Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Chemotherapy Treatment Regimen (CHOP), Abroad

Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma represents a group of cancers, which is characterized by twenty distinct clinical diseases that involve T or B lymphocytes. Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma usually involves various lymph nodes in the neck, under arms or groin. CHOP is the most commonly used chemotherapy regimen for the treatment and management of Non Hodgkin’s lymphomas. CHOP has been known to cure these types of cancers or increase the chances of survival by many years. India, Mexico, Turkey, Jordan, and Costa Rica are locations where CHOP is made available abroad.

CHOP Chemotherapy Regimen:

CHOP is the most preferred and proven treatment regimen for the management of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The regimen includes three drugs along with a steroid to enhance effectiveness in management of the condition. The name CHOP is derived from Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydoxorubicin (doxorubicin), Vincristine (Oncovin), Prednisone.

• Cyclophosphamide: This drug is an alkalizing agent which works towards disrupting the growth of the cancer cells. This drug is ideally to be avoided by people suffering from cardiac or respiratory distress and also by pregnant or breastfeeding women as the drug may be transmitted through the placental barrier or breast milk. The common brand names for the drug are Neosar and Cytoxan.
• Adriamycin: It acts as an anti-neoplastic and cyto-toxic drug, which destroys rapidly growing tumor cells. It is used in the treatment of several other types of cancers including breast cancers, myelomas, and bladder cancers. The common brand name for the drug is Rubex
• Vincristine: As an integral part of the CHOP treatment regimen, this drug attacks the DNA structure of the tumor cells and prevents them from replicating. It is also used in the treatment of neuroblastoma, thyroid cancers, leukemia and other types of lymphomas. The common brand names for this drug are Oncovir and VCR.
• Prednisone: It is well known glucocorticosteroid, which primarily functions as an anti-inflammatory drug aimed at reliving the swelling and preventing any allergic reactions, which may occur as the part of the CHOP treatment.

Treating Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma: CHOP Regimen

The CHOP treatment is given in the form of cycles each lasting for approximately four weeks. Ideally, a minimum of six cycles of treatment would be required, however the exact number depends upon several considerations including the number of glands involved and the age of the concerned person. The doses are calculated based on the approximate body surface area in square meters. This is done using a table which estimates the body area based on factors like the weight and height of an individual.

Vincristine and Adriamycin are given along with an intravenous drip of normal saline (salt water).

Cyclophosphamide is given either through the oral or the intravenous route depending upon the convenience of the patient and the medical team.

Prednisone is administered orally.

Considerations of CHOP for Management of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

There are certain guidelines which ought to be followed while being treated with the prescribed drug regimen:

• Drink lots of fluid: The chemotherapy drugs are known to cause kidney problems and hence drinking adequate quantity of fluids is essential.
• Laxatives: The CHOP drugs are also known to cause constipation. Laxatives may be prescribed by the supervising medical team depending upon the condition and severity of the problem
• Pain killers: Simple painkillers may be prescribed for management of pain which one may encounter during the treatment. Some painkillers have a potential action which causes the blood to become thin, which need to be avoided.
• During the therapy, a person may experience chills, frequent urination which is red in color and burning and itching at the IV site. This is due to the CHOP treatment and nothing specific needs to be done for its management.

Common side-effects of CHOP in management of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 

CHOP like any other chemotherapy treatment presents several side effects. The intensity of these side effects depends on the dose and individual reactivity to the drugs. The common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore mouth, mouth ulcers and loss of appetite
• Fatigue with a feeling of being tired and run down are common symptoms
• Fall in the number of white and red blood cells is also common. Neutropenia (fall in white blood cells) tends to delay the treatment and supplementary medications may be required for increasing the count.
• The drugs have potential action on the hair and result in thinning and hair loss (alopecia) Peripheral neuropathy (i.e. tingling sensation in the hands and feet) may lesson over a period of time.
• Most of the effects are short term, but some long term effects include infertility, cardiac problems and an occurrence of a second primary cancer in future

Conclusion: 

Several clinical trial studies have been conducted to review the effectiveness of CHOP regimen with other intensive chemotherapy regimens. The findings have all suggested that CHOP continues to be the best available treatment option for patients even in advanced stage of high grade Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Further clinical studies have suggested that CHOP has good prognosis with remissions occurring after seven years or more and survival rates of as high as 55% after ten years.

CHOP treatment for non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in India

India is a lucrative medical tourist destination, providing superior medical and health care, coupled with the use of sophisticated surgical equipment by skillful doctors and surgeons. India offers chemotherapy at affordable rates, while not compromising on quality.

CHOP treatment for non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Mexico

Mexico, is a location that has grown in popularity by virtue of being close to the United States, thus reducing the time schedule for the medical trip, and offering high end medical and clinical care.

CHOP treatment for non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Costa Rica

Costa Rica proffers the CHOP treatment at a fraction of the cost, while not making any concessions with the level of quality. Deft medical personnel and speedy management of cancer patients has made Costa Rica a hot spot for medical tourism.

CHOP treatment for non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Turkey

A preferred location to have medical and surgical practices carried out, Turkey offers excellent medical staff, advanced chemotherapy techniques, and modern equipment. The CHOP regimen is conducted in a speedy and a cost effective manner.

CHOP treatment for non Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Jordan

Jordan has come on to the world map as an ideal medical tourist destination. It has been focusing in a big way on medical tourism, providing substantial benefits and advantages in terms of viable fees and advanced technology.

Resources:

Cyberknife in India
Cyberknife at Anadolu Medical Center, Turkey
Chemotherapy Treatment (CHOP) Abroad
RCHOP Chemotherapy
Cyberknife Cancer Radiotherapy Overseas Radical Gastrectomy Surgery Abroad
Mastectomy Surgery Abroad
Total Pelvic Exenteration Abroad
Cervical Cancer Treatment Abroad
Laryngopharyngectomy With Plastic Reconstruction Abroad
Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment Abroad 
Bone Marrow Transplant Abroad

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates affordable Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Chemotherapy Treatment Regimen in Europe (Turkey) and other overseas world-class oncology treatment destinations.