[Evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic methods in childhood Hodgkin's disease]

A retrospective analysis of the results of treatment of 467 cases of primary Hodgkin's disease (aged under 15) (1968-1992) has been undertaken. As such invasive diagnostic procedures as lower direct lymphography and laparotomy with splenectomy were being abandoned, polychemotherapy plus irradiation of zones of involvement alone at all stages were introduced. Although generalized forms of tumor (stage III-IV tumors in 69% of cases) were in evidence and risk-adapted therapy procedures were used, the 5-year survival for 1988-1992 was 88%, the recurrence-free survival rate in the treated cases being 67%.