Hodgkins Lymphoma (ABVD)
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a part of the immune system responsible for filtering out harmful pathogens. The ABVD chemotherapy regimen, which stands for Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine, is one of the most common treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma, especially in early and intermediate stages of the disease. ABVD is widely used because of its efficacy in achieving high remission rates and relatively low toxicity compared to other regimens.
The procedure involves the administration of the four chemotherapy drugs intravenously over a set period. Each drug in the ABVD combination plays a specific role in targeting cancer cells. Adriamycin (doxorubicin) disrupts the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from reproducing. Bleomycin interferes with the cancer cells' ability to divide, while Vinblastine inhibits cell division by disrupting microtubules. Dacarbazine is an alkylating agent that damages cancer cell DNA.
Each treatment session is part of a larger cycle, with several cycles making up a complete course. The number of cycles depends on the stage of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the patient’s response to treatment, and the overall health of the patient. Typically, early-stage patients undergo about four cycles, while advanced cases may require up to six to eight cycles.
During the treatment, close monitoring is essential to evaluate the patient’s progress and detect any side effects. Blood tests, imaging studies such as PET scans, and other diagnostic tests are conducted regularly to determine the effectiveness of the therapy. Modifications to the regimen may be necessary if a patient experiences adverse effects, which can range from mild to severe.
Procedure Duration
The duration of ABVD chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma depends largely on the number of cycles prescribed by the oncologist. Typically, each cycle lasts 28 days, and patients undergo chemotherapy sessions on days 1 and 15 of each cycle. For early-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a common course may involve four cycles of ABVD, meaning the total treatment period spans approximately four months. In more advanced cases, six to eight cycles may be required, extending the duration to six months or more.
The chemotherapy sessions themselves can take several hours, as each drug is infused into the patient’s bloodstream. The total time for each session is about three to four hours, allowing for proper administration of each of the four drugs in the regimen. To manage potential side effects, patients often receive anti-nausea medications and fluids during treatment, further extending the duration of each visit to the clinic.
Recovery time between chemotherapy sessions varies from person to person, but typically, the body needs about one to two weeks to recover before the next session. Patients are encouraged to rest, hydrate, and maintain proper nutrition during this recovery period to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy. After completing the full course of treatment, patients will undergo regular follow-ups to monitor for remission and manage any long-term effects of chemotherapy.
Benefits
- Effective in achieving remission: ABVD is highly effective in treating Hodgkin’s lymphoma, especially in early stages, with many patients achieving long-term remission.
- Relatively lower toxicity: Compared to other chemotherapy regimens, ABVD is known for causing fewer long-term toxicities, making it a safer option for patients.
- Shorter treatment duration: For early-stage disease, the treatment period is often just four months, making it a relatively quick process compared to other cancer treatments.
- High survival rates: ABVD contributes to high overall survival rates, particularly when used in conjunction with early diagnosis and consistent monitoring.
- Applicable to various stages: ABVD is effective across different stages of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, making it versatile in the treatment landscape.
Potential Destinations
- Germany
Germany is a leader in cancer treatment, offering cutting-edge chemotherapy and radiation therapy options. Its hospitals are known for using advanced technology and a patient-centered approach. German oncology centers provide some of the highest standards of care, making the country an ideal destination for patients seeking high-quality treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- India
India is known for offering affordable cancer treatments, including ABVD chemotherapy, while maintaining high standards of care. With numerous hospitals accredited by international organizations, India is a go-to destination for medical tourists. The combination of advanced treatment options and affordable pricing makes it highly attractive for Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.
- Turkey
Turkey has become a major medical tourism hub due to its advanced healthcare facilities and experienced oncologists. Many hospitals in Turkey offer specialized oncology services, including ABVD chemotherapy, at competitive prices. Its proximity to Europe and the Middle East makes it a convenient destination for international patients.
- Thailand
Thailand is known for its state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities and warm, patient-centered care. The country’s hospitals are equipped with advanced oncology departments that offer chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatments for a range of cancers, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Thailand’s affordability, coupled with its high standard of care, makes it a top choice for medical tourists.
- Mexico
Mexico is a popular destination for medical tourists seeking cancer treatments, particularly in the field of chemotherapy. The country offers modern hospitals with experienced oncologists at a fraction of the cost found in North America or Europe. Mexico’s proximity to the United States makes it a convenient option for patients seeking high-quality care without the burden of long-distance travel.
Risks & Considerations
- Short-term side effects: ABVD chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and low blood counts. These side effects are generally manageable but may impact the patient’s quality of life during treatment.
- Long-term toxicity: While ABVD is considered less toxic than some other regimens, long-term effects can include lung damage (due to Bleomycin) and heart complications (due to Adriamycin).
- Immunosuppression: Chemotherapy weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients must be vigilant about avoiding exposure to pathogens and report any signs of infection to their healthcare provider immediately.
- Fertility concerns: Chemotherapy may affect fertility in both men and women. Patients interested in future fertility should discuss preservation options such as sperm banking or egg freezing before starting treatment.
- Secondary cancers: Though rare, chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma can increase the risk of developing secondary cancers later in life due to the DNA-damaging effects of the drugs.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When selecting a doctor and hospital for ABVD chemotherapy, it is important to prioritize expertise in oncology and a comprehensive approach to cancer care. Seek a healthcare provider who specializes in hematologic cancers and has extensive experience in treating Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is also vital that the medical facility offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment tools, such as PET scans, and follows internationally recognized protocols.
Patients should also consider hospitals with a multidisciplinary team approach, involving oncologists, hematologists, radiologists, and supportive care specialists who can collaborate to deliver optimal treatment. Review the hospital's accreditation and certifications to ensure it adheres to high-quality standards of care, particularly in the field of cancer treatment.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
