In a nutshell
The authors looked at patient characteristics, types of treatment, and clinical outcomes for patients with nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). The study confirmed the positive long-term outcome of this disease. The authors suggested that it may be possible to reduce the intensity of the treatment without affecting the outcome.
Some background
Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), making up only 5% of HL cases. This condition predominantly affects men. The disease is characterized by the presence of lymphocyte predominant cells, also known as “popcorn” cells.
The disease generally has a good prognosis, but relapses can occur. Because it was only recognized very recently (since 1994), an ideal treatment has not been identified.
Methods & findings
This study examined the medical records of 73 patients diagnosed with NLPHL. The average length of follow-up was four and a half years. 85% of the patients were male.
Patients received one of four different types of treatment. 31 patients were put on a watch-and-wait strategy after local surgery to remove the affected lymph node. 37 patients received radiotherapy. 19 patients received chemotherapy. 8 patients received combination therapy of both chemotherapy and radiation.
The 10-year survival rate for all patients was 94%. 9.6% of patients relapsed, and 8.2% of patients had a transformation to another form of lymphoma during the follow-up period. Relapse was more common in patients with early-stage disease or those treated with radiotherapy alone. None of the patients in the watch and wait group relapsed.
The bottom line
This study concluded that NLPHL has a generally positive long-term outcome. The authors suggested that it may be possible to reduce the intensity of treatment for patients diagnosed with early stage NLPHL without affecting long-term outcome.
The fine print
This study was not large enough to compare the outcomes of each type of treatment separately.
Published By :
Annals of Hematology
Date :
Feb 01, 2016
