Recent advances in Hodgkin's disease

The treatment of Hodgkin's disease has long superseded our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. Recent work adds further evidence to the theory that the Epstein-Barr virus and the bcl2 oncogene play an etiologic role in certain histologic subtypes. Most patients who present with Hodgkin's disease today will be cured with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two. However, any satisfaction with success in treating the disease should be tempered by the increasing recognition of morbid and potentially lethal complications. Secondary malignancies, cardiotoxicity, and other late effects continue to limit the quality and quantity of life after initial and salvage treatment.