patients and those with other serious medical conditions.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma researchers at Italy’s University of Bologna say a liposome-encapsulated form of doxorubicin (Doxil) may be the wave of the future for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patients who are not normally candidates for anthracycline-based drugs because of the risk of heart problems. Anthracylines like doxorubicin are considered the “gold standard” for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. But, because of their cardiotoxicity, their use is limited in sick or elderly patients who might otherwise benefit.
But the new article says the liposome-encapsulated form of doxorubicin, without its propylene glycol coating (non-pegylated), is being used in some of these patients with “comparable efficacy and reduced cardiotoxicity”. They say a better understanding of exactly what causes heart problems in doxorubicin users, as well as development of a way to identify patients with risk factors or early cardiac dysfunction, will make it easier to treat more Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patients effectively.
Writing on the doxorubicin research in the journal Leukemia & Lymphoma, the Italian authors observe, “In the coming years, the goal will be to apply these new advancements to the treatment of patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to ensure adequate therapy and cure opportunity in those patients who are currently denied conventional intensive chemotherapy because of age or comorbidities.” (Zinzani, PL, et al, “The more patients you treat, the more ou cure: managing cardiotoxicity in the treatment of aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma”, February 24, 2014, Leukemia & Lymphoma, Epub head of print, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24559287)
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the white blood cells called lymphocytes. Although scientists do not know exactly what causes Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, it has been linked to genetic factors, immune system abnormalities, certain kinds of infections, and environmental pollutants such as PCBs.
The Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Center is part of the Cancer Monthly organization. The Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Center has been established by Cancer Monthly to provide more comprehensive information on the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for the many different subtypes of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. For over ten years, Cancer Monthly has been the only centralized source of cancer treatment results. Patients can see the actual survival rate, quality-of-life indicators, and other key data for approximately 1,500 different cancer treatments. Cancer Monthly provides timely and ground-breaking news on the causes, diagnoses and treatments of the most common cancers including Bladder, Brain, Breast, Colon, Kidney (Renal), Liver, Lung (NSCLC), Ovarian, Prostate, and Rectal Cancers, Melanoma, Mesothelioma, and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Written for patients and their loved ones, Cancer Monthly helps families make more informed treatment decisions.
Michael Ellis, Cancer Monthy, http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com, +1 (919) 570-8595, [email protected]
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