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Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Introduction

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 03/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some basic information about this disease and the parts of the body it may affect. This is the first page of Cancer.Net’s Guide to Hodgkin Lymphoma. Use the menu to see other pages. Think of that menu as a roadmap for this entire guide.

About the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes, lymphatic organs, and lymphatic vessels. Its job is to fight infection and disease. The lymphatic system carries lymph, a colorless fluid that contains lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that make up part of the immune system. Lymphatic vessels are thin tubes that branch out to all parts of the body.

There are several types of lymphocytes, including:

  • B cells, or B-lymphocytes, which make antibodies to fight bacteria and other infections.

  • T cells, or T-lymphocytes, which kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and abnormal cells and trigger the B cells to make antibodies.

In a routine lab test called a complete blood count (CBC), lymphocytes are measured in the blood as part of the white blood cell count.

Groups of bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes are located throughout the body at different areas within the lymphatic system. The largest groups of lymph nodes are found in the chest, abdomen, groin, pelvis, underarms, and neck.

Other parts of the lymphatic system include the:

  • Spleen, which is located in the left upper abdomen, under the rib cage. The spleen makes lymphocytes and filters the blood.

  • Thymus, which is an organ located behind the breastbone. The thymus plays an important role in the development of T cells.

  • Tonsils, which are located in the throat. The tonsils help trap bacteria entering through the mouth or nose.

About Hodgkin lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. Hodgkin lymphoma, which used to be called Hodgkin’s disease, is one of many types of lymphoma. Lymphoma begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic system change and grow out of control. This uncontrolled growth may form a tumor, involve many parts of the lymphatic system, or spread to other parts of the body.

Hodgkin lymphoma most commonly affects lymph nodes in the neck or in the area between the lungs and behind the breastbone, which is called the mediastinum. It can also begin in groups of lymph nodes under an arm, in the groin, or in the abdomen or pelvis.

If Hodgkin lymphoma spreads to areas that are not lymph nodes, the most common locations include the lung, spleen, liver, bone marrow, or bone. Hodgkin lymphoma can spread to other parts of the body, but this is unusual.

This section covers Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. Learn more about childhood Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults in other guides on this website.

Types of Hodgkin lymphoma

There are different types of Hodgkin lymphoma. It is important to know the type because this may affect how the cancer is treated. Doctors determine the type of Hodgkin lymphoma based on how the cells look under a microscope and whether the cells contain certain abnormal proteins. These cells are taken using a tissue biopsy (see Diagnosis).

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) recognizes 2 major categories of Hodgkin lymphoma: classic Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL)

cHL is the most common type of Hodgkin lymphoma. About 95% of cases of Hodgkin lymphoma are within the cHL category. cHL is diagnosed when certain abnormal lymphocytes, known as Reed-Sternberg cells, are found. cHL is divided into 4 subtypes, based on the appearance of the lymph node structure and cells:

  • Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma. Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common subtype of cHL. It affects up to 80% of people diagnosed with cHL. Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in young adults, especially women. In addition to Reed-Sternberg cells, there are bands of connective tissue (called fibrosis) found in the lymph node. The presence of these bands can help diagnose this type of Hodgkin lymphoma. This type of lymphoma often affects the lymph nodes in the central part of the chest, called the mediastinum.

  • Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma. This subtype of cHL occurs most often in older adults. It sometimes develops in the abdomen and carries many different cell types, including large numbers of Reed-Sternberg cells.

  • Lymphocyte-rich cHL. About 6% of people with cHL are diagnosed with lymphocyte-rich cHL. It is more common in men and usually affects areas other than the mediastinum. In addition to Reed-Sternberg cells, the lymph node tissue contains many normal lymphocytes.

  • Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphoma is the least common subtype of cHL. Only about 1% of people with cHL have this subtype. It is most common in older adults; people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); and people in non-industrialized countries. The lymph node contains almost all Reed-Sternberg cells.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

About 5% of people with Hodgkin lymphoma have nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. It often develops in the lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpit. It is most common in younger people.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma is more similar to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. People with this type of Hodgkin lymphoma have large cells in the affected area called “popcorn cells” or “LP cells” that have a marker called CD20 on their surface. CD20 is a protein that is usually found in people diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma is often treated differently from cHL. Some people with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma do not need treatment right away, while others may benefit from a treatment plan that includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a monoclonal antibody called rituximab (Rituxan). This is explained further in Types of Treatment.

People with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma tend to have a very good prognosis. This means the treatment, if needed, has a very good chance of being successful and helps the patient recover. However, a small number of people with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma may develop a more aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma through a process called transformation.

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If you would like more of an introduction, explore this related item. Please note that these links will take you to other sections on Cancer.Net:

The next section in this guide is Statistics. It helps explain the number of people who are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and general survival rates. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Statistics

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ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about the estimated number of people who will be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma each year. You will also read general information on surviving the disease. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors, and no 2 people with cancer are the same. Use the menu to see other pages.

Every person is different, with different factors influencing their risk of being diagnosed with this cancer and the chance of recovery after a diagnosis. It is important to talk with your doctor about any questions you have around the general statistics provided below and what they may mean for you individually. The original sources for these statistics are provided at the bottom of this page.

How many people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma?

In 2023, an estimated 8,830 people (4,850 men and boys and 3,980 women and girls) in the United States will be diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Since the mid-2000s, the number of people diagnosed with this disease has dropped by around 1% each year. Worldwide, an estimated 83,087 people were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020.

It is estimated that 900 deaths (540 men and boys and 360 women and girls) from this disease will occur in the United States in 2023. The survival rate has been going up since around 1975, thanks to treatment improvements. From 2011 to 2020, the death rate dropped by 4% every year. In 2020, an estimated 23,376 people worldwide died from Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma affects both children and adults. In the United States, it is most common in 2 age groups. The first group is people in early adulthood, particularly people in their 20s. The second group is people older than 55. The average age of diagnosis is 39.

Although the disease is rare in children younger than 5, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in teens ages 15 to 19. The disease accounts for 11% of all cancer cases in this age group. Learn more about this disease in children and adolescents.

What is the survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma?

There are different types of statistics that can help doctors evaluate a person’s chance of recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma. These are called survival statistics. A specific type of survival statistic is called the relative survival rate. It is often used to predict how having cancer may affect life expectancy. Relative survival rate looks at how likely people with Hodgkin lymphoma are to survive for a certain amount of time after their initial diagnosis or start of treatment compared to the expected survival of similar people without this cancer.

Example: Here is an example to help explain what a relative survival rate means. Please note this is only an example and not specific to this type of cancer.  Let’s assume that the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific type of cancer is 90%. “Percent” means how many out of 100. Imagine there are 1,000 people without cancer, and based on their age and other characteristics, you expect 900 of the 1,000 to be alive in 5 years. Also imagine there are another 1,000 people similar in age and other characteristics as the first 1,000, but they all have the specific type of cancer that has a 5-year survival rate of 90%. This means it is expected that 810 of the people with the specific cancer (90% of 900) will be alive in 5 years.

It is important to remember that statistics on the survival rates for people with Hodgkin lymphoma are only an estimate. They cannot tell an individual person if cancer will or will not shorten their life. Instead, these statistics describe trends in groups of people previously diagnosed with the same disease, including specific stages of the disease.

The 5-year relative survival rate for Hodgkin lymphoma in the United States is 89%.

The survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma vary based on several factors. These include the subtype and stage of cancer, a person’s age and general health, and how well the treatment plan works. Another factor that can affect outcomes is a person’s sex.

The 5-year relative survival rate of people with localized Hodgkin lymphoma is 93%. If the cancer spreads regionally, the 5-year relative survival rate is 95%. If the cancer has spread to different parts of the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 83%.

The relative survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma on this page are based on people diagnosed between 2012 and 2018. Experts measure relative survival statistics every several years. This means the estimate may not reflect the results of advancements in how Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed or treated in recent years. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about this information. Learn more about understanding statistics.

