A 64-year-old woman from Hanoi unexpectedly discovered swollen lymph nodes in her neck and later received a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a common and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After five months of targeted treatment, medical imaging showed that the cancer cells had completely disappeared.

Sudden symptoms and diagnosis

The patient first noticed a growing lymph node on the left side of her neck, accompanied by mild pain but no fever or weight loss. At Hospital 354, ultrasound revealed multiple abnormal lymph nodes, and cytology suggested lymphoma. She was then referred to the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center at Bach Mai Hospital for further evaluation.

There, specialists confirmed a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma, specifically DLBCL. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, non-Hodgkin lymphoma ranks among the ten most common cancers worldwide, with more than 250,000 deaths annually. In Vietnam, the incidence rate is 5.2 cases per 100,000 people.

Targeted therapy brings remarkable results

Doctors prescribed six cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy, including Rituximab (a targeted monoclonal antibody), Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisolone.

Rituximab targets CD20, a marker on malignant B lymphocytes. When combined with chemotherapy, it increases cancer cell destruction, reduces recurrence, and significantly improves survival rates compared to previous treatment methods.

After five months of consistent treatment, PET/CT scans showed complete disappearance of FDG-avid lymph nodes. Blood results were stable, and doctors confirmed a complete response. The patient is currently in good health, eating normally, and showing no signs of disease.

Not a “death sentence” with early detection

Assoc. Prof. Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center, emphasized that non-Hodgkin lymphoma is no longer a hopeless diagnosis when detected early and treated according to modern protocols. Advances such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation have expanded survival opportunities—even for late-stage patients.

The patient will continue follow-up visits:

• every month during the first year

• every 3 months in the second year

• then gradually reduced to once per year

A message for the public

Experts advise that anyone who notices persistent or unexplained lymph node swelling should seek medical evaluation promptly. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to improving outcomes and helping patients live healthier, more optimistic lives after cancer.