Prognostic markers of disease activity in Hodgkin's disease

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum copper (Cu) and urinary nucleoside excretion (UNs) have been proposed as independent prognostic markers in Hodgkin's Disease (HD). However, their prognostic value has not satisfactorily been directly compared to recognised clinical prognostic factors. One hundred and sixty-eight patients with HD had the above markers performed prior to initial treatment. At a median follow-up of 10.9 yrs, the predicted 10 year relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort is 64% and 66%, respectively. In general, patients with elevated markers were significantly less likely to achieve CR, remain in CR and survive. However, multivariate analysis revealed this was due to the association of elevated markers with stage and constitutional symptoms. Following therapy, elevated markers were also correlated with evidence of clinically detectable disease. We conclude that although UNs, Cu, ALP and ESR reflect disease activity, they do not provide independent information beyond that of clinical assessment.