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A closer look at biologics and biosimilars

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in a kind of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. It usually starts in the lymph nodes (part of the lymph system). But, it can spread to other parts such as lymph vessels (like blood vessels but for lymph fluid). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can also spread to organs like the spleen, liver and bone marrow.

The lymph system helps clean germs out of the body. It’s made up mostly of two kinds of lymphocytes – T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes (also called T-cells and B-cells). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma happens when these cells mutate (change) and grow out of control.

Biologics and biosimilars help fix the parts of the immune system that aren’t working right. Biosimilars are highly similar versions of biologics.

Biologics or biosimilars may be a good option for certain people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In the case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the mutated B-cells or T-cells grow too fast. There are medications that ‘attack’ the cancer cells to kill them or slow their growth.

Talk to your doctor about which treatments may be right for you.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. CVS Specialty assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result.

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