Radiotherapeutic management of lymphomas

Abstract

Basic Concepts: Historically, radiation therapy was an early curative treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and it was also an effective treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Although effective multi-agent chemotherapy regimens for both HL and NHL have since been developed, radiation therapy remains an integral part of both curative and palliative management of lymphomas. Combined-modality therapy (CMT) has become standard in more clinical scenarios for HL than NHL, likely due to the more predictable progression and spread of HL. Nevertheless, the basic concepts affecting the optimal use of radiation in both diseases are similar, namely: staging, the dose-response relationship, combined-modality therapy, and risk/response-adapted therapy.