However, we also know it was originally spotted in a lymph node in his neck. Hence, it seems reasonable to assume his specific variant is a "Monocytoid B-cell Lymphoma" also known as a "nodal marginal-zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL)".
If this is true, then this info from the University of Michigan may be useful:
I got this from: New Small Lymphocytic Lymphomas
Nodal Marginal-Zone B-Cell Lymphoma
Nodal MZL account for ~2% of NHL and has been thought to be a nodal variety of MALT lymphoma (9). Clinically, however, nodal MZL is a more aggressive disease. Patients with nodal MZL present with more advance disease (71%) and BM involvement (28%), and have a corresponding poor prognosis with a 5-year overall survival rate of 56% and a failure-free survival rate of only 28%. Histologic transformation to a higher-grade lymphoma occurs in more than 20% of cases. In ~70% of nodal MZL, there is no involvement of spleen or extranodal sites.
Because conventional chemotherapy is not curative, patients are managed with expectant observation followed by combined chemotherapy.
This is not encouraging, but a couple of things should be pointed out:
1. This rare variant of lymphoma is often caught late, contributing to the poor prognosis. It appears Mr. Thompson's cancer may have been caught early. (I'm guessing on this: We have not been told.)
2. According to his doctor's statement, he was treated with Rituxan (Rituximab). The doctor did not mention which other drugs were administered at the same time, but this drug is usually given in combination with others (such as CHOP). This is GOOD NEWS.
The reason this is GOOD NEWS is that this is a relatively new drug with high hopes for excellent long-term results, but it is only useful against certain types of lymphoma. In particular, the current hope for this drug is that it will work extremely well against the subset of lymphomas that are are CD 20+. Assuming Mr. Thompson is in this category, then treatment with this drug means he has a very good chance of beating the otherwise dour prognosis for this particular variant of lymphoma.
NOTE: I have used the info available thus far to piece together what looks like the specific variant of lymphoma he has. I gave my reasons above, but the best source would for his doctor to provide specific details.
NOTE: For some reason, posting actual information about lymphoma has caused some on this thread to attack. I have not decided who I support, yet, but I certainly have nothing against Fred Thompson. I DO think the next President will have the world's most difficult job, at one of the most difficult times in our nation's history. I DO think part of the selection of that person is consideration of the person's overall health and stamina. Whoever it is will need it.
“NOTE: For some reason, posting actual information about lymphoma has caused some on this thread to attack. I have not decided who I support, yet, but I certainly have nothing against Fred Thompson. I DO think the next President will have the world’s most difficult job, at one of the most difficult times in our nation’s history. I DO think part of the selection of that person is consideration of the person’s overall health and stamina. Whoever it is will need it.”
I think it is because of your doom and gloom outcome. There are many types of lymphoma and thank goodness, Mr. Thompson has the “good kind” (if there is such a thing). We are very protective of our next President and if he had ANY INCLINATION that this would affect him negatively while in office, he would back down immediately. But he has not; therefore, we will not!
EH, there are no guarantees that whoever is elected to office wouldn't develop a serious medical condition in the first month after taking the oath. (I know you know this, just pointing out that we'll never been 100% sure about anybody.)
That said, you have posted some good info and I appreciate it. I'm certain more details will probably be forthcoming especially if he announces for candidacy.
We might want to look at this as a "sort" of positive. For three years Fred has had medical scrutiny, tests, labs etc that most healthy folks haven't had, except perhaps the other candiates with cancer. Plenty of opportunity to detect other complications that might have arisen. He may be able to state his level of health much more soundly and confidently than many of us can.
And yes, stress associated with the presidency is a worry for any potential president for sure. But I return to my first sentence on this post.