R Hyper-CVAD Chemotherapy
A chemotherapy which can be used to treat some types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hyper-CVAD is named after the initials of the chemotherapy drugs used. Hyper is short for hyperfractionated, which means that more than one treatment (or dose) of the same drug is given in a day
Each course is given up to 4 times, with up to 8 cycles in total. Each cycle is approximately two to three weeks apart. The aim is to administer as many cycles as possible or necessary in as short a time as possible. Timing of cycles will be somewhat dependent on the patient’s recovery from the last cycle. The regimen is usually administered on an in-patient basis, using a continuous venous access device such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), a hickman line, or a port-a-cath.
Rituxan (Rituxin) is a monoclonal antibody. It interferes with the growth and spread of certain types of white blood cells (B cells) in the body. Rituxan works by binding to a particular protein (the CD20 antigen) on the surface of normal and malignant B-cells. From there, it recruits the body’s natural defenses to attack and kill the marked B-cells. Stem cells (B-cell progenitors) in bone marrow lack the CD20 antigen, allowing healthy B-cells to regenerate after treatment and return to normal levels.
Cyclophosphamide
Vincristine
Doxorubicin (also known as Adriamycin®)
Dexamethasone, which is a steroid.
Stem Cell Transplant
Abstract Art and Haiku
This bag of stem cells
Life contained and continued
Beauty in Science
Close-up Photograph of Stem Cell Bag
A stem cell transplant is the infusion of healthy stem cells into the body. A stem cell transplant can help the body make enough healthy white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets.
Although the procedure to replenish the body’s supply of healthy blood-forming cells is generally called a stem cell transplant, it’s also known as a bone marrow transplant or an umbilical cord blood transplant, depending on the source of the stem cells. Stem cell transplants can use cells from your own body (autologous stem cell transplant) or they can utilize stem cells from donors (allogenic stem cell transplant).
