Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Immunoglobulin (specifically, intravenous immunoglobulin or IVIG) is used in the management of lymphoma patients primarily to prevent or treat infections in those who have hypogammaglobulinemia—a condition of low antibody levels that can arise due to the malignancy itself or as a side effect of chemotherapy and other immunosuppressive treatments. The scientific justification for this use is based on multiple clinical studies and guidelines that recognize increased infection risk in lymphoma patients with low immunoglobulin levels. IVIG administration has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of infections, particularly bacterial infections, in patients with hematologic malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and various forms of lymphoma.

However, IVIG is not used to treat the lymphoma itself, but rather as supportive therapy to address secondary immunodeficiency. The use is supported by recommendations from hematology and oncology societies, though the evidence base is stronger for certain subgroups (e.g., CLL) than for others. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated reduced rates of serious infections and hospitalization with regular IVIG administration in this context. The evidence is rated as 4/5 because while well-established for infection prevention, the benefit must be weighed against cost and potential side effects, and it is not universally indicated for all lymphoma patients, but rather for those with documented antibody deficiency and recurrent infections.

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