Hodgkin lymphoma: A review and update on recent progress

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a distinct cancer of blood cells, typically diagnosed in young adults.
• Patients often present with enlarged lymph nodes and systemic 'B symptoms'.
• Despite its prevalence in younger demographics, HL remains highly curable, even in advanced stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis and treatment.
• To highlight advancements in therapeutic strategies for both initial and relapsed/refractory disease.
• To discuss future directions aimed at improving cure rates and minimizing long-term treatment side effects.

Main Methods:

• Review of established and novel therapeutic modalities for Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Analysis of risk-adapted treatment approaches, including chemotherapy de-escalation and intensification.
• Evaluation of salvage therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates and stem cell transplantation.
• Discussion of emerging immunotherapies, specifically programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors.

Main Results:

• The standard doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) regimen remains a cornerstone of therapy.
• Risk-adapted strategies have improved treatment individualization.
• Brentuximab vedotin, PD-1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab), and advanced stem cell transplantation techniques show significant efficacy in relapsed/refractory settings.
• Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is increasingly viable due to alternative donor sources and reduced-intensity conditioning.

Conclusions:

• Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly curable malignancy with established and evolving treatment options.
• Salvage therapies, including novel agents and transplantation, offer hope for patients with refractory disease.
• Future research focuses on integrating innovative strategies into early treatment phases to enhance cure rates and mitigate long-term toxicities.