Outcome of children with nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma – a Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group report

Abstract

This report describes the clinical outcomes and follow-up records of 42 children with nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (LPHL) treated on United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG) HD1 (1982-1992) and HD2 protocols (1992-2000). The clinical records of 42 children with LPHL treated between 1982 and 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. All 42 had histology reviewed centrally and confirmed as LPHL by an expert panel. In both trials, only patients with stage IA disease had the option of being treated with either involved field radiation alone or combination chemotherapy consisting of chlorambucil, vinblastine, procarbazine and prednisolone (ChlVPP). Patients with all other stages were treated with ChlVPP chemotherapy. Thirty-five patients (83%) presented with early stage disease (Stages I & II). All 42 patients achieved a complete remission (CR). Six children relapsed after primary therapy. The 5- and 10-year relapse-free survival rates were 87% and 82% respectively. Forty-one are currently alive in CR. In conclusion, children with low-stage LPHL treated between 1982 and 2000 according to the UK strategy for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) had an excellent prognosis. There have been no second malignancies or transformations to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.