Hodgkin's disease in South African children

Thirty South African children with Hodgkin's disease were studied over a 7-year period (1970 - 1977). Males outnumbered females by 5:1. The most frequent histological pattern encountered was mixed cellularity (72%). Fourteen patients with stage I, II or IIIA disease were treated with radiation therapy alone, and all achieved a complete remission with a median duration of remission in excess of 48 months. Sixteen patients with stage III or IV disease received combination chemotherapy (MOPP regimen), and 13 achieved a complete remission with a median duration of remission in excess of 48 months. The overall median survival was in excess of 60 months. Seven patients died during the study period, 4 of Hodgkin's disease and 3 of other causes. There was no significant difference in treatment response or survival between Black and White children.