Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

From a practical viewpoint doctors divide all the various types of NHL into one of three groups: low grade, high grade or intermediate grade. This division is based on the appearances under the microscope and helps predict how the condition will behave.

Low grade NHLs usually have a relatively slow growth rate, running a long course and often needing little or no treatment for months or possibly years. When they do need treatment they respond well but are likely to come back again at some time in the future. They frequently respond to treatment on several occasions over the years but may eventually become resistant or transform to a high grade form of NHL.

High grade types of NHL usually grow more rapidly and behave more aggressively and so need immediate treatment. Despite this they are more likely to be completely cured than low grade NHLs. Around half of all people with high grade forms of NHL will be cured by the use of intensive chemotherapy.

Intermediate types of NHL lie somewhere between these two extremes in their behaviour.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a high grade lymphoma and requires prompt treatment with chemotherapy.

Usually quite an intensive treatment is given with a combination of drugs given into the veins through injections or drips. The treatment goes on for some four to six months.

Several different combinations of drugs have been used to treat this condition and they all appear equally successful. This is one of the most treatable of the non Hodgkin lymphomas with most patients appearing to be cured. For those who do not achieve a cure the chemotherapy can cause the lymphoma to disappear, often for some years, before it comes back and further treatment is needed. .