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comparison to early stage Hodgkin Lymphoma. Another common treatment plan is the use of a different

cocktail of anticancer drugs that is abbreviated to BEACOPPesc, which is only given for four cycles. This is a

mix of seven different drugs, being bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, which

is commonly known as Oncovin®, procarbazine and prednisolone. BEACOPPesc is a very strong

chemotherapy that has lasting side effects and is therefore typically only used for stages of Lymphoma that are

quite complex and advanced. The patient is given all of these drugs in one dosage every two to three weeks

depending on the person. Again, the break between treatments is to allow the patient’s body to recuperate.

These are also given by way of an injection or through a drip minus the procarbazine and prednisolone drugs

which are delivered through pill form. While this is can be a very intense plan of treatment for the patient,

they usually do not need any form of radiotherapy after chemotherapy. No matter which treatments a patient

receives, it is always important that they speak with their doctor about the best options for them personally. In

cancers that have a high percentage rate of people surviving for many years post-treatment, such as

Lymphoma, the lasting side effects of treatments are important to consider. 5

SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH LYMPHOMA CANCER TREATMENTS

Any form and dosage of chemotherapy has the potential to cause intense short term side effects. Some

of the many ways in which these drugs can affect the patient’s blood counts includes anemia from a lack of

red blood cell formation, thrombocytopenia which is low platelet counts in the blood which allow the blood to

clot and neutropenia which is low white blood cell counts and can weaken the immune system substantially.

Other side effects include increased risk of infection, nausea which can lead to vomiting, issues with bowel

movements, fatigue, hair loss from the drugs damaging the hair follicles, nerve damage, sore mouth and

trouble sleeping. There is even a side effect that is often called “Chemo Brain” in which the patient more

readily forgets information and causes confusion. When the patient also receives cycles of radiotherapy, side

effects will likely include fatigue, sore skin and mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and hair loss. 5

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