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2023, the ACS website, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer website. Additional source was: Seigel R, et al.: Cancer Statistics 2023. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2023 Jan; 73(1):17–48. doi/full/10.3322/caac.21763. (All sources accessed February 2023.)

The next section in this guide is Medical Illustrations. It offers a drawing of body parts often affected by Hodgkin lymphoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Medical Illustrations

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ON THIS PAGE: You will find a drawing of the lymphatic system. Use the menu to see other pages.

This illustration of the lymphatic system shows the lymphatic vessels, which are thin tubes that branch out to all parts of the body. It also shows the spleen, located on the left side of the body under the liver, and the thymus, located behind the breastbone. Groups of lymph nodes, tiny bean-shaped organs, are located throughout the body at different areas in the lymphatic system. The largest groups of lymph nodes are shown in the abdomen, groin, pelvis, underarms, and neck. A cross section of a lymph node shows that veins, arteries, and lymphatic vessels allow blood and lymph to flow through a system of lymph nodules in the cortex of the lymph node. Copyright 2004 American Society of Clinical Oncology. Robert Morreale/Visual Explanations, LLC.

The next section in this guide is Risk FactorsIt describes the factors that may increase the chance of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Risk Factors

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ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the factors that increase the chance of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. Use the menu to see other pages.

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do develop cancer. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The exact cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is not known, but the following factors may raise a person’s risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma:

  • Age. People between the ages of 15 and 40 and people older than 55 are more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma.

  • Gender. In general, men are slightly more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma than women, although the nodular sclerosis subtype is more common in women (see the Introduction).

  • Family history. Brothers and sisters of people with Hodgkin lymphoma have a higher chance of developing the disease, although the increase in risk is small.

  • Virus exposure. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis, often called "mono." Nearly all adult Americans and many others around the world have had an EBV infection. About 20% to 25% of people with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in the United States have lymphoma cells that test positive for EBV. Although a person’s immune system response to an infection with EBV may be important in the development of Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors still do not understand why, when so many people have been infected with EBV, relatively very few people ever develop Hodgkin lymphoma. People with HIV also have a higher risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly mixed cellularity and lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin lymphomas (see the Introduction). Research is ongoing to learn more.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what changes or medical problems Hodgkin lymphoma can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Symptoms and Signs

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ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about changes and other things that can signal a problem that may need medical care. Use the menu to see other pages.

People with Hodgkin lymphoma may experience the following symptoms or signs. Symptoms are changes that you can feel in your body. Signs are changes in something measured, like by taking your blood pressure or doing a lab test. Together, symptoms and signs can help describe a medical problem. Sometimes, people with Hodgkin lymphoma do not have any of the symptoms and signs described below. Or, the cause of a symptom or sign may be a medical condition that is not cancer.

Common symptoms or signs caused by Hodgkin lymphoma include:

  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin area that does not go away within a few weeks

  • Unexplained fever that does not go away

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Night sweats, usually drenching

  • Pruritus, a generalized itching that may be severe

  • Fatigue

  • Pain in the lymph nodes triggered by drinking alcohol

  • Shortness of breath, cough, or chest discomfort may be caused if lymph nodes in the chest are affected

If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor. Your doctor will ask how long and how often you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s), in addition to other questions. This is to help figure out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis.

Use of symptoms in staging Hodgkin lymphoma

If the diagnosis is Hodgkin lymphoma, the doctor may also use certain symptoms to help describe the disease in a process known as staging. Each stage may be subdivided into "A" and "B" categories.

  • A means that a person does not have B symptoms, which are listed below.

  • means that a person has experienced 1 or more of the following symptoms:

    • Unexplained weight loss of more than 10% of original body weight during the 6 months before diagnosis.

    • Unexplained fever, with temperatures above 100.4°F (38°C).

    • Drenching night sweats. Many people with Hodgkin lymphoma say their nightclothes or the sheets on the bed were so wet they needed to be changed during the night. Sometimes, heavy sweating occurs during the day.

If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. Managing symptoms may also be called "palliative care" or "supportive care." It is often started soon after diagnosis and continued throughout treatment. Be sure to talk with your health care team about the symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.

The next section in this guide is Diagnosis. It explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Diagnosis

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ON THIS PAGE: You will find a list of common tests, procedures, and scans that doctors use to find the cause of a medical problem. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors use many tests to find, or diagnose, cancer. They also do tests to learn if cancer has spread to another part of the body from where it started. If the cancer has spread, it is called metastasis. Doctors may also do tests to learn which treatments could work best.

For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only sure way for the doctor to know if an area of the body has cancer. In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis.

How Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed

There are many tests used for diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:

  • The type of cancer suspected

  • Your signs and symptoms

  • Your age and general health

  • The results of earlier medical tests

The following tests may be used to help diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma. Not all tests described here will be used for every person.

  • Medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask detailed questions about your medical history and do a physical examination, which can identify whether the person has experienced some typical symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma, such as night sweats, fevers, weight loss, change in appetite, and enlarged lymph nodes or spleen.

  • Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but Hodgkin lymphoma can only be diagnosed after a biopsy of an affected tissue, preferably by removal (or excision) of a lymph node. Most commonly, this will be an affected lymph node in the neck, under the arm, or in the groin. If there are no lymph nodes in these areas, a biopsy of other lymph nodes, such as those in the center of the chest, may be necessary. This type of biopsy usually requires minor surgery using a procedure called mediastinoscopy. A thin, lighted tube with a camera and a cutting tool on the end is inserted into the chest through a small cut made just above the breastbone. It may also be possible to do a biopsy using a core needle. Doctors most commonly use ultrasound or a computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan (see below) to help guide the needle to the correct location.

    A pathologist then analyzes the tissue sample(s) removed during the biopsy. A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease. A hematopathologist is a doctor who has received additional training in blood diseases and blood cancer diagnosis.

    It is important that the biopsy sample is large enough to allow the pathologist to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma. If the first biopsy does not have enough tissue to diagnose lymphoma, a second larger biopsy may be needed. As described in the Introduction, a biopsy test result of classic Hodgkin lymphoma usually shows Reed-Sternberg cells. For people with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, the Reed-Sternberg cells often look different and are called “LP” cells. In contrast to classic Reed-Sternberg cells, LP cancer cells have a protein on their surface called CD20.

Once Hodgkin lymphoma is diagnosed, other tests can help find out the extent of the disease, the stage, and other information to help the doctors plan treatment. These tests may include:

  • Laboratory tests. Blood tests may include a complete blood count (CBC) and an analysis of the different types of white blood cells, in addition to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or "sed rate") and liver and kidney function tests. Blood tests alone cannot detect Hodgkin lymphoma.

  • Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer combines these pictures into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows any abnormalities, such as enlarged lymph nodes, or tumors. A CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis can help find cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. A special dye called a contrast medium is usually given before the scan to improve the details of the images. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein, along with an oral liquid to swallow to help take images of the stomach and intestines. People with a history of kidney disease or poor kidney function should not receive a contrast medium given into a vein (intravenously or IV).

  • Positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT scan. A PET scan is usually combined with a CT scan (see above), called a PET-CT scan. However, you may hear your doctor refer to this procedure just as a PET scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radioactive sugar substance is injected into the patient’s vein. This sugar substance is taken up by cells that use the most energy. Because cancer tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radioactive substance. However, the amount of radiation in the substance is too low to be harmful. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body. PET-CT scans may be used to determine the stage of Hodgkin lymphoma. PET-CT scans may also be used to see how the lymphoma is responding to treatment.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. A special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to create a clearer picture. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein. This test is sometimes used for Hodgkin lymphoma.

  • Lung function tests. Also called pulmonary function tests or PFTs, lung function tests evaluate how much air the lungs can hold, how quickly air can move in and out of the lungs, and how well the lungs add oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the blood. These tests may be done if a person's treatment plan includes chemotherapy with certain drugs that could affect the lungs.

  • Heart evaluation. A heart evaluation, including an echocardiogram (ECHO) or a multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan, may be used to check the function of the heart if specific types of chemotherapy will be included in a person's treatment plan.

  • Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. These 2 procedures are similar and often done at the same time to examine the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside the center of bones. It has both a solid and a liquid part. A bone marrow aspiration removes a sample of the fluid with a needle. A bone marrow biopsy is the removal of a small amount of solid tissue using a needle. A pathologist then analyzes the sample(s). These bone marrow procedures have been mostly replaced with PET-CT scans, but they may still be done in certain situations.

After diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review the results with you. If the diagnosis is Hodgkin lymphoma, these results also help the doctor describe the extent of cancer. This is called staging.

The next section in this guide is Stages. It explains the system doctors use to describe the extent of the disease. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Stages

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ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about how doctors describe the extent of a cancer’s growth or spread. This is called the stage. You will also discover what prognostic factors help doctors predict how well treatment will work. Use the menu to see other pages.

What is cancer staging?

Staging helps to describe where the Hodgkin lymphoma is located, if or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting other parts of the body.

Doctors use diagnostic tests to find out the cancer’s stage, so staging may not be complete until all tests are finished. Knowing the stage helps the doctor recommend the best kind of treatment, and it can help predict a patient’s prognosis, which is the chance of recovery. There are different stage descriptions for different types of cancer.

When staging Hodgkin lymphoma, doctors evaluate:

  • The number of cancerous lymph node areas.

  • Whether the cancerous lymph nodes are localized or generalized. Localized means they are located only in 1 area of the body. Generalized means they are in many areas of the body.

  • Whether the cancerous lymph nodes are on 1 or both sides of the diaphragm, the thin muscle under the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen.

  • Whether the disease has spread to the bone marrow, spleen, or extralymphatic organs (organs outside the lymphatic system; noted using an “E” below), such as the liver, lungs, or bone.

This page provides detailed information about the stage groups for Hodgkin lymphoma, such as stage II or stage IV, and prognostic factors to help plan the best treatment.

Stage groups for Hodgkin lymphoma

The stage of Hodgkin lymphoma describes the extent of the spread of the tumor, using the terms "stage I" to "stage IV" (1 through 4). As explained in Symptoms and Signs, each stage may also be further divided into “A” and “B” categories, based on whether or not the person is experiencing specific symptoms.

Stage I: The lymphoma is found in 1 lymph node region. Or, the lymphoma has invaded 1 extralymphatic organ or site (identified using the letter “E”) but not any lymph node regions (stage IE); this is rare in Hodgkin lymphoma.

Stage II: Any of the following conditions applies:

  • Stage II: The lymphoma is in 2 or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.

  • Stage IIE: The lymphoma involves 1 organ and its regional lymph nodes (lymph nodes located near the site of the lymphoma), with or without lymphoma in other lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm.

  • Stage II bulky: Either stage II or stage IIE applies, plus there is a mass in the chest. The mass is either larger than one-third the diameter of the chest or larger than 10 centimeters (cm). A centimeter is roughly equal to the width of a standard pen or pencil.

Stage III: There is lymphoma in lymph node areas on both sides of the diaphragm, meaning above and below it.

Stage IV: The lymphoma has spread to 1 or more organs beyond the lymph nodes. Hodgkin lymphoma usually spreads to the liver, bone marrow, or lungs.

Recurrent: Recurrent lymphoma is lymphoma that has come back after going into remission after treatment. Lymphoma may return in the area where it first started or in another part of the body. Recurrence may occur at any time, including shortly after the first treatment or years later. If the lymphoma does return, there will be another round of tests to learn about the extent of the recurrence. These tests and scans are often similar to those done at the time of the original diagnosis.

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Prognostic factors

In addition to stage, doctors use other prognostic factors to help plan the best treatment and predict how well cancer treatment will work. For people with Hodgkin lymphoma, several factors can predict whether the disease will return and which treatments will be successful. The lymphoma may be described as "high-risk disease" or "low-risk disease" based on how many of the following prognostic factors there are.

Factors that are considered less favorable and lead to a poorer prognosis include:

  • Being male

  • Age 45 and older

  • Low blood albumin (a type of protein) levels, defined as less than 4 grams per liter (g/L)

  • Low hemoglobin (red blood cell count), defined as less than 10.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL)

  • White blood cell count that is more than 15,000 per cubic millimeter (mm3)

  • Lymphocyte count that is less than 600 per mm3, less than 8% of the total white blood cell count, or both

  • Stage IV disease

Other prognostic factors that are considered, especially for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, include:

  • A higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or ESR (see "Laboratory tests" in Diagnosis), is associated with a poorer prognosis.

  • People with lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) have a better prognosis, compared with other types of Hodgkin lymphoma.

  • A mediastinal lymph node mass, located in the center of the chest, that is larger than 10 cm is associated with a poorer prognosis.

  • Having a high number of involved lymph node sites is associated with a poorer prognosis.

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Used with permission of the American College of Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois. The original and primary source for this information is the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, Eighth Edition (2017), published by Springer International Publishing.

Information about the lymphoma’s stage and prognostic factors will help the doctor recommend a specific treatment plan. The next section in this guide is Types of Treatment. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Types of Treatment

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ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about the different types of treatments doctors use for people with Hodgkin lymphoma. Use the menu to see other pages.

This section explains the types of treatments, also known as therapies, that are the standard of care for Hodgkin lymphoma. “Standard of care” means the best treatments known. When making treatment plan decisions, you are encouraged to discuss with your doctor whether clinical trials are an option. A clinical trial is a research study that tests a new approach to treatment. Doctors learn through clinical trials whether a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the standard treatment. Clinical trials can test a new drug, a new combination of standard treatments, or new doses of standard drugs or other treatments. Clinical trials are an option for all stages of cancer. Your doctor can help you consider all your treatment options. Learn more about clinical trials in the About Clinical Trials and Latest Research sections of this guide.

How Hodgkin lymphoma is treated

In cancer care, different types of doctors and other health care professionals often work together to create a patient’s overall treatment plan that combines different types of treatments. This is called a multidisciplinary team. Cancer care teams include a variety of other health care professionals, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, dietitians, and others.

The original treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma, developed in the 1960s and 1970s, were very effective at treating the disease. However, some people who received these treatments developed serious side effects later in life, including infertility (the inability to have children), heart problems (such as heart failure, leaky heart valves, and heart attacks), and secondary cancers, such as lung cancer and breast cancer. These long-term problems were partly caused by the types of chemotherapy and high doses of radiation therapy delivered to large areas of the body used at that time. Learn more about the late effects of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.

To avoid or reduce the risk of these problems, current treatment plans for Hodgkin lymphoma are aimed at achieving the best chance of curing the Hodgkin lymphoma while avoiding causing long-term side effects as much as possible. Newer types and doses of chemotherapy and new technologies that allow directing radiation therapy to smaller areas of the body have reduced these risks.

Most people with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), even stage I or stage II, often receive chemotherapy. For some people, this is followed by radiation therapy to the affected lymph node areas. It may be possible to treat some people with early-stage disease (stage I or II) with a relatively short course of chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy. People with Hodgkin lymphoma should discuss with their doctor whether chemotherapy can be limited and/or whether radiation therapy is necessary in the treatment plan. For stage III or stage IV disease, chemotherapy is the main treatment, although additional radiation therapy may be recommended, especially to areas of large lymph nodes.

Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including:

  • The type and stage of lymphoma

  • Possible side effects of the treatment(s)

  • Results of regular PET-CT scans during treatment

  • The patient’s preferences and overall health

  • The patient's age and gender

Take time to learn about all of your treatment options and ask about anything that is unclear. Talk with your doctor about the goals of each treatment and what you can expect while receiving the treatment, including any potential side effects. These types of talks are called “shared decision-making.” Shared decision-making is when you and your doctors work together to choose treatments that fit the goals of your care. Shared decision-making is particularly important for Hodgkin lymphoma because there are different treatment options. Learn more about making treatment decisions.

The common types of treatments used for Hodgkin lymphoma are described below. Your care plan also includes treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care.

