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Chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Chemotherapy uses drugs that enter the bloodstream and travel through the body to kill cancer cells. It also destroys healthy cells, which results in side effects. People with non-Hodgkins lymphoma are sometimes given a combination of drugs in cycles. Chemotherapy may be given either alone or along with radiation therapy . When given alone, it is given in a higher dose designed to kill cancer cells. When given along with radiation therapy, it is delivered at a lower dose and is designed to make the cancer more sensitive to the radiation.

There is a wide variety of drugs used to treat non-Hodgkins lymphoma. These may be used singly or in combination. They will be different depending on the stage and type of lymphoma.

Chemotherapy is usually given by vein, but some forms can be given by mouth. Your medical oncologist will tell you how many cycles or courses of chemotherapy are best for you. Usually, there are between 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy given when the chemotherapy is delivered on its own. There are up to 10 cycles of chemotherapy when the drugs are given along with radiation therapy.


  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Esophagitis or irritation of the swallowing tube


Special Considerations

Infertility and premature menopause may occur with some of the drugs used to treat non-Hodgkins lymphoma. If fertility is a concern, discuss the possibility of storing sperm or eggs before starting therapy.

Revision Information


  • Lymphoma. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website. Available at: . Updated April 19, 2013. Accessed April 30, 2013.

