Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma-clinical features and treatment outcomes from a 30-year experience

Abstract

Background: Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease (LPHD) is a rare subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma, for which there is limited evidence regarding the presentation, natural history and treatment outcomes. Patients and methods: We conducted a single-institution retrospective review all of patients diagnosed with LPHD over a 30-year period. Results: Eighty-eight patients were included. Median follow-up was 13 years. Local radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy resulted in durable disease control in patients with stage I or II disease. Advanced stage at presentation, presence of B symptoms, low albumin, and either partial response or stable disease to first treatment were associated with worse treatment outcomes. Relapse rate for the entire cohort was 44%, with an 8% rate of transformation to large-cell lymphoma. Rituximab in combination with chemotherapy resulted in durable remission in a heavily pretreated subgroup. Outcomes with autologous transplant are discussed. Conclusion: Our series has the longest follow-up of any report, includes the only series of patients treated with autologous transplant, and has the largest group of patients treated with rituximab and chemotherapy in this indication. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved.