In a nutshell
This study reviewed the treatments for elderly patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma. The study concluded that combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy has the best outcomes, however the use of radiation therapy is not ideal.
Some background
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is generally considered a curable disease. However, outcomes in elderly patients (60 years old or older) are still somewhat poor. There are few studies about the best treatment type for elderly patients. Patients are often treated with either chemotherapy, radiation therapy (RT), or both chemotherapy and RT. More research is needed to confirm the best type of treatment for elderly patients.
Methods & findings
The medical records of 3795 patients were reviewed. 1924 (50.7%) of patients were treated with chemotherapy only. 613 (16.2%) received RT only. 1258 (33.1%) of patients received both chemotherapy and RT. All patients had early stage HL. All patients were 60 years old or older. The average length of follow up was 40.4 months.
The overall survival rate (time from treatment to death from any cause) for patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone was 58.1%. The overall survival rate for patients who were treated with RT alone was 54%. The overall survival rate for patients who were treated with a combination of chemotherapy and RT was 77.7%.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that elderly patients treated with both chemotherapy and radiation therapy have the best survival outcomes.
The fine print
Elderly patients tend to have more comorbidities (other diseases) and complications, so their treatment options are more limited. They may not be able to receive both chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Published By :
Clinical lymphoma, myeloma & leukemia
Date :
Sep 20, 2017