Therapies using medication

The treatment plan may include medications to destroy cancer cells. Medication may be given through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. When a drug is given this way, it is called systemic therapy. Medication may also be given locally, which is when the medication is applied directly to the cancer or kept in a single part of the body.

This treatment is generally prescribed by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication, or a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders.

Medications are often given through an intravenous (IV) tube placed into a vein using a needle or by taking a pill or capsule by mouth. If you are given oral medications, be sure to ask your health care team about how to safely store and handle them.

The types of medications used for Hodgkin lymphoma include:

  • Chemotherapy

  • Immunotherapy

Each of these types of therapies is discussed below in more detail. A person may receive 1 type of medication at a time or a combination of medications given at the same time. They can also be given as part of a treatment plan that includes radiation therapy.

The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

It is also important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements. Herbs, supplements, and other drugs can interact with cancer medications, causing unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by keeping the cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells.

Many people with Hodgkin lymphoma receive chemotherapy through a port-a-cath placed under the skin. Learn more about catheters and ports in cancer treatment.

A chemotherapy regimen, or schedule, usually consists of a specific number of cycles of treatment given over a set number of weeks or months. There are many different types of chemotherapy that may be used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. A patient may receive 1 drug at a time or a combination of different drugs given at the same time.

First-line chemotherapy

Newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma is often treated with regimens that use a combination of chemotherapy drugs given at 1 time. The most commonly used combination of drugs in the United States is referred to as ABVD. Another combination of drugs, known as BEACOPP, is commonly used in Europe to treat advanced Hodgkin lymphoma and is sometimes used in the United States. The drugs that make up common combinations of chemotherapy are listed below. There are other combinations that are less commonly used. Not all combinations that may be used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma are listed here.

  • ABVD: Doxorubicin (available as a generic drug), bleomycin (available as a generic drug), vinblastine (Velban), and dacarbazine (available as a generic drug). ABVD chemotherapy is usually given every 2 weeks for 2 to 8 months.

  • AAVD: This regimen is similar to ABVD, but brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) replaces bleomycin. AAVD is given every 2 weeks for 6 months. Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate. This means it delivers chemotherapy only to cells that have a special protein on the surface called CD30. This regimen is sometimes also called BV-AVD.

  • BEACOPP: Bleomycin, etoposide (available as a generic drug), doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (available as a generic drug), vincristine (Vincasar PFS), procarbazine (Matulane), and prednisone (multiple brand names). There are several different treatment schedules, but different drugs are usually given every 2 to 3 weeks.

The type of chemotherapy, number of cycles of chemotherapy, and the additional use of radiation therapy are based on the stage of the Hodgkin lymphoma and the type and number of prognostic factors (see Stages). Talk with your doctor about the specifics of your treatment plan. Usually, doctors choose to monitor how well these treatments are working with more PET-CT (positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography) scans after 2 to 3 months of treatment. If the PET scans show that the treatment is not working, the chemotherapy may be changed. If the PET scans show that treatment is working, then the doctor may decide to lower the subsequent number of drugs used or the total number of treatment cycles.

Second-line chemotherapy

There are several second-line treatments available for Hodgkin lymphoma. These are used if the lymphoma does not go into complete remission with the first treatment or if it comes back after first-line treatment with ABVD or BEACOPP, also known as a recurrence. The goals of second-line treatment may be to control the disease and its symptoms, but in many cases, they are given in preparation for an autologous bone marrow/stem cell transplant (see below) with the intent to achieve complete remission and cure.

  • ICE: Ifosfamide (Ifex), carboplatin (available as a generic drug), and etoposide. ICE is usually given every 2 or 3 weeks for 2 to 3 cycles.

  • ESHAP or DHAP: ESHAP is etoposide, methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), high-dose cytarabine (available as a generic drug), and cisplatin (available as a generic drug). DHAP is dexamethasone (available as a generic drug), high-dose cytarabine, and cisplatin. ESHAP or DHAP regimens are given every 3 weeks for 2 to 3 cycles.

  • GVD, Gem-Ox, or GDP: GVD is gemcitabine, vinorelbine (Navelbine), and doxorubicin. Gem-Ox is gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin). GDP is gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin. These gemcitabine-based regimens are either given 2 weeks in a row followed by an off-week or every other week.

  • Brentuximab vedotin: This drug is an option if previous chemotherapy stops working. Second-line brentuximab vedotin is usually given every 3 weeks for up to 16 cycles, although sometimes it is given every 4 weeks. Brentuximab vedotin may be given alone or in combination with other medications, such as nivolumab (see "Immunotherapy," below), bendamustine, or other chemotherapy regimens. Typically, it is not given for more than 4 cycles before a bone marrow/stem cell transplantation.

  • Bendamustine (Treanda): Bendamustine is generally given every 4 weeks. Sometimes it is combined with other drugs listed above to treat Hodgkin lymphoma that has come back after treatment.

It is unclear which of these chemotherapy treatments is best for people with Hodgkin lymphoma. The best treatment may differ depending on the type and stage of the lymphoma. For this reason, many clinical trials are being done to compare these different treatments. These clinical trials are designed to find out which combination works best with the fewest short-term and long-term side effects.

During chemotherapy, your doctors will usually repeat some of the original tests, especially PET-CT scans. These tests are used to watch the lymphoma and see how well treatment is working.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the doses used, but they can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, peripheral neuropathy (tingling or pain in the fingers and toes), hair loss, loss of appetite, and constipation. These side effects usually go away after treatment is finished. Although the risk of long-term side effects has decreased as treatments have improved, chemotherapy still can cause long-term side effects. These late effects, which can develop 10 or more years after treatment ends, may include second cancers, especially among those who were treated with radiation therapy, and diseases of the heart or blood vessels. People with lymphoma may also have concerns about if or how their treatment may affect their sexual health and fertility. Talk about these topics with the health care team before treatment begins. Learn more about late effects of treatment.

Learn more about the basics of chemotherapy.

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Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the body's natural defenses to fight cancer by improving your immune system's ability to attack cancer cells.

Nivolumab (Opdivo) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) are immunotherapies that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for the treatment of cHL that has recurred or progressed after multiple previous treatments, including an autologous transplantation (see "Bone marrow transplantation/stem cell transplantation," below) and post-transplant treatment with brentuximab vedotin. These drugs are called immune checkpoint inhibitors or PD-1 inhibitors. When these drugs are used alone in people with Hodgkin lymphoma who have had a recurrence after previous treatments, the scans of about 2 of every 3 patients show improvement for an average of 9 months, although it is unlikely that the lymphoma is cured.

There are side effects from these immunotherapy treatments, but they are generally mild. However, it is important to talk with your doctor about all possible immunotherapy side effects. There is some concern that allogeneic bone marrow transplantation may be more dangerous in people who have received 1 of these drugs. Recent studies show that PD-1 inhibitors can be combined with other treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma, such as brentuximab vedotin and other chemotherapy drugs. Doctors do not yet know whether regimens containing PD-1 inhibitors work better than regimens without PD-1 inhibitors.

Different types of immunotherapy can cause different side effects. Common side effects include skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and weight changes. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects for the immunotherapy recommended for you. Learn more about the basics of immunotherapy.

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Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or protons to destroy cancer cells. A radiation oncologist is a doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma is always external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. A radiation therapy regimen, or schedule, usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set number of days or weeks.

Whenever possible, radiation therapy is directed only at the affected lymph node areas. This helps reduce the risk of damaging healthy tissues. Newer radiation therapy techniques may also be available. These include:

  • Involved-site radiation therapy, which focuses the radiation on the lymph nodes that contain cancer.

  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which varies the strength and direction of the radiation beams so less healthy tissue is affected.

  • Controlling breathing during treatment, such as having the patient hold their breath, may enable smaller areas to be effectively treated.

  • Proton therapy, which uses protons rather than x-rays to treat the cancer, may be recommended for certain people.

The immediate side effects from radiation therapy depend on the area of the body that is being treated. All people treated with radiation therapy may experience fatigue or mild skin reactions. Those who receive radiation therapy to the neck may have a sore mouth and/or throat. Radiation therapy to the mediastinum may cause a cough, nausea, or pain with swallowing. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished.

