Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Total Body Irradiation (TBI)
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Total Body Irradiation for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Cancer experts at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) offer an innovative non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) treatment called total body irradiation (TBI). This advanced radiation therapy can be used to destroy cancerous cells anywhere in the body.
TBI often serves as part of the preparation process for NHL patients who will undergo high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. During this radiation treatment, a machine called a linear accelerator delivers radiation therapy to the entire body.
When used before a stem cell transplant, total body irradiation treatments suppress, or lower, the immune system to help prevent the body from rejecting the donated stem cells. Additionally, high doses of TBI can eradicate any remaining cancer cells in the body.
Advantages of TBI for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- When used before a stem cell transplant, total body irradiation helps to reduce the likelihood that the body will reject the transplant.
- The treatment is painless and treatment time is relatively short.
- The lungs are shielded to lower the risk of damage from the radiation.
Helping You Maintain Your Quality of Life
As with chemotherapy, total body irradiation may have certain side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, mouth sores and/or skin rash.
Your NHL team at CTCA will proactively manage the side effects of TBI for NHL. Before, during and after your treatment, you’ll receive various supportive therapies, such as nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, pain management, oncology rehabilitation and mind-body medicine. These therapies are designed to help keep you strong, stay nutritionally fortified and maintain your quality of life throughout your care.
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