Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Have questions about lymphoma in general?

These resources provide a broader overview of lymphoma, including symptoms, diagnosis, staging, treatment, clinical trials, and living with lymphoma.

What is DLBCL?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a fast-growing cancer of B cells, a type of white blood cell, and it often involves lymph nodes but may also affect organs such as the spleen, liver, or bone marrow. Symptoms can include fever, drenching night sweats, and unintentional weight loss, sometimes called “B symptoms.” Because DLBCL grows quickly, treatment is usually needed, but many people respond well to therapy.

How is DLBCL treated?

DLBCL is usually treated with a combination of medicines that attack lymphoma cells in different ways. The exact treatment depends on factors such as the stage and features of your lymphoma, your overall health, and your individual situation. Some patients may also receive radiation therapy.

Your oncology team will explain which treatment is recommended for you and why.

What should I expect during treatment?

DLBCL treatment is usually given in cycles. During treatment, your care team may regularly check your blood counts and other laboratory tests, monitor for side effects, and use imaging or other testing when appropriate to evaluate how the lymphoma is responding. Side effects vary depending on the medicines you receive, so your oncology team will tell you what to expect and which symptoms should prompt you to contact them.

What happens after treatment?

After the planned course of treatment is completed, your oncology team will evaluate how the lymphoma responded and develop a follow-up plan. For many patients whose DLBCL responds to initial treatment, care then shifts to follow-up rather than a routine maintenance phase. Follow-up may include clinic visits, physical examinations, blood tests, and imaging when appropriate, as well as monitoring for long-term effects of treatment.

Could a clinical trial be an option for me?

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments. Depending on the study, a clinical trial may be available at different points in your care. Participation is voluntary, and each trial has specific eligibility requirements.

Your oncology team can help you understand whether a clinical trial may be appropriate for your situation.

What if my DLBCL does not respond to treatment or comes back?

If DLBCL does not respond completely to treatment or returns after a period of remission, there are additional treatment options. The approach depends on factors such as the treatments you previously received, how long the lymphoma was controlled, your overall health, and the characteristics of the lymphoma.

Your oncology team may discuss additional medicines, clinical trials, or advanced treatment approaches such as CAR T-cell therapy or stem-cell transplantation for selected patients.

What are CAR T-cell therapy and stem-cell transplant?

CAR T-cell therapy uses your own T cells, which are collected and modified in a laboratory to recognize and attack lymphoma cells.

Stem-cell transplantation allows doctors to give intensive treatment followed by healthy blood-forming stem cells. In an autologous transplant, your own stem cells are collected and later returned to you.

These treatments are not needed or appropriate for every patient. Your oncology team will explain whether either option is relevant to your situation.

Not sure where to start?

Blood Cancer United Information Specialists can help patients and families navigate diagnosis information, support resources, and practical needs.