Is cell transplantation necessary for Lymphoma?
Patient: My son, aged 25 yrs, was first diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in Jan 2008. He was given 8 cycles of ABVD chemo. just 2 months later, his PET Scan showed and FDG uptake, for which he was given 2 cycles of GDP as salvage, followed by Autologous stem cell transplant. He had taken the transplant quite well and was even out of hospital in just a month. Now, in May 2010, on a routine check, his disease seems to have relapsed. A biopsy also confirmed this. His bone marrow biopsy showed no trace of disease in the marrow. now he has been recommended 3 cycles of ICE chemo, after which an Allogenic Stem Cell transplant has been  planned. I am terribly worried about the transplant. Right now, he has completed one cycle of ICE chemo last week and is doing quite well now. his platelet count has started improving steadily. My query is, is the transplant absolutely necessary?  what other options do we have ? If we do not take the transplant now., and God forbid, his disease relapses, what other treatment options will we have? what could be his chances of relapse with only the ICE chemos? pls. do let me know. Doctor: hello dear. I have gone through your case. It appears aggressive disease biology and transplant is the only curative option left. If you do not get transplant there will be chances of relapse again. So please go ahead with the transplant.thanks