Although the risk for long-term side effects has decreased with improvements in treatment, radiation therapy may still cause long-term side effects, also called late effects. This may include damage to the thyroid gland if radiation therapy is given to the neck, secondary cancers, and vascular damage, including damage to blood vessels and valves in the heart if radiation therapy is given to the chest. To reduce the risk of long-term side effects, clinical trials are being done to find out the best doses and smallest possible area to receive the radiation therapy.

Learn more about the basics of radiation therapy.

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Bone marrow transplantation/stem cell transplantation

A stem cell transplantation is a medical procedure in which specialized cells, called hematopoietic stem cells, are collected from the the blood circulating through the body, called peripheral blood, so they may develop into healthy bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells are blood-forming cells found both in the bloodstream and in the bone marrow. Sometimes, the stem cells are collected from bone marrow, so the procedure may also be called a bone marrow transplant. This procedure may also be called a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Transplantation is not used as a first treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, but it may be recommended for people who have lymphoma remaining after chemotherapy or if the lymphoma returns following treatment.

Before recommending transplantation, doctors will talk with the patient about the risks of this treatment. They will also consider several other factors, such as the results of any previous treatment and the patient’s age and general health. It is very important to talk with a doctor at an experienced transplant center about the risks and benefits of bone marrow/stem cell transplantation.

The goal of transplantation is to destroy all cancer cells in the marrow, blood, and other parts of the body with high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy and then allow replacement blood stem cells to create healthy bone marrow.

There are 2 types of stem cell transplantation, depending on where the replacement blood stem cells come from.

Autologous (AUTO) transplant. In an AUTO transplant, the patient’s own stem cells are used. The stem cells are collected when the patient is in remission after treatment. The stem cells are then frozen. An AUTO transplant allows more intense chemotherapy doses to be given so leftover lymphoma cells are destroyed. Returning the saved stem cells to the body by intravenous infusion then allows the bone marrow and blood cells to recover from the intensive, high-dose chemotherapy.

Allogeneic (ALLO) transplant. In an ALLO transplant, stem cells are obtained from a donor whose tissue matches the patient’s on a genetic level. Testing to see if a donor’s tissue matches that of the patient’s is called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing. Most often, a patient’s brother, sister, or other relative serves as the donor, although an unrelated person can be a donor as well. The patient receives chemotherapy to stop their immune system from destroying the donor’s cells. In an ALLO transplant, the donor’s immune system is used to destroy the patient’s cancer cells.

It is important to talk with the doctor about the potential risks and benefits of both types of transplants to determine the best choice for an individual. Side effects depend on the type of transplant, your general health, and other factors. Learn more about the basics of stem cell/bone marrow transplants.

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Physical, emotional, and social effects of cancer

Cancer and its treatment cause physical symptoms and side effects, as well as emotional, social, and financial effects. Managing all of these effects is called palliative care or supportive care. It is an important part of your care that is included along with treatments intended to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer.

Palliative care focuses on improving how you feel during treatment by managing symptoms and supporting patients and their families with other, non-medical needs. Any person, regardless of age or type and stage of cancer, may receive this type of care. And it often works best when it is started right after a cancer diagnosis. People who receive palliative care along with treatment for the cancer often have less severe symptoms, better quality of life, and report that they are more satisfied with treatment.

Palliative treatments vary widely and often include medication, nutritional changes, relaxation techniques, emotional and spiritual support, and other therapies. You may also receive palliative treatments similar to those meant to get rid of the cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.

Before treatment begins, talk with your doctor about the goals of each treatment in the recommended treatment plan. You should also talk about the possible side effects of the specific treatment plan and palliative care options. Many patients also benefit from talking with a social worker and participating in support groups. Ask your doctor about these resources, too.

During treatment, your health care team may ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and side effects and to describe each problem. Be sure to tell the health care team if you are experiencing a problem. This helps the health care team treat any symptoms and side effects as quickly as possible. It can also help prevent more serious problems in the future.

Learn more about the importance of tracking side effects in another part of this guide. Learn more about palliative care in a separate section of this website.

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Progressive Hodgkin lymphoma

"Progressive disease" is the term used when the cancer becomes larger or spreads while the original lymphoma is being treated. Progressive disease is uncommon for people with Hodgkin lymphoma.

If progression happens, it is a good idea to talk with doctors who have experience in treating it. Doctors can have different opinions about the best standard treatment plan. Clinical trials might also be an option. Learn more about getting a second opinion before starting treatment, so you are comfortable with your chosen treatment plan. Complete recovery from progressive Hodgkin lymphoma is not always possible.

Often, a doctor will recommend a bone marrow/stem cell transplant. This treatment appears to be more effective for progressive Hodgkin lymphoma than standard chemotherapy. Palliative care is also important to help relieve symptoms and side effects.

For many people, a diagnosis of progressive Hodgkin lymphoma is very stressful and difficult. You and your family are encouraged to talk about how you feel with doctors, nurses, social workers, or other members of your health care team. It may also be helpful to talk with other patients, such as through a support group or other peer support program.

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Remission and the chance of recurrence

A remission is when lymphoma cannot be detected in the body and there are no symptoms. This may also be called having “no evidence of disease” or NED.

A remission may be temporary or permanent. This uncertainty causes many people to worry that the cancer will come back. While many remissions are permanent, it is important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of the disease returning. Understanding your risk of recurrence and the treatment options may help you feel more prepared if the lymphoma does return. Learn more about coping with the fear of recurrence.

If the lymphoma returns following remission after the original treatment, it is called recurrent lymphoma. Recurrence is uncommon for people with Hodgkin lymphoma. However, if Hodgkin lymphoma does recur, a new cycle of testing much like that done at the time of diagnosis will begin again to learn as much as possible about it. After this testing is done, you and your doctor will talk about the treatment options.

Most often, the first step is to give a second-line chemotherapy treatment, such as ICE, ESHAP, DHAP, gemcitabine-based treatments, or brentuximab vedotin (see "Chemotherapy," above), or a treatment combination using a PD-1 inhibitor (see "Immunotherapy," above) to regain control over the recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma. For most people, this treatment is used to prepare for a bone marrow/stem cell transplant, which provides the best possible chance of curing the disease.

Radiation therapy may be included in the treatment plan, before or after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant, especially if radiation therapy was not used during the previous treatment period.

Your doctor may suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma.

Whichever treatment plan you choose, palliative care will be important for relieving symptoms and side effects.

People with recurrent lymphoma sometimes experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. You are encouraged to talk with your health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help you cope.

Learn more about dealing with cancer recurrence.

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If treatment does not work

Recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma is not always possible. If the lymphoma cannot be cured or controlled, the disease may be called advanced or terminal.

This diagnosis is stressful, and for some people, advanced cancer is difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your health care team to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team has special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families and is there to help. Making sure a person is physically comfortable, free from pain, and emotionally supported is extremely important. It is also important to discuss newer treatment options that are being tested in clinical trials. Finding a second opinion may be useful, too.

People who have advanced cancer and who are expected to live less than 6 months may want to consider hospice care. Hospice care is designed to provide the best possible quality of life for people who are near the end of life. You and your family are encouraged to talk with the health care team about hospice care options, which include hospice care at home, a special hospice center, or other health care locations. Nursing care and special equipment can make staying at home a workable option for many families. Learn more about advanced care planning.

After the death of a loved one, many people need support to help them cope with the loss. Learn more about grief and loss.

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The next section in this guide is About Clinical Trials. It offers more information about research studies that are focused on finding better ways to care for people with lymphoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - About Clinical Trials

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ON THIS PAGE: You will learn more about clinical trials, which are the main way that new medical approaches are studied to see how well they work. Use the menu to see other pages.

What are clinical trials?

Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to care for people with Hodgkin lymphoma. To make scientific advances, doctors create research studies involving volunteers, called clinical trials. Every drug that is now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was tested in clinical trials.

