Towards curative treatment of advanced Hodgkin's disease

Advanced Hodgkin's disease was considered incurable until 1966. The development of combined chemotherapy has led to intensIVe treatment and to cures. Results obtained in 104 patients treated according to acute leukaemia group B protocols are discussed. Staging according to the Rye classification was used, as these patients were treated from 1966 to 1971. Methodology and dosage schemes are discussed. Reponse rates reached 88%, with extended survival. The modifications of therapeutic schedules which led to long-term, unmaintained remissions, are explained. The 5-year survival rate of patients with Hodgkin's disease in stages III and iv who responded, was 82,7%. The effect of histological subclassification on the prognosis is considered. The importance of accurate documentation is stressed, and also the use of laparotomy to prove the staging of the disease so as not to deny the patient the benefit of potential cure with chemotherapy.