LYMPHOMA AND MYELOMA

While the current mainstay of treatment for most cases of lymphoma and multiple myeloma is chemotherapy, there are well-recognized uses for radiation treatment.

Radiation is used to consolidate gains made by chemotherapy in the treatment of lymphomas of all types, including Hodgkin lymphoma.  Additionally, radiation may be the only treatment required for lymphomas of the orbit (the area around the eyeball).  In certain very early lymphomas involving only one site, radiation may be used as the definitive treatment.

Radiation can be very successful in palliating bone pain from multiple myeloma and in treating single isolated lesions (plasmacytoma).

Some patients with lymphoma or leukemia have infiltrates into normal tissues. Radiation can be used to clear up the infiltrating lymphocytes, thereby reducing or eliminating discomfort, infection or the risk of infection.

The Department of Radiation Oncology is the only site in South Florida that offers total skin electron beam (TSEB) therapy for Mycosis Fungoides, a T-cell lymphoma of the skin, or for extensive B-cell cutaneous lymphomas. Arnold Markoe, M.D., has developed extensive experience in this highly specialized form of therapy over the past 35 years.