Comprehensive lymphatic irradiation for stage II-III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Thirteen patients with stage II-III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and one patient with minimal marrow involvement were selected for treatment between 1964 and 1986 with moderate-dose comprehensive lymphatic irradiation (CLI). This approach has been well tolerated and has produced relapse-free and overall survival rates at 10 years of 60 and 66%, respectively. Salvage therapy for failure following CLI has been possible. CLI produces results comparable to any achieved with combined modality therapy, offers less acute and late toxicity, and requires only 3-4 months for completion.