Central lymphatic irradiation to low dose for advanced nodular lymphoreticular tumors (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma)

Total central lymphatic irradiation (2500-3000 rads in 3 to 6 weeks) including the entire abdomen, the supradiaphragmatic nodal areas, and Waldeyer's ring is being investigated as a potentially curative approach to patients with Stage III disease. Twenty-two patients have been treated (24-month minimum observation). All evidence of disease has disappeared in every patient. Three patients have developed local recurrence; 2 of them received 2000 rads or less. Three patients had marginal recurrences, and 5 developed generalized disease involving viscera. Fourteen patients (64%) are alive and free of any evidence of disease from 24-90 months (median, 54 months). Absolute survival is 82% (18/22).