Among treatments used for the blood cancer non-Hodgkin lymphoma,which claimed the life of Merseyside footballer Gary Ablett,are several biotech drugs.These include Genentech's Rituxan;Genzyme's Campath;Spectrum Pharmaceutical's Zevalin;and GlaxoSmithKline's Arzerra.Genentech is a division of Roche Pharmaceuticals.
Other treatments for the ailment are radiation therapy and chemotherapy.There is growing interest in stem cell transplants as a treatment as well.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma,or NHL,is a cancer that starts in lymphocytes,a type of white blood cell found in the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues such as the spleen,bone marrow,tonsils and adenoids.The lymphatic system is spread throughout the body to fight infection.
There are no screening tests for NHL.Symptoms may include enlarged lymph nodes;swollen abdomen;a feeling of fullness;chest pain or pressure;shortness of breath or coughing;fever;weight loss;night sweats;and fatigue.A range of diagnostic procedures are used to identify NHL,from ultrasound and biopsy to PET scans.
The five year survival rate for NHL ranges from 53-91%,based on factors such as how far the cancer has spread and the patient's age.Those over age 60 tend to have a harder time surviving NHL.
Roche Holding AG(RHHBY),Spectrum Pharmaceuticals(SPPI),Genzyme(GENZ),GlaxoSmithKline(GSK)
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