Clinical trials are used for all types and stages of Hodgkin lymphoma. Many focus on new treatments to learn if a new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the existing treatments. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy, and new methods of treatment. People who participate in clinical trials can be some of the first to get a treatment before it is available to the public. However, there are some risks with a clinical trial, including possible side effects and the chance that the new treatment may not work. People are encouraged to talk with their health care team about the pros and cons of joining a specific study.

Some clinical trials study new ways to relieve symptoms and side effects during treatment. Others study ways to manage the late effects that may happen a long time after treatment. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials for symptoms and side effects.

Deciding to join a clinical trial

People decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, patients are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Others volunteer for clinical trials because they know that these studies are a way to contribute to the progress in treating Hodgkin lymphoma. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future people with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Insurance coverage and the costs of clinical trials differ by location and by study. In some programs, some of the expenses from participating in the clinical trial are reimbursed. In others, they are not. It is important to talk with the research team and your insurance company first to learn if and how your treatment in a clinical trial will be covered. Learn more about health insurance coverage of clinical trials.

Sometimes people have concerns that, in a clinical trial, they may receive no treatment by being given a placebo or a “sugar pill.” When used, placebos are usually combined with standard treatment in most cancer clinical trials. Study participants will always be told when a placebo is used in a study. Find out more about placebos in cancer clinical trials.

Patient safety and informed consent

To join a clinical trial, people must participate in a process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should:

  • Describe all of the treatment options so that the person understands how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment.

  • List all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different from the risks of standard treatment.

  • Explain what will be required of each person in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment.

  • Describe the purposes of the clinical trial and what researchers are trying to learn.

Clinical trials also have certain rules called “eligibility criteria” that help structure the research and keep patients safe. You and the research team will carefully review these criteria together. You will need to meet all of the eligibility criteria in order to participate in a clinical trial. Learn more about eligibility criteria in clinical trials.

People who participate in a clinical trial may stop participating at any time for personal or medical reasons. This may include that the new treatment is not working or there are serious side effects. Clinical trials are also closely monitored by experts who watch for any problems with each study. It is important that people participating in a clinical trial talk with their doctor and researchers about who will be providing their treatment and care during the clinical trial, after the clinical trial ends, and/or if they choose to leave the clinical trial before it ends.

Finding a clinical trial

Research through clinical trials is ongoing for all types of cancer. For specific topics being studied for Hodgkin lymphoma, learn more in the Latest Research section.

Cancer.Net offers more information about cancer clinical trials in other areas of the website, including a complete section on clinical trials and places to search for clinical trials for a specific type of cancer.

PRE-ACT, Preparatory Education About Clinical Trials

In addition, you can find a free video-based educational program about cancer clinical trials located in another section of this website.

The next section in this guide is Latest Research. It explains areas of scientific research for Hodgkin lymphoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Latest Research

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ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma and how to treat it. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

  • Measuring treatment effectiveness. A focus of research for Hodgkin lymphoma is monitoring how well treatment is working. This knowledge can help inform decisions about whether treatment needs to be changed. Some new clinical trials are looking at changing chemotherapy depending on the results of a PET-CT (positron-emission tomography combined with computed tomography) scan early in the treatment period, usually after 2 cycles. This is called response-adapted treatment. The International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas recommends the use of response-adapted treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. The results of the PET-CT taken after 2 cycles of first-line treatment are used to generate a Deauville score, which indicates how well the treatment is working. The Deauville score is then used to plan how much and what kind of treatment is needed after the first treatment to give the best results and reduce potential side effects, including late effects. Additional methods for measuring whether treatment is working, such as specialized blood tests (sometimes called liquid biopsies), are being studied.

  • Reducing treatment intensity. Some types of earlier-stage Hodgkin lymphoma are so often cured that less intense treatment plans are being tested. These lower-intensity plans use chemotherapy alone or lower doses or smaller fields of radiation therapy or lower amounts of chemotherapy. The goal is to effectively treat the lymphoma and have fewer long-term side effects. Often, a PET-CT scan is given after a short course of chemotherapy to help guide these treatment reductions.

  • New medications and drug combinations. New drugs, new combinations of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, lower doses, and shorter schedules of treatment are being studied in clinical trials to reduce short-term side effects and long-term health risks. Other drugs are being tested for recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma and may be added to the current standard chemotherapy regimens used for progressive disease.

    Several new types of drugs that work differently from chemotherapy, called targeted therapy, are also being studied. Recent clinical trials have been studying the benefits and risks of adding brentuximab to the combination of therapies used for first-line treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. Researchers are also examining the use of nivolumab and pembrolizumab (see “Immunotherapy” in Types of Treatment) in treating both newly diagnosed and recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma. Pembrolizumab plus GVD chemotherapy is being used in clinical trials to treat patients who have recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma and have already received brentuximab vedotin.

  • Gene profiling. Some researchers are looking at the specific genes and proteins that are found in Hodgkin lymphoma. These genes and proteins provide more information about the behavior of Hodgkin lymphoma, which may help doctors choose which medication to use to treat the lymphoma.

  • Transplantation approaches. Non-myeloablative or reduced-intensity bone marrow/stem cell transplantation and allogeneic transplantation are being tested for recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma.

  • Palliative care/supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current Hodgkin lymphoma treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like additional information about the latest areas of research regarding Hodgkin lymphoma, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers some guidance on how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that lymphoma and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Coping with Treatment

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ON THIS PAGE: You will learn more about coping with the physical, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer and its treatment. Use the menu to see other pages.

Every cancer treatment can cause side effects or changes to your body and how you feel. For many reasons, people do not experience the same side effects even when they are given the same treatment for the same type of cancer. This can make it hard to predict how you will feel during treatment.

As you prepare to start cancer treatment, it is normal to fear treatment-related side effects. It may help to know that your health care team will work to prevent and relieve side effects. This part of cancer treatment is called palliative care or supportive care. It is an important part of your treatment plan, regardless of your age or the stage of disease.

Many people with Hodgkin lymphoma are young adults. Being diagnosed with cancer at this point in life can bring unique concerns and challenges. Learn more about being a young adult with cancer.

Coping with physical side effects

Common physical side effects from each treatment option for Hodgkin lymphoma are described in the Types of Treatment section. Learn more about side effects of cancer and its treatment, along with ways to prevent or control them. Changes to your physical health depend on several factors, including the lymphoma’s stage, the length and dose of treatment, and your general health.

Talk with your health care team regularly about how you are feeling. It is important to let them know about any new side effects or changes in existing side effects. If they know how you are feeling, they can find ways to relieve or manage your side effects to help you feel more comfortable and potentially keep any side effects from worsening.

You may find it helpful to keep track of your side effects, so it is easier to talk about any changes with your health care team. Learn more about why tracking side effects is helpful.

Sometimes, side effects can last after treatment ends. Doctors call these long-term side effects. Side effects that occur months or years after treatment are called late effects. The next section in this guide describes the specific late effects of Hodgkin lymphoma. Treating long-term side effects and late effects is an important part of survivorship care. Learn more by reading the Follow-up Care section of this guide or talking with your doctor.

Coping with emotional and social effects

You can have emotional and social effects after a cancer diagnosis. This may include dealing with a variety of emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger, or managing your stress level. Sometimes, people find it difficult to express how they feel to their loved ones. Some have found that talking to an oncology social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can help them develop more effective ways of coping and talking about cancer.

You can also find coping strategies for emotional and social effects in a separate section of this website. This section includes many resources for finding support and information to meet your needs.

Coping with the costs of cancer care

Cancer treatment can be expensive. It may be a source of stress and anxiety for people with cancer and their families. In addition to treatment costs, many people find they have extra, unplanned expenses related to their care. For some people, the high cost of medical care stops them from following or completing their cancer treatment plan. This can put their health at risk and may lead to higher costs in the future. Patients and their families are encouraged to talk about financial concerns with a member of their health care team. Learn more about managing financial considerations in a separate part of this website.

