Current therapeutic approaches in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Objectives: To review the causes, classification, treatment, and new treatment modalities of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Data Sources: Published literature and experimental therapies.

Conclusions: The increasing incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be attributed to a growth in the number of immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders, infectious agents, and human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus. Treatment options include watch-and-wait, radiation, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and stem cell/bone marrow transplant. New therapies include the use of monoclonal antibodies and radioimmunotherapy. Experimental therapies include high-dose radioimmunotherapy and stem cell transplantation, vaccines, and antisense antiangiogensis agents.

Implications For Nursing Practice: Nurses will need to become versed in this modality, and will play an important part not only in therapy but also in patient education.