Prospects of cure in lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's disease

This report concerns a particular benign histologic variant of Hodgkin's disease, the lymphocyte-predominant category of the Rye classification. The group of 24 cases, all involving localized disease, was first reported in 1960, and is now reappraised, incorporating subsequent data. The interpretations of the original findings are confirmed and elaborated. A characteristic feature had been the long relapse-free and symptom-free survival period, which gave a false impression of security but was followed in some instances by disseminated disease, usually after 5-15 years. The proportion of such cases is now shown to be greater, and the possible quiescent period extended. Cure was suspected in some instances, and can now be considered likely in about half of the cases. The present results include a substantial number of patients who have survived for very long periods and who must be regarded as cured, though careful confirmatory autopsies are still unavailable.