Hodgkin disease in children: reduced tailored chemotherapy for stage I-II disease

Between January 1982 and January 1994, 46 children with stage I-II Hodgkin disease were treated with a tailored regimen to maintain a high cure rate while reducing toxicity.

Forty-six previously untreated children with stage I-II Hodgkin disease received four to six courses of cyclophosphamide, oncovin, procarbazine, and prednisone (COPP) alternating with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD), tailored according to clinical response. Staging was based on various imaging modalities and gallium scan, but surgical staging was not performed. Radiotherapy was given only to bulky mediastinal disease.

The median age at diagnosis was 13 years (range 4-18) and only 4 of 46 children had B symptoms. The majority (31 of 46) had stage II disease; 10 had bulky mediastinal disease. Nodular sclerosis histology predominated (32 of 46). Gallium scan was positive in 66% of the patients who were evaluated. Forty-three patients (93%) achieved complete remission after planned therapy. Thirty-six patients (78%) received chemotherapy alone, and 10 (22%) received combined-modality treatment. Fifteen children (33%) completed treatment with only four courses of COPP/ABVD. Overall freedom from relapse was 87% and overall survival was 98% with a median follow-up of 5 1/2 years. Long-term treatment-related morbidity was found mainly in patients receiving radiotherapy.

Comprehensive clinical staging combined with tailored COPP/ABVD therapy according to response results in excellent disease control and may reduce toxicity.