Relationship of the immune system with the development of Hodgkin lymphoma

 

In recent years we have heard more than ever about the Hodgkin lymphoma, especially for being the type of Cancer that the actor has recently passed Dani Rovira. Although this type of cancer is common among young people and is related to immune system.

Specifically, Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common cancer among adolescents and young adults, with an age between 15 and 30 years. Thus, the possibility of a total cure for this disease is above 85%.

We are talking about a type of cancer of the lymph nodes or lymphoid system, which is the main protagonist of the immune system, which acts by protecting the body against infections and diseases.

Specifically, the lymphatic system is made up of lymph, lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, thymus, spleen, tonsils, and bone marrow. All of them key in the action of the immune system.

Hodgkin lymphoma and immune system relationship

The president of the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH), Dr. Ramón García Sanz, explains that “basically lymphocytes are usually altered, and they tend to transform into tumor cells, giving rise to Lymphoma.”

One of the most common symptoms that warn about the appearance of this disease is a swelling of the lymph nodes, especially those located in the neck and armpits.

In addition, when there is Hodgkin lymphoma due to an abnormality in an essential part of the immune system, other symptoms may also appear such as fever for no apparent reason, excessive night sweats, weight loss, itchy skin or feeling tired.

Prognosis of the disease

Dr. Ramón García also explains in an interview for ‘Infosalus’, that another of the characteristics of Hodgkin lymphoma is that the spread of the disease is very slow, especially when affecting young people.

Currently, it is one of the tumors that has a better cure prognosis. In this regard, he adds that “right now there are 85% of patients who are cured after treatment (3 to 5 months of chemotherapy, and in some cases some radiotherapy as well). The tumor disappears and a totally normal life can be led. These patients are usually monitored for about 5 years, and then it is no longer necessary.

Hodgkin lymphoma appears when there are problems in the lymphatic system, one of the most important that is part of the immune system.

Thus, there is a remaining 15% of patients who cannot be cured the first time. This group of patients is treated with more intensive chemotherapy before undergoing an autologous bone marrow transplant (of yourself, of your own cells), and about half of them are cured.

Finally, there would be a 5% or 7% that does not heal or that offer greater resistance to the usual treatments. In these patients other types of alternative treatments are tried. «All the obsession at this time is focused on increasing the chances of being a population so young and resistant to treatment. For this, treatment before transplantation is intensified, among other ways, ”explains Dr. García.

With all this, Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in young people between 15 and 30 years of age. In addition, it is more common for it to appear in men and not so much in women. Although, it can also develop in people over 60 years of age, although there are very few cases.