Thyroid, pulmonary, and cardiac sequelae after treatment for Hodgkin's disease

Modern therapy of Hodgkin's disease has produced the expectation of long-term survival for most patients. However, in the process of achieving the current success, a price has been paid in unwanted, delayed side effects. Apart from second malignancies and gonadal impairment, other adverse consequences can be identified. This paper will briefly summarize recent findings related to thyroid, pulmonary and cardiac dysfunction. Attention to treatment regimens and careful follow-up may help to prevent or manage these complications, which are uncommonly life-threatening. The desire to refine the treatment of Hodgkin's disease must not result in a reduction of the overall chance of cure.