Prognosis of Hodgkin’s disease in india

In a study of 388 patients with proved Hodgkin’s disease, peak age incidence was found to be between 10 to 30 years. Mixed cellular pattern was the most common pattern on histopathology which is more common in India than in Western countries where nodular sclerosis is seen in greater number of patients. Of 388 patients 149 were subjected for exploratory laparatomy and splenectomy for proper staging. Patients were treated with extended radiotherapy for stage I and II disease, and 84% and 73% of patients respectively had 5years survival period. In stage III and IV disease combined chemotherapy regime led to cure in 19–40% of cases. The newer developments have changed the total outcome of the disease which was considered as fatal illness only two decades ago.