What questions should I ask my oncologist about Lymphoma

Key Questions to Ask Your Oncologist About Lymphoma

Here are important questions organized by topic to help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect:

About Your Diagnosis & Type of Lymphoma

1. What specific type of lymphoma do I have? (For example: Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, Marginal Zone Lymphoma, etc.)

   • Different types behave differently and are treated differently

2. What stage is my lymphoma, and what does that mean for me?

   • Stage describes how far the cancer has spread in your body

3. What genetic mutations or biomarkers does my lymphoma have?

   • According to NCCN Guidelines, mutation testing looks for specific changes in your cancer cells that may affect treatment options. Some mutations can be targeted with specific therapies, while others may lead to resistance to certain drugs

4. Has my lymphoma been tested for specific markers like CD19, CD20, or other proteins?

   • These markers help determine which treatments might work best for you

About Testing & Monitoring

1. What imaging tests will I need, and how often?

   • NCCN Guidelines note that CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans are used to look for cancer deposits and monitor your response to treatment

2. Will I have bone marrow testing, and if so, why?

   • This helps determine if lymphoma has spread to your bone marrow

3. What baseline tests are being done now, and why?

   • Understanding your starting point helps measure treatment response

About Your Treatment Plan

1. What treatment do you recommend for my specific type and stage of lymphoma?

   • Ask your doctor to explain the reasoning behind their recommendation

2. What are the goals of my treatment? (For example: cure, remission, controlling symptoms)

3. What are the main side effects I should expect, and how will we manage them?

   • Different treatments have different side effect profiles

4. How long will treatment last, and what does the schedule look like?

5. If I have relapsed or refractory lymphoma (cancer that returns or doesn't respond to initial treatment), what options are available?

   • According to recent FDA approvals and NCCN Guidelines, CAR T-cell therapy (a type of immunotherapy) is now considered standard of care for certain patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive lymphomas after 2 or more lines of therapy

About Specific Treatment Options

1. Am I a candidate for clinical trials?

   • Clinical trials may offer access to newer treatments; the NCI's Cancer Information Service can help you find trials at clinicaltrials.gov

2. If chemotherapy is recommended, which drugs will be used and why?

3. Will I receive targeted therapy or immunotherapy?

   • These treatments work differently than traditional chemotherapy and may have different side effects

4. If radiation therapy is part of my plan, what areas will be treated and why?

About Your Prognosis & Follow-Up

1. What is my prognosis, and what factors affect it?

   • Be specific about what you want to know (survival rates, quality of life expectations, etc.)

2. What will follow-up care look like after treatment ends?

   • How often will I have appointments? What tests will I need?

3. What signs or symptoms should I report immediately?

4. Are there support services available? (Social work, nutrition, mental health support, support groups)

   • The Lymphoma Research Foundation and similar organizations offer resources

Questions About Your Medical Team

1. Who is on my care team, and what is each person's role?

2. How do I reach you or your team if I have questions between appointments?

3. Should I get a second opinion, and if so, how do I do that?

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Tips for Getting the Most from These Questions

✓ Write them down before your appointment so you don't forget

✓ Bring someone with you to take notes or help you remember information

✓ Ask for written summaries of your treatment plan and test results

✓ Request copies of your pathology report and imaging reports - these are your [ID removed] and you have the right to them

✓ Don't hesitate to ask your doctor to explain something again if you don't understand the first time

✓ Follow up with written questions if you think of more after your appointment

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Additional Resources

According to NCCN Guidelines for Patients with Lymphoma, these organizations provide reliable information:

• Lymphoma Research Foundation (lymphoma.org)
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) - Cancer Information Service
• American Cancer Society - offers patient education and support
• Be the Match (bethematch.org) - for transplant-related questions if applicable
• Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network (bmtinfonet.org)

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.