(August 11, 2010 - Insidermedicine) 

A less intensive regimen of chemotherapy and radiation may be adequate treatment for individuals with early-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma who have a favorable prognosis, according to research published in the  New England Journal of Medicine.

Here is some information about Hodgkin’s lymphoma:

•    It is a type of cancer that affects the immune system

•    Early symptoms include enlarged spleen, lymph nodes, and other body tissues related to the immune system
 
•    Other symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats

Researchers from the University of Cologne representing the German Hodgkin Study Group randomly assigned over 1,300 individuals with newly diagnosed, early-stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma who had a favorable prognosis to one of four treatment regimens. The first group received standard intensity chemotherapy and radiation. The second group received standard chemotherapy with reduced intensity radiation. The third group received reduced intensity chemotherapy with standard radiation, and the fourth group received reduced intensity chemotherapy and radiation.

When the investigators compared the 5-year outcomes of patients who received regular vs. low intensity chemotherapy and regular vs. low intensity radiation, there were no significant differences in either freedom from treatment failure or overall survival. Those who received the most intense chemotherapy and radiation regimen, however, experienced the most drug toxicity.

Today’s research suggests that a lower intensity treatment regimen is adequate for individuals with early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma who have a favorable prognosis. Longer-term follow-up is needed to confirm these findings, however.