Diagnosis guide
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a large group of cancers that start in lymphocytes, the white blood cells of the immune system. Most types begin in B cells; fewer begin in T cells or natural killer (NK) cells. Some types are slow-growing (indolent) and may be watched closely at first. Others are fast-growing (aggressive), and their signs and symptoms can be severe. The exact type helps guide treatment. In Europe in 2024, most transplants for non-Hodgkin lymphoma used the person’s own stem cells, given back after high-dose treatment. CAR T-cell therapy, made from the person’s own immune cells, is an option for some B-cell lymphomas that come back or do not respond. A donor transplant is considered for selected cases, including some T-cell lymphomas.
In short
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of cancers of lymphocytes, the immune system’s white blood cells; most types start in B cells, fewer in T or NK cells.
- Some types grow slowly and may be watched closely at first, while fast-growing types can cause severe symptoms, so the exact type shapes the plan.
- In Europe in 2024, most transplants for NHL used the person’s own stem cells; CAR T-cell therapy is used for some B-cell types, and a donor transplant for selected cases.
Find the subtype on your report
The exact diagnosis shapes the treatment options. Your care team can explain the name on your report.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive cancer of mature B cells. Many people are cured with initial treatment. At relapse, the choice among CAR-T therapy, autologous transplantation and other treatments depends on timing and response.
Cell or gene therapy optionsDouble-hit lymphoma (MYC and BCL2 rearranged)
Double-hit lymphoma is a fast-growing B-cell lymphoma in which the MYC and BCL2 genes are both rearranged. The World Health Organization now calls it diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements. It is found by a lab test on the biopsy and is different from “double-expressor” lymphoma.
Cell or gene therapy optionsPrimary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)
Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma that usually begins in the chest between the lungs. Initial treatment can be curative; transplantation and CAR-T therapy are mainly considered for resistant or relapsed disease.
Cell or gene therapy optionsPrimary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL)
Primary central nervous system lymphoma starts in the brain, spinal cord, eyes or nearby coverings without lymphoma elsewhere at diagnosis. Treatment must reach these sites; eligible patients may receive high-dose chemotherapy followed by their own stem cells.
Usually the person’s own cellsBurkitt lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma is a rapidly growing mature B-cell cancer associated with abnormal MYC activity. Prompt, specialized drug treatment can cure many patients; stem cell transplantation is not the usual first-line treatment.
Limited transplant roleMantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a mature B-cell cancer with a variable pace. Targeted medicines and immunotherapy are changing treatment, including when autologous transplant is useful; donor transplantation is reserved for selected situations.
Cell or gene therapy optionsFollicular lymphoma
Follicular lymphoma is usually a slow-growing B-cell cancer. Treatment ranges from monitoring to radiotherapy, medicines and cellular therapy; transplantation is considered for selected higher-risk or relapsed disease.
Cell or gene therapy optionsMarginal zone lymphoma (MZL)
Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a group of slow-growing B-cell lymphomas. The main types are extranodal (MALT) lymphoma, which often starts in the stomach or other organs, nodal MZL and splenic MZL.
Limited transplant roleWaldenström macroglobulinemia
Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma that produces an IgM antibody protein. Some people need only monitoring; medicines are the usual treatment, with transplantation reserved for selected relapsed disease.
Limited transplant roleChronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) are two presentations of the same mature B-cell cancer. Many people initially need monitoring; targeted medicines are the usual treatment, and donor transplantation is reserved for selected difficult-to-treat disease.
Limited transplant roleRichter transformation (Richter syndrome)
Richter transformation is when chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) turns into a fast-growing lymphoma, most often diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and less often Hodgkin lymphoma. It needs prompt treatment, and doctors check whether the new lymphoma grew from the same cells as the CLL.
Donor transplant optionPeripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL-NOS)
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), is a cancer of mature T cells that does not fit another defined subtype. Treatment often uses combination chemotherapy; selected patients may receive an autologous or donor transplant.
Usually the person’s own cellsAngioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL)
Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma is now classified as nodal T-follicular helper-cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic type. It can disrupt immune function as well as cause lymphoma growth, and treatment may include selected stem cell transplant approaches.
Usually the person’s own cellsALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma driven by an ALK rearrangement. Many patients respond well to initial drug treatment; transplantation is mainly considered for selected higher-risk or relapsed disease.
Limited transplant roleALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma without an ALK rearrangement. Treatment commonly uses drug combinations, with autologous or donor transplantation considered in selected situations.
Usually the person’s own cellsExtranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL)
Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is an Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoma that often affects the nose and nearby tissues. Treatment depends strongly on its extent; selected advanced or relapsed cases may benefit from a donor transplant.
Donor transplant optionHepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL)
Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that mainly involves the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Early specialist treatment and donor-transplant assessment are important because ordinary lymphoma chemotherapy alone often gives short-lived control.
Donor transplant optionAdult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL)
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a cancer of mature T cells associated with long-standing HTLV-1 infection. Treatment differs by subtype; a donor transplant is an important potentially curative option for eligible people with aggressive disease.
Donor transplant optionMycosis fungoides
Mycosis fungoides is a T-cell lymphoma that usually begins in the skin. Early disease is often treated with skin-directed therapies; a donor stem cell transplant is an option for selected advanced or difficult-to-treat cases.
Limited transplant roleSézary syndrome
Sézary syndrome is a mature T-cell lymphoma involving the blood and usually causing widespread inflamed, itchy skin. Systemic treatment is central; a donor stem cell transplant can offer lasting remission for selected eligible patients.
Donor transplant option
Support for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- Lymphoma Research Foundation US nonprofit devoted to lymphoma, offering a helpline, patient guides, peer support, webinars and financial support resources for patients and caregivers.United States
- Lymphoma Action UK charity with a freephone helpline, live chat, monthly support meetings, peer buddies and free books for anyone affected by lymphoma.United Kingdom
- Lymphoma Canada Canadian charity offering free patient guides, peer mentoring, support groups, webinars and an ask-a-specialist service for people with lymphoma.Canada
Other patients are waiting for a match.
Most people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are treated without a registry donor. Many people with other blood cancers and blood disorders need a donor who is a stranger.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Help a family run a drive
If someone you love needs a donor, a registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this guide, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
Sources and further reading
- Adult Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2024-08-22 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2025-09-09 - The 2024 EBMT activity report: crossing one million HCTs and 20,000 CAR-T. A landmark in cellular therapy
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2026-05-27
