Relapsed lymphoma means that the disease has returned after responding to treatment–this is sometimes also called a recurrence.  Refractory lymphoma means that the patient’s disease no longer responds to a specific treatment.  There are many treatment options for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphomas.  Optimal treatment options for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma depend on factors such as the type of lymphoma, age, extent of disease, overall health, and previous therapies received.

Patients who do not go into complete remission following treatment or who do not respond to treatment should not lose hope.  Complete remission may be achieved following a diagnosis or relapsed or refractory disease.  Many patients seek second opinions at any point from diagnosis onward and often choose to do so if their disease relapses or is considered refractory.