Coping with barriers to care

Some groups of people experience different rates of new cancer cases and experience different outcomes from their cancer diagnosis. These differences are called “cancer disparities.” Disparities are caused in part by real-world barriers to quality medical care and social determinants of health, such as where a person lives and whether they have access to food and health care. Cancer disparities more often negatively affect racial and ethnic minorities, people with fewer financial resources, sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ+), adolescent and young adult populations, older adults, and people who live in rural areas or other underserved communities.

If you are having difficulty getting the care you need, talk with a member of your health care team or explore other resources that help support medically underserved people.

Talking with your health care team about side effects

Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor about possible side effects. Ask:

  • Which side effects are most likely?

  • When are they likely to happen?

  • What can we do to prevent or relieve them?

  • When and who should we call about side effects?

Be sure to tell your health care team about any side effects that happen during treatment and afterward, too. Tell them even if you do not think the side effects are serious. This discussion should include physical, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer.

Caring for a loved one with cancer

Family members and friends often play an important role in taking care of a person with Hodgkin lymphoma. This is called being a caregiver. Caregivers can provide physical, practical, and emotional support to the patient, even if they live far away. Being a caregiver can also be stressful and emotionally challenging. One of the most important tasks for caregivers is caring for themselves.

Caregivers may have a range of responsibilities on a daily or as-needed basis, including:

  • Communicating with the health care team

  • Talking with the health care team

  • Providing support and encouragement

  • Giving medications

  • Helping manage symptoms and side effects

  • Coordinating medical appointments

  • Providing a ride to and from appointments

  • Assisting with meals

  • Helping with household chores

  • Handling insurance and billing issues

A caregiving plan can help caregivers stay organized and help identify opportunities to delegate tasks to others. It may be helpful to ask the health care team how much care will be needed at home and with daily tasks during and after treatment. Use this 1-page fact sheet to help make a caregiving action plan. This free fact sheet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print.

Learn more about caregiving or read the ASCO Answers Guide to Caring for a Loved One With Cancer in English or Spanish.

Looking for More on How to Track Side Effects?

Cancer.Net offers several resources to help you keep track of your symptoms and side effects. Please note that these links will take you to other sections of Cancer.Net:

  • ASCO Answers Fact Sheets: Read 1-page fact sheets on anxiety and depressiondiarrhea, rash, and immunotherapy side effects that provide a tracking sheet to record details about the side effect. These free fact sheets are available as a PDF, so they are easy to print, fill out, and give to your health care team.

The next section in this guide is Late Effects of Treatment. It describes side effects that may develop months or years after treatment has ended. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Late Effects of Treatment

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ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the physical and emotional side effects that can occur long after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma has ended and how these late effects can be prevented and/or managed. Use the menu to see other pages.

People who received treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma have an increased risk of developing other diseases or conditions later in life. This is because both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause permanent damage. Treatments have improved in the last 30 years, and now people are less likely to experience late effects; however, there is still some risk. Therefore, it is important that patients see their doctors regularly for follow-up care and watch for any new side effects.

  • Infertility. Infertility is the inability to have a child. Radiation therapy to the pelvic area can cause infertility unless the ovaries or testicles are shielded during treatment. Also, teenagers and adults who received chemotherapy may be at higher risk for low sperm counts or damage to the ovaries. The risk of infertility is low after ABVD chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma but is much higher after BEACOPP chemotherapy (see Types of Treatment). Bone marrow/stem cell transplantation may cause infertility. It is unusual, but not impossible, for survivors to become pregnant after a transplant.

    People who are considering having a family should discuss fertility preservation with their doctor before starting treatment. Learn more about fertility concerns and preservation.

  • Second cancers. Some survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma have a higher risk of developing a secondary cancer, especially acute myeloid leukemia (after certain types of chemotherapy, like BEACOPP), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung cancer, or breast cancer. The risk of a secondary cancer is likely to decrease in the future because the treatments used now have fewer risks. People can lower their risk of developing a secondary cancer by limiting or avoiding other risk factors, such as smoking. People who received radiation therapy to the chest should begin regular breast cancer screening at age 40 or 8 years after treatment, whichever comes first.

  • Lung and heart damage. People who received anthracyclines (doxorubicin) or bleomycin during chemotherapy have a higher risk of both heart problems and lung damage. Radiation therapy to the chest area also can cause lung damage and increase the risk of heart disease. It is very important that people who received radiation therapy to the chest limit other risk factors that may lead to heart damage by not smoking, getting regular exercise, monitoring and maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and making healthy food choices.

  • Thyroid problems. Radiation therapy to the neck area can cause problems with the thyroid gland, most commonly hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the body produces too little thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism. This problem can be checked using a blood test and managed by regularly taking a thyroid hormone supplement pill.

  • Emotional side effects. Survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma have a higher risk of depression and other emotional concerns, most commonly in the year after treatment ends. Patients and caregivers should talk with the health care team if they see symptoms of depression.

Learn more about possible late effects of cancer treatment.

The next section in this guide is Follow-up Care. It explains the importance of checkups after cancer treatment is finished. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Follow-Up Care

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 03/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about your medical care after cancer treatment is completed and why this follow-up care is important. Use the menu to see other pages.

Care for people diagnosed with lymphoma does not end when active treatment has finished. Your health care team will continue to check that the cancer has not come back, manage any side effects and late effects of treatment, and monitor your overall health. This is called follow-up care.

Your follow-up care may include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both. Doctors want to keep track of your recovery in the months and years ahead. How often a person needs follow-up care and which tests are performed depend on several factors, including the original extent of the Hodgkin lymphoma and the type of treatment.

In general, each follow-up visit includes a discussion with the doctor, a physical examination, and blood tests. During some visits, scans may be done. Tests like computed tomography (CT) scans and positron-emission tomography (PET)-CT scans should be performed after treatment ends to make sure that the disease is in complete remission. However, research has shown that routine subsequent scans, sometimes called “surveillance imaging,” are not usually necessary, but they should be considered if there are any signs or symptoms of the lymphoma coming back. Talk with your doctor whether tests such as CT scans and PET-CT scans should be repeated, as well as how often you should have physical examinations.

At most cancer centers, follow-up visits are scheduled every 3 to 4 months for the first 1 to 2 years after treatment is completed, which is when the risk of recurrence is highest. After that, the time between visits increases over time. Later visits may only be 2 to 3 times per year until 5 years have passed. After 4 to 5 years, patients should discuss options for long-term surveillance with the health care team. This might include going to a designated survivorship clinics in a cancer center, receiving ongoing care with the treating cancer care team, or a transfer to a long-term plan with a primary care provider. 

People who have had Hodgkin lymphoma should get a flu shot every year. It may be recommended that some survivors get an immunization against pneumonia, which may be done every 5 to 7 years. Additional immunizations may also be recommended.

Cancer rehabilitation may be recommended, and this could mean any of a wide range of services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, career counseling, pain management, nutritional planning, and/or emotional counseling. The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent as possible. Learn more about cancer rehabilitation.

Learn more about the importance of follow-up care.

Watching for recurrence

One goal of follow-up care is to check for a recurrence, which means that the cancer has come back. Cancer recurs because small areas of cancer cells may remain undetected in the body. Over time, these cells may increase in number until they show up on test results or cause signs or symptoms. During follow-up care, a doctor familiar with your medical history can give you personalized information about your risk of recurrence. Your doctor will also ask specific questions about your health.

The anticipation before having a follow-up test or waiting for test results may add stress to you or a family member. This is sometimes called “scanxiety.” Learn more about how to cope with this type of stress.

Managing long-term and late side effects

Most people expect to have side effects when receiving treatment. However, it is often surprising to survivors that some side effects may linger beyond the treatment period. These are called long-term side effects. Other side effects called late effects may develop months or even years after treatment has ended. Long-term and late effects can include both physical and emotional changes.

Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing such side effects based on your diagnosis, your individual treatment plan, and your overall health. If you had a treatment known to cause specific late effects, you may have certain physical examinations, scans, or blood tests to help find and manage them. Special attention should be paid to cancer screening and detection, as well as heart risk factors, throughout the person’s lifetime. For people who received radiation therapy to the neck or chest, monitoring thyroid gland function is important.

