Pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma: epidemiologic characteristics and

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patient characteristics and treatment results of pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. METHODS: Hodgkin lymphoma patients (9 males, 4 females; mean age 9.2±3.5; range 4 to 15 years) at pediatric age group (<18 years) treated in our oncology center between 2003 and 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The most common histopathological subtype was mixed cellular type Hodgkin lymphoma (54%). Twelve patients received ABVD regimen and the remaining patient received OEPA/COPP as first-line chemotherapy. Complete response was achieved in 11 of 13 patients (84%) following the second cycle of chemotherapy. Eleven patients received involved field radiotherapy while bulky nodal regions were irradiated in 2 patients. Although radiation doses differed according to the stage and chemotherapy response the median dose was 2000 cGy (1500-3000 cGy). Four-year disease and overall survival rates were both 87.5%. CONCLUSION: The results of combination treatment modality ragarding stage and chemotherapy response applied in our center were similar and successful as the other more experienced oncology centers.