Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, or DLBCL, is a fast-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While it is an aggressive cancer, it is also highly treatable, with many patients achieving long-term remission. It is helpful to distinguish between “complementary” and “alternative” therapies. Complementary approaches are used alongside standard medical treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, whereas alternative therapies are used in place of them.
This article focuses on evidence-informed complementary strategies that can support a patient through their medical care. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Any decision to incorporate a new therapy into a treatment plan should be made in consultation with an oncology team to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Understanding Standard DLBCL Treatment
For most newly diagnosed patients, the frontline treatment is a chemoimmunotherapy regimen known as R-CHOP. This is a combination of five drugs administered in cycles, typically every three weeks, and has led to a cure in up to 60 percent of people. The R-CHOP combination includes:
- Rituximab
- Cyclophosphamide
- Doxorubicin
- Vincristine
- Prednisone
The R-CHOP regimen works by attacking the rapidly dividing lymphoma cells in different ways. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein on the surface of cancerous B-cells, while the chemotherapy drugs destroy the cancer cells directly. This multi-faceted approach has been the foundation of DLBCL treatment for many years.
For patients whose lymphoma returns after initial treatment (relapsed) or does not respond (refractory), other medical options are available. These can include more intensive chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, or an immunotherapy called CAR T-cell therapy. In CAR T-cell therapy, a patient’s own immune cells are genetically engineered to better recognize and attack lymphoma cells before being infused back into the body.
Complementary Therapies for Symptom Management
The journey through cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding. Complementary therapies aim to manage side effects like nausea, pain, and fatigue, helping patients better tolerate their medical treatments and improve their overall well-being.
Mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi can be beneficial. These disciplines combine gentle movement, breathing techniques, and mindfulness to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Studies show that yoga can improve psychological and physical health, while meditation can improve sleep, reduce pain, and lower blood pressure.
Acupuncture is another complementary therapy with growing evidence supporting its use in cancer care. This practice involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. Research suggests acupuncture can be effective in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, as well as reducing cancer-related pain and fatigue.
Massage therapy can also provide relief from the physical and emotional stress of cancer treatment. Gentle massage can help reduce anxiety, ease muscle tension, and improve sleep. It is important to work with a therapist experienced with cancer patients, who will know to avoid direct pressure on tumor sites or radiated areas and be mindful of issues like low platelet counts that increase bruising risk.
Dietary and Nutritional Approaches
Good nutrition is important for supporting the body during DLBCL treatment. A well-balanced diet can help maintain strength, support immune function, and aid in recovery. Oncologists and dietitians often recommend a diet centered on plant-based foods, including a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Adequate protein intake is also important, as it helps the body fight infection and rebuild tissues. Good sources of lean protein include:
- Fish
- Poultry
- Beans
- Lentils
- Low-fat dairy products
For those struggling with side effects like loss of appetite or nausea, smaller, more frequent meals and nutrient-dense snacks can be helpful. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important to prevent dehydration and manage treatment side effects.
Many patients are curious about herbal supplements and specific vitamins. While some preliminary research has explored the anti-cancer properties of compounds like curcumin or green tea extract, there is no strong evidence they can treat DLBCL in humans. Supplements can have unintended and harmful interactions with chemotherapy. For example, some antioxidants could interfere with the effectiveness of treatments, and turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding. No supplement should be taken without the explicit approval of an oncologist.
Investigational and Emerging Treatments
For patients seeking options beyond standard care, investigational treatments in clinical trials offer access to the next generation of therapies. These formal research studies are a regulated and monitored way to explore new medical treatments that are grounded in scientific research.
Clinical trials are conducted in phases to ensure patient safety and determine effectiveness. Phase I trials focus on finding a safe dose, Phase II trials evaluate effectiveness against a specific cancer, and Phase III trials compare the new treatment to the existing standard of care.
The landscape of DLBCL treatment is continually evolving. New types of drugs being developed include novel targeted therapies that interfere with cancer cell growth and antibody-drug conjugates that deliver chemotherapy directly to lymphoma cells. New forms of immunotherapy, such as bispecific antibodies, are also being actively investigated.
Patients interested in clinical trials should have a detailed conversation with their oncologist to discuss if a trial is a suitable option. Resources like the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s ClinicalTrials.gov website provide a searchable database of ongoing trials around the world.
The Importance of Integrative Oncology
Integrative oncology combines conventional medicine with evidence-informed complementary therapies. This patient-centered field aims to care for the whole person by creating a unified plan that uses both approaches to optimize health and manage the side effects of treatment. This might involve incorporating acupuncture for nausea, yoga for fatigue, or nutritional counseling to maintain strength.
A clear distinction must be made between complementary therapies and unproven “alternative” cures. Abandoning effective conventional treatments like R-CHOP in favor of therapies that lack scientific validation can have serious consequences. The strength of integrative oncology lies in its commitment to evidence-based practices.
The key to a successful integrative approach is open and honest communication with the entire healthcare team. By discussing any complementary therapies they are considering, patients can ensure these approaches are safely incorporated into their overall treatment plan. This collaborative partnership helps create a comprehensive strategy that targets the lymphoma and supports the patient’s well-being.