There is a risk of late effects that affect the heart, so annual blood pressure checks, cholesterol measurements, and management of any risk factors for heart problems may be recommended. Echocardiogram of the heart may be recommended every 5 to 10 years, especially in those who received radiation therapy to the chest as part of their treatment plan.

Follow-up care should also address quality of life, including emotional concerns. In particular, Hodgkin lymphoma survivors are encouraged to be aware of the symptoms of depression and to talk with their doctor immediately if they have such symptoms.

Keeping personal health records

You and your doctor should work together to develop a personalized follow-up care plan. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about your future physical or emotional health. ASCO offers forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan when treatment is completed.

This is also a good time to talk with your doctor about who will lead your follow-up care. Some survivors continue to see their oncologist, while others transition back to the care of their primary care doctor or another health care professional. This decision depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, side effects, health insurance rules, and your personal preferences.

If a doctor who was not directly involved in your cancer care will lead your follow-up care, be sure to share your cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan forms with them and with all future health care providers. Details about your cancer treatment are very valuable to the health care professionals who will care for you throughout your lifetime.

The next section in this guide is Survivorship. It describes how to cope with challenges in everyday life after a cancer diagnosis. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Survivorship

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 03/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about how to cope with challenges in everyday life after a cancer diagnosis. Use the menu to see other pages.

What is survivorship?

The word “survivorship” is complicated because it means different things to different people. Common definitions include:

  • Having no signs of cancer after finishing treatment.

  • Living with, through, and beyond cancer. According to this definition, cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis and continues during treatment and through the rest of a person's life.

For some, even the term “survivorship” does not feel right, and they prefer to use different language to describe and define their experience. Sometimes extended treatment will be used for months or years to manage or control cancer. Living with cancer indefinitely is not easy, and the health care team can help you manage the challenges that come with it. Everyone has to find their own path to name and navigate the changes and challenges that are the results of their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Survivors may experience a mixture of feelings, including joy, concern, relief, guilt, and fear. Some people say they appreciate life more after a cancer diagnosis and have gained a greater acceptance of themselves. Others become very anxious about their health and uncertain about coping with everyday life. Feelings of fear and anxiety may still occur as time passes, but these emotions should not be a constant part of your daily life. If they persist, be sure to talk with a member of your health care team.

Survivors may feel some stress when their frequent visits to the health care team end after completing treatment. Often, relationships built with the cancer care team provide a sense of security during treatment, and people miss this source of support. This may be especially true when new worries and challenges surface over time, such as any late effects of treatment, emotional challenges including fear of recurrence, sexual health and fertility concerns, and financial and workplace issues.

Every survivor has individual concerns and challenges. With any challenge, a good first step is being able to recognize your fears and talk about them. Effective coping requires:

  • Understanding the challenge you are facing

  • Thinking through solutions

  • Asking for and allowing the support of others

  • Feeling comfortable with the course of action you choose

Many survivors find it helpful to join an in-person support group or an online community of survivors. This allows you to talk with people who have had similar firsthand experiences. Other options for finding support include talking with a friend or member of your health care team, individual counseling, or asking for assistance at the learning resource center of the place where you received treatment.

A new perspective on your health

For many people, survivorship serves as a strong motivator to make lifestyle changes.

People recovering from Hodgkin lymphoma are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as not smoking, limiting alcohol, eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Regular physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your health care team can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices.

It is important to have recommended medical checkups and tests (see Follow-up Care) to take care of your health.

Talk with your health care team to develop a survivorship care plan that is best for your needs.

Changing role of caregivers

Family members and friends may also go through periods of transition. A caregiver plays a very important role in supporting a person diagnosed with cancer, providing physical, emotional, and practical care on a daily or as-needed basis. Many caregivers become focused on providing this support, especially if the treatment period lasts for many months or longer.

However, as treatment is completed, the caregiver's role often changes. Eventually, the need for caregiving related to the cancer diagnosis will become much less or end. Caregivers can learn more about adjusting to life after caregiving.

Looking for More Survivorship Resources?

For more information about cancer survivorship, explore these related items. Please note that these links will take you to other sections of Cancer.Net:

  • ASCO Answers Guide to Cancer Survivorship: Get this 48-page booklet that helps people transition into life after treatment. It includes blank treatment summary and survivorship care plan forms. The free booklet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print.

  • Survivorship Resources: Cancer.Net offers information and resources to help survivors cope, including specific sections for children, teens and young adults, and people over age 65. There is also a main section on survivorship for people of all ages.

The next section offers Questions to Ask the Health Care Team to help start conversations with your health care team. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Questions to Ask the Health Care Team

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 03/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team, to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Use the menu to see other pages.

Talking often with the health care team is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you. You may want to print this list and bring it to your next appointment. It may also be helpful to ask a family member or friend to come with you to appointments to help take notes.

Questions to ask after getting a diagnosis

  • What type of Hodgkin lymphoma do I have?

  • Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?

  • Has my biopsy been reviewed by a pathologist who is an expert in lymphoma?

  • What is the stage of my Hodgkin lymphoma? What is the subtype?

  • What prognostic factors do I have? Are those factors good or poor? What does this mean?

Questions to ask about choosing a treatment and managing side effects

  • How experienced are you in treating Hodgkin lymphoma?

  • What are my treatment options?

  • What clinical trials are available for me? Where are they located, and how do I find out more about them?

  • What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?

  • What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the cancer, help me feel better, or both?

  • What are the possible side effects of treatment, both in the short term and the long term?

  • Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?

  • Who will be leading my overall treatment?

  • Should I get a second opinion?

  • What symptoms should I be most concerned about during treatment? When and how should I contact the health care team if they appear or get worse?

  • How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?

  • Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?

  • Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?

  • How can I stay as healthy as possible during treatment? Will taking supplements or changing my diet help improve my overall health?

  • If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me? What are the costs of fertility preservation (if needed)?

  • What support services are available to me? To my family?

  • If I have questions or problems, who should I call?

Questions to ask about having therapy using medication

  • Which medication do you recommend?

  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of chemotherapy alone versus chemotherapy plus radiation treatment?

  • Is immunotherapy an option for me?

  • How often will I need to have treatment? For how long?

  • Will I receive this treatment at a hospital or clinic? Or will I take it at home?

  • How long will it take to give this treatment?

  • What side effects can I expect during treatment?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?

  • What can be done to prevent or relieve the side effects?

Questions to ask about having radiation therapy

  • What, if any, radiation treatment do you recommend? Why?

  • What area(s) do you plan to treat?

  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • How long will each treatment take? How many treatments will I get?

  • What side effects can I expect during treatment?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?

  • What special techniques will you use to help lower the risk of late effects of treatment?

  • What can be done to prevent or relieve the side effects?

Questions to ask about bone marrow/stem cell transplantation

  • What type of transplant is recommended?

  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • How long will I be in the hospital?

  • Can you describe what my recovery will be like?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?

  • What can be done to prevent or relieve the side effects?

Questions to ask about planning follow-up care

  • What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?

  • What long-term side effects or late effects are possible based on the cancer treatment I received?

  • What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will those tests be needed?

  • What support services are available to me? To my family?

  • How do I get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan to keep in my personal records?

  • Who will be leading my follow-up care?

  • What survivorship support services are available to me? To my family?

The next section in this guide is Additional Resources. It offers more resources on this website that may be helpful to you. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Lymphoma - Hodgkin - Additional Resources

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 03/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some helpful links to other areas of Cancer.Net that provide information about cancer care and treatment. This is the final page of Cancer.Net’s Guide to Hodgkin Lymphoma. Use the menu to go back and see other pages.

Cancer.Net includes many other sections about the medical and emotional aspects of cancer for the person diagnosed and their family members and friends. This website is meant to be a resource for you and your loved ones from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond.

Here are a few links to help you explore other parts of Cancer.Net:

This is the end of the Cancer.Net’s Guide to Hodgkin Lymphoma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.