Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer

Lymphoma is one of three main types of blood cancer, the other two being leukemia and myeloma1.

Blood cancer


Incidence of blood cancer


What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer and occurs when cells of the immune system called lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) grow and multiply uncontrollably. It’s two main forms are Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), with the latter being more common than the former3. Depending on which mechanism of the white blood cells is affected, cancer can develop in several different ways, and within HL and NHL several subclasses can be differentiated. Lymphoma may develop in many parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood or other organs4.

Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

HL, also known as Hodgkin disease, is less common than NHL. Although HL can occur in both children and adults, it is most commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 20 and 343. The global incidence of HL in 2012 was 66,0002. Over 80% of patients with HL survive for five years and many are cured. Most patients treated for HL will receive some form of chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy as their first treatment3.

Follicular lymphoma is a slow developing NHL which accounts for 12% of B-cell NHLs. Symptoms include the enlargement of the lymph nodes, fatigue, shortness of breath, night sweats, and weight loss. Many patients don’t show any obvious symptoms at the time of diagnosis. While it is mostly a slow-growing type of lymphoma,  follicular lymphoma can sometimes evolve into an aggressive form5.


1. Blood cancers,

American Society of Hematology. Cited on 01/03/2018.

2. Cancer Facts & figures. Worldwide data,

World Cancer Research Fund International. Cited on 01/03/2018.

3. Hodgkin Lymphoma, Cited on 01/03/2018.

4. About Lymphoma, Cited on 01/03/2018.

5.Follicular Lymphoma, Cited on 01/03/2018.

  1. Copiktra (duvelisib)
    Copiktra (duvelisib)
    by Verastem Inc.
    for Leukemia, Lymphoma
  2. Truxima (rituximab)
    Truxima (rituximab)
    by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Celltrion Healthcare Hungary Kft
    for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Granulomatosis , Polyangiitis
  3. Aliqopa (copanlisib)
    Aliqopa (copanlisib)
    by Bayer
    for Lymphoma
  4. Beleodaq (belinostat)
    Beleodaq (belinostat)
    by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    for Lymphoma
  5. Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
    Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
    by Merck Sharp
  6. Opdivo (nivolumab)
    Opdivo (nivolumab)
    by Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG
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