Cytotoxic chemotherapy and gonadal function in patients with Hodgkin's disease. Facts and thoughts

Castration commonly appears to be the price of "cure" in patients treated with chemotheraphy for Hodgkin's disease. Awareness and anticipation by the physician, with appropriate counseling of the patient on the profound psychological and emotional changes occasioned by chemotherapeutic treatment, may provide benefit both in terms of acceptance of therapy and in adjustment of changes in interpersonal relationships. From this point, attention should be directed to (1) replacement of evident hormonal deficiency, (2) artificial preservation of viable germ cells, and (3) means of avoidance of germ cell damage by chemotherapy.