large b cell lymphoma symptoms | Large-cell intravascular lymphoma B

Large-cell intravascular lymphoma B



Large-celled intravascular lymphoma B (LIVB) can also be called Angiotrophique lymphoma. It is a very rare subtype of diffuse large cell lymphoma B (LDGCB) which evolves rapidly (aggressive).

LIVB usually appears in middle-aged people and seniors. It affects a little more the man than the woman.

In the case of LIVB, lymphoma cells circulate in the blood and can block small blood vessels. It usually affects small blood vessels located in many organs such as the brain and spinal cord (which together form the central nervous system, or CNS), kidneys, lungs and skin.

Symptoms
LIVB is often difficult to diagnose since symptoms can be so varied. They depend on the tissue or organ affected when the blood vessels become clogged.

Most people experience B symptoms, that is, unexplained fever, significant night sweats and unexplained weight loss. LIVB evolves rapidly and can cause peripheral neuropathy, dementia, and stroke. Some people have a rash.

Treatments
LIVB is usually treated by chemotherapy and targeted treatment.

Chemotherapy
An association of chemotherapeutic agents is generally administered to treat LIVB. One of the commonly used associations is the CHOP-based protocol of the following drugs:

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Procytox)
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
Vincristine (Oncovin)
Prednisone
Prophylaxis or treatment of the central nervous system
The LIVB can propagate to the CNS. CNS prophylaxis helps prevent lymphoma cells from entering the brain and spinal cord. Treatments are also administered if precursory lymphoblastic lymphoma has spread to the CNS.

Prophylaxis or CNS treatment may be administered by intrathecal chemotherapy, i.e., the chemotherapeutic agent is injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The drug used for intrathecal chemotherapy is often methotrexate or cytarabine.

Prophylaxis or treatment of the CNS can also be administered by a needle inserted into a vein (intravenous). The drug used for intravenous chemotherapy is high-dose methotrexate.

Targeted treatment
Targeted treatment uses drugs to target specific molecules (such as proteins) located on the surface of cancer cells. These molecules contribute to the sending of signals that tell cells to grow or divide. By targeting these molecules, medications interrupt the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to normal cells.

A targeted drug associated with chemotherapy to treat LIVB is rituximab. The R-CHOP protocol consists of the CHOP Protocol and the Rituximab (Rituxan).