Treatments for childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma

If your child has non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), the healthcare team will create a treatment plan based on your child’s health, specific information about the cancer and the best treatment options available. When deciding which treatments to offer for childhood NHL, the healthcare team will consider:

• the type of NHL
• the stage of the cancer
• the location and size of the tumour
• your child’s age
• your child’s overall health

When planning treatment for children with Burkitt lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the healthcare team will also consider the risk group. For some types of childhood NHL, the risk group is part of the staging for childhood NHL.

Children with childhood NHL often have complications that need to be treated right away. Children who have blocked airways or organs may need corticosteroid treatment before they start chemotherapy. Once children with NHL start treatment, they often develop tumour lysis syndrome, which must be treated immediately. Doctors try to prevent side effects of rapid tumour lysis by giving extra fluids and medicines to help keep the kidneys safe from the buildup of uric acid.

The following is general information about treatments offered for childhood NHL.