[Clinical study of Hodgkin's disease after 25 years]

Abstract

Background: On the 25th anniversary of the unified protocol of 1978, the authors report the results of the first clinical study in the Czech Republic performed in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. 290 patients were treated with both chemotherapy (Cyklophosphamide, Natulan, Prednison, Vinblastin) and radiotherapy according to this widely used protocol. The dosage of cytotoxic therapy was reduced based on age, in patients over 50 years of age.

Methods and results: In the year 2003, the survival rate was 77.3% (194/290 patients) and of these, 85% (165/194 patients) have lived more than 10 years with complete remission. Of the 194 surviving patients, 24 were successfully treated for relapses. Of the 66 (22.8%) patients that died, the cause of death in 33 patients was Hodgkin's lymphoma. 33 women of the studied group gave birth to 43 children. In one case, phocomelia was diagnosed post-partum. In this instance, no causal relationship to the cytotoxic treatment (which had been given three years before the birth) could be established. The second child of the same mother was born healthy. In one case, a possible genetic relationship was noted--both the father and the daughter suffered from Hodgkin lymphoma and the granddaughter from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusions: The success of this treatment depends on complex diagnostic procedures, and on an experienced team of physicians.