Hemibody irradiation in lymphomas and related malignancies

Between 1979 and 1984, 34 patients with advanced lymphoma or leukemia resistant to other treatments have been treated with single or sequential hemibody irradiation (HBI). Good symptomatic relief was obtained in the majority of patients, with minimal acute toxicity. Disease regression occurred in the majority of patients and was maintained in those achieving a complete remission. Stage III disease and 'good risk' histology predicted a good outcome. Marrow toxicity was marked only in those patients with marrow involvement. HBI is recommended as a worthwhile palliative treatment particularly in nodal nodular disease.