Pediatric vs adult treatment regimens for children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with classical HL

This study compared the outcomes for children and young adults diagnosed with classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated with either pediatric or adult regimens. The study concluded that survival outcomes were the same for patients treated with the pediatric or adult regimens. 

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is generally considered a curable cancer. Many improvements in treatment have been made for young children and older adults. The same progress has not been made for older children and young adults. Adults and children are generally treated with different regimens. It is unclear if adult or pediatric treatment regimens are more effective for children and young adults. More research is needed to determine the best standard of care for children and young adults. 

The medical records of 1072 patients were reviewed. 55 patients were children (0-9 years old). 364 patients were adolescents (10-17 years old). 653 patients were young adults (18-24 years old). The average length of follow up was 12.4 years. 315 patients were treated with a pediatric regimen. 757 patients were treated with the adult regimen.

There was no significant difference in overall survival (time from diagnosis to death from any cause) between pediatric or adult treatment regimens. Being treated with radiotherapy also did not improve overall survival. The only factor that impacted overall survival was being diagnosed with advanced stage disease, which decreased overall survival. 

The authors concluded that being treated with an adult or pediatric regimen did not impact survival outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults.