[Can extended induction chemoradiotherapy be effective in the combined treatment of stage IIIB Hodgkin's disease ?]

Abstract

The paper evaluates the results of chemoradiaton (2-4 cycles of preliminary treatment to suppress intoxication symptoms plus total, or subtotal exposure of the lymph nodes to tumor-killing doses in cases of intact iliac inguinal nodes) in 89 patients with Hodgkin's disease stage IIIB. The data are evaluated vis-à-vis regression in exposed foci as intoxication symptoms receded. Overall survival was significantly lower (p = 0.044) when tumor regression was well below 75%. Similar trends were reported with regard to relapse-free survival. It is concluded that, with our regimen, combined treatment will not be effective unless 75% or more regression of tumor is assured.