The decision to treat lymphoma with chemotherapy is dependent upon the type of the lymphoma and the stage of the lymphoma. Effective combinations of chemotherapy drugs have been developed for each type of lymphoma.

Hodgkin's Disease
Early-stage Hodgkin's disease may be treated adequately with radiation therapy alone and may not require chemotherapy. Late-stage disease is usually treated with chemotherapy alone, or in combination with radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy medications for Hodgkin's disease:

• Antineoplastic medications:
• Methotrexate
• Doxorubicin
• Procarbazine
• Etoposide
• Dacarbazine
• Vinblastine
• Bleomycin
• Mechlorethamine
• Cyclophosphamide
• Vincristine
• Corticosteroid medications:
• Prednisone

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas may be treated with a single chemotherapy medication, or combinations of medications.

Chemotherapy medications for non-Hodgkin's disease:

• Antineoplastic medications:
• Doxorubicin
• Fludarabine
• Chlorambucil
• Cyclophosphamide
• Vincristine
• Medications that suppress the immune system:
• Interferon alfa
• Rituximab
• Ibritumomab
• Tositumomab
• Corticosteroid medications:
• Prednisone
• Dexamethasone