Treating Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma is usually treated with intensive chemotherapy with rituximab, which involves staying in hospital for several weeks. This is offered even for early‑stage (stage 1 or stage 2) lymphoma because Burkitt lymphoma grows quickly and needs to be treated intensively. Your care team should choose a combination of chemotherapy drugs that suits how well you are.

Questions you could ask about treating Burkitt lymphoma

  • Can you explain which treatment might work best for me, and why?

  • Why are you offering me intensive chemotherapy? What does it involve?

  • How long will I need to stay in hospital?

  • What is rituximab – is it suitable for me?