Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma
What is Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma?
Refractory large B-cell lymphoma (RLBL) is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), which is a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. Specifically, RLBL is a form of aggressive lymphoma, which means that it tends to grow faster than other NHLs. RLBL is a relatively rare type of lymphoma, as it only accounts for around 1 to 8 percent of all NHL cases.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of RLBL can vary, but typically include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Unexplained fatigue
- Night sweats
Diagnosis and Treatment
If RLBL is suspected, doctors will perform a variety of tests to confirm a diagnosis. These tests may include a biopsy of an affected lymph node, a computed tomography (CT) scan, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and other blood tests. Once a diagnosis is made, doctors will typically recommend a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or immunotherapy. Surgery may also be recommended in certain cases. In many cases, RLBL can be successfully treated, and many patients can experience remission for a number of years.
Outlook
The outlook for people with RLBL depends on a variety of factors, including age, overall health, and response to treatment. With proper treatment, many patients can experience remission and can live relatively normal lives. However, due to the aggressive nature of RLBL, some patients may not respond to treatment or may experience recurrence of symptoms after a period of remission. It is important to discuss the individual outlook and treatment options with a doctor.