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Review
. 2009 Mar-Apr;15(2):150-4.
doi: 10.1097/PPO.0b013e3181a27018.

Role of chemotherapy in Hodgkin's lymphoma

Pamela Seam  1 , John E Janik, Dan L Longo, Vincent T Devita Jr
Affiliations
Review

Role of chemotherapy in Hodgkin's lymphoma

Pamela Seam et al. Cancer J. 2009 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

The development of curative chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is one of the true success stories in oncology. Most patients diagnosed with HL today can be cured. The major task remaining before us is curing as many patients as possible with their initial therapeutic approach while minimizing the acute toxicities and limiting the lifetime risks of important secondary events such as cardiovascular complications and secondary malignancies. In the 40 years since DeVita et al. developed the mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone chemotherapy regimen, we have learned a great deal about risk stratification to minimize treatment-related toxicity. Positron emission tomography may further assist us in reducing radiation treatment without compromising cures. This review will discuss the development of the chemotherapy regimens used in the management of early and advanced stage HL and the advantages and disadvantages of their use in combination with radiation therapy.

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References

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Publication types

Supplementary concepts