Non-Hodgkin s Lymphoma. What You Should Know

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1 Non-Hodgkin s Lymphoma What You Should Know

2 0,000 Over 70,000 Americans are diagnosed with non-hodgkin s Lymphoma each year. 0% throughout the body. What is non-hodgkin s Lymphoma? Non-Hodgkin s Lymphoma (nhl) is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Over 70,000 people in America are diagnosed with nhl each year, and nearly 20,000 Americans die annually because of the disease. nhl starts in the body s lymphocyte cells, or lymphoid tissue, which is scattered in nodes throughout the human body: in the chest, abdomen, pelvis, spleen, thymus, adenoids, and bone marrow. Untreated, the cancer will spread to other organs and

3 What are the Types of non-hodgkin s Lymphoma? There are two types of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes, which create antibodies to attach to bacteria and viruses, and T lymphocytes, which are specialized cells that can directly destroy infection. Approximately 80% of nhl develops in B lymphocytes: Diffuse B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype. It is fast-growing and occurs mostly in older people. Follicular lymphoma is slower-growing, but hard to cure, and can morph into diffuse B-cell lymphoma over time. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is also slower-growing, but is unlikely to be curable. Other, less common subtypes include marginal zone lymphomas, Burkitt lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, hairy cell leukemia, and primary CNS lymphoma. T-cell lymphoma is much more rare than B-cell lymphoma. Subtypes include t-lymphoblastic and peripheral t-cell lymphomas.

4 What Causes nhl? As with many cancers, the risk for developing nhl is higher in older people and men. Persons with compromised immune systems are also at higher risks. External or modifiable risk factors include exposure radiation, exposure to certain viruses like Epstein-Barre and HIV, and exposure to benzene or to herbicides and pesticides. A number of the chemical used in herbicides and pesticides have been declared probable human carcinogens by the World Health Organization. Most recently, glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup products, has been identified as potentially unsafe. Stages of nhl The status of nhl is identified in four stages, which indicate the spread of the cancer. In Stage I nhl, the cancer is limited to one organ or lymph node. In Stage II, cancer is found in two or more lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm. Stage III indicates that cancer has spread into both sides of the diaphragm, or into an organ adjacent to lymph nodes. In Stage IV, the cancer has spread outside of the lymph system. Prognosis with nhl The National Cancer Institute assesses a five-year survival rate with nhl at 69%. The ten year survival rate sits at 65%. The prognosis is better for those below age sixty who are diagnosed while in a lower stage of cancer. Because it is slower growing, Follicular lymphoma can be easier to treat.

5 69% The National Cancer Institute assesses the five-year survival rate for nhl at 69%. Treatment Options for non-hodgkin s Lymphoma Chemotherapy Chemotherapy can be used to treat nhl either alone or in combination with radiation therapy. Possible chemotherapeutic agents prescribed to patients include cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, bendamustine, ifosfamide, prednisone, dexamethasone, cisplatin, carboplatin, gemcitabine, and methotrexate. Side-effects of chemotherapy can include hair loss, sores, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and low blood cell counts. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy attempts to boost the patient s own immune system, or uses synthetic, monoclonal antibodies to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Agents are introduced to the patient s system intravenously and include: rituximab, obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, ibritumomab tuixetan, and interferon. Targeted Therapy Targeted therapy drugs are newer innovations which specifically target the changes in cancerous cells. These drugs work differently from standard chemotherapy drugs, and have different, less severe side effects. Targeted therapy drugs include proteasome inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and kinase inhibitors. Radiation Radiation therapy uses a focused beam of radiation to kill cancer tissue. This type of therapy is usually used to target early stage lymphomas. Side effects can include skin changes, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and low blood cell counts. Stem Cell Therapy Stem cell transplants are often used in patients who are in remission or relapsing. This therapy allows doctors to administer higher doses of chemotherapy. Stem-cell transplants can use a patient s own cells or donor cells, but treatment is very expensive.

6 Roundup exposure is associated with up to a 300% increase in risk for nhl nhl and Roundup Roundup is the top-selling herbicide for agricultural and home use; it has been available to consumers since Between , the Environmental Protection Agency classified Roundup s active ingredient, glyphosate, as a possible carcinogen, but use of Roundup has consistently risen in the United States regardless, partially due to the sale of Roundup-ready crop seeds by the same manufacturer, Monsanto. In early 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a component of the World Health Organization, released its findings on the relationship between glyphosate (Roundup) and nhl. Their report classified glyphosate in category 2A, Probable Human Carcinogen. Following this pronouncement, several countries including France, Brazil, and Bermuda placed restrictions on the sale and use of Roundup. The manner in which cancers are caused is extensively studied but not generally very well understood. The IARC suggests that soil microbes degrade glyphosate into aminomethylphosphoric acid, which is metabolized in the human digestive system, leading to DNA and chromosomal damage to cells. Exposure can also occur through the air or water. Epidemiological (population-based) studies estimate that Roundup exposure is associated with up to a 300% increase in risk for nhl.

7 Protect Your Rights Now If you or a loved one were exposed to Roundup by applying the herbicide or being in close proximity to application, and were subsequently diagnosed with non-hodgkins Lymphoma, you may be entitled to compensation from the makers of Roundup. The Miller Firm, LLC specializes in mass torts, or injuries caused to a group of people due to their exposure to a defective or dangerous product. Cancer Litigation The Miller Firm was at the forefront of recent litigation involving a diabetes drug that causes bladder cancer. We work with leading scientific and medical experts to establish compelling evidence for trial. We have tried more cases in that cancer litigation than any other firm, winning plaintiff s verdicts in the majority of trials and leading to a multibillion dollar settlement from the manufacturer. Contact Call for more information about your potential Roundup and non-hodgkin Lymphoma claim or visit roundupcompensation.com. Free consultation, contingency fee only.

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