Treatments For Hodgkin Lymphoma

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, a combination of anti-cancer drugs, is the main form of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. These drugs need to be taken in a precise sequence, called a protocol, to have the best effect. Patients may be given different protocols according to their specific diagnosis and the stage of their disease.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy may be used along with chemotherapy for some patients. Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and has been shown to decrease the likelihood of the disease returning after treatment has finished.

Stem Cell Transplant

Stem cell transplant is an intensive form of treatment that is only used if all other treatments are not successful. In many cases patients have transplants using their own stem cells, called an autologous transplant, rather than from a donor, called an allogeneic transplant.

Prognosis

Treating Hodgkin lymphoma is generally very successful. With treatment, around eight out of ten patients now survive Hodgkin lymphoma. In particular young adults, if diagnosed early, have an excellent prognosis and almost all survive. Most patients do very well and suffer minimal side effects in the long and short term.