- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a serious blood cancer.
- The usual treatment uses an antibody and chemotherapy.
- This treatment helps many patients but not all.
- Chemotherapy can damage the heart in older people.
- Researchers studied pet dogs with the same cancer.
- Dogs received an antibody and low-dose chemotherapy.
- Scientists measured gene activity in the blood.
- They found two genes linked to longer survival.
- A simple blood test can detect early warning genes.
- Doctors may use the test to choose better treatment.
Difficult words
- lymphoma — a serious cancer that affects the blood
- antibody — a protein the body makes to fight germs
- chemotherapy — medicine that kills cancer cells in the body
- measure — to check or record a number or valuemeasured
- gene — a small part of DNA with instructionsgenes
- survival — the act of living after a disease or danger
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you have a pet dog?
- Would you take a blood test if a doctor asked?
- Do you know anyone who had chemotherapy?
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