Introduction
Stage Information
Treatment Option Overview

Introduction

Since non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) occur in an older patient population than Hodgkin lymphomas, this may account for fewer reports of NHL patients with coexisting pregnancy.[1]

To avoid exposure to ionizing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred tool for staging evaluation.[2] (Refer to the Stage Information section for more information.)

According to anecdotal case series, most NHL are aggressive, and delay of therapy until after delivery appears to have poor outcomes.[1,3-5] Consequently, some investigators favor immediate therapy, even during pregnancy.[5]

With follow-up ranging from several months to 11 years, children who were exposed to high-dose doxorubicin-containing combination chemotherapy in utero (especially during the second and third trimester) have been found to be normal.[5-8] For most of the chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of NHL, there are no data regarding long-term effects on children exposed in utero.

Termination of pregnancy in the first trimester may be an option that allows therapy for women with aggressive NHL. For some women, early delivery when feasible may minimize or avoid exposure to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Treatment may be delayed for those women with an indolent NHL

References

1. Ward FT, Weiss RB: Lymphoma and pregnancy. Semin Oncol 16 (5): 397-409, 1989.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Nicklas AH, Baker ME: Imaging strategies in the pregnant cancer patient. Semin Oncol 27 (6): 623-32, 2000.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
3. Steiner-Salz D, Yahalom J, Samuelov A, et al.: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with pregnancy. A report of six cases, with a review of the literature. Cancer 56 (8): 2087-91, 1985.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
4. Spitzer M, Citron M, Ilardi CF, et al.: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during pregnancy. Gynecol Oncol 43 (3): 309-12, 1991.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
5. Gelb AB, van de Rijn M, Warnke RA, et al.: Pregnancy-associated lymphomas. A clinicopathologic study. Cancer 78 (2): 304-10, 1996.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
6. Avilés A, Díaz-Maqueo JC, Torras V, et al.: Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and pregnancy: presentation of 16 cases. Gynecol Oncol 37 (3): 335-7, 1990.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
7. Moore DT, Taslimi MM: Multi-agent chemotherapy in a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in second trimester of pregnancy. J Tenn Med Assoc 84 (9): 435-6, 1991.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
8. Nantel S, Parboosingh J, Poon MC: Treatment of an aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during pregnancy with MACOP-B chemotherapy. Med Pediatr Oncol 18 (2): 143-5, 1990.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   

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