Radiotherapy in Hodgkin's disease: past achievements and future progress

Improvements in results of treatment for Hodgkin's disease have been dramatic in the last 20 years. The results of high dose radiation therapy are reviewed in terms of the importance of the extent of the field of irradiation. The importance of adjuvant chemotherapy is also discussed. Problem areas both in staging and in general management of patients with Hodgkin's disease are emphasized. Long-term complications of treatment, both radiotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic are stressed. The excellent results of management for stage I, II (A and B), and IIIA Hodgkin's disease have reached a level at which future studies must aim at reducing the morbidity of treatment.