In a nutshell
This review paper analysed the current status of Hodgkin lymphoma research. Following this analysis, guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma were made.
Some background
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a rare form of cancer which affects B cells (a type of white blood cell). It is necessary to determine which stage of the disease a patient is at to select the correct treatment strategy. Many patients are cured by treatments for HL. However, some do not respond (refractory) and some lose response over time (relapsing). Response to therapy can be analysed by a type of medical radiation imaging called PET scanning. .
Methods & findings
Research into HL was analysed. Based on this, guidelines about the diagnosis and treatment of HL were recommended.
The first therapy that a patient with HL receives is chosen based on a number of factors. The structure of the cancer cells, the location of the cancer in the body, and evidence of features that predict a poor response are all considered. Patients with early stages of HL (stage I-II) usually receive a combination of treatments.
Chemotherapy plus radiation to the area that the cancer is located are commonly used. Patients with advanced stage HL (stage III-IV) are usually treated with higher doses of chemotherapy without radiation. Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) is a targeted therapy for HL which is being used more often. Targeted therapies kill only tumour cells.
Patients with relapsing HL after their first treatment often undergo higher doses of chemotherapy and stem cell transplant (transfer of cells from a healthy donor). If this strategy fails, patients often are treated with brentuximab vedotin, anti-PD-1 therapy (a different type of targeted therapy) or another stem cell transplant. Patients may also enrol in a clinical trial investigating a new therapy or new treatment regime.
The bottom line
This study concluded on updates of guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of HL.
The fine print
This study only analyzed a few types of therapy for HL. Therefore, the guidelines recommended may not apply to patients treated with other forms of therapy.
What’s next?
If you have questions about the management of HL, please ask your doctor.
Published By :
American Journal of Hematology
Date :
May 01, 2018
