Late effects of Hodgkin's disease and its treatment

Abstract

Long-term survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma are at increased risk for a number of late complications, including development of second malignancies and cardiovascular disease. Treatment-related factors and other modifying risk factors contributing to the risk of late effects have been identified. Survivors deemed at increased risk based on their treatment history and other exposures may benefit from early detection for late complications and risk reduction strategies. However, the optimal screening tests and prevention program, and their timing and frequency are not clear. It should be noted that treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma has undergone considerable changes over the last several decades. Most of the current data on late effects after Hodgkin's lymphoma are based on patients treated with outdated chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As Hodgkin's lymphoma therapy evolve over time, continued documentation of late effects associated with newer treatment will be important for the follow-up of patients treated in the modern era.