To examine the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors influencing the results in patients treated for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma.
METHODS
The study included 115 pediatric patients treated for Hodgkin lymphoma at our clinic between 2007 and
2024. The patients' demographic data, age at diagnosis, disease stage, presenting symptoms, outcome,
complete blood count parameters, and positron emission tomography (PET) results were retrospectively
reviewed from their medical records.
RESULTS
The mean age at diagnosis for the 115 patients included in the study was 12.3±4 years (Range: 2?18 Years).
Of the cases, 45.2% (n=52) were female and 54.8% (n=63) were male. Among complete blood count parameters,
the mean hemoglobin level was 11.16±1.6 g/dL (Range: 7?16). Anemia was more frequently
observed in patients with advanced-stage disease (p=0.04). The frequency of B symptoms differed significantly
in patients with anemia (p=0.03). Although relapse was more frequently observed in this group, no
statistically significant difference was found compared to the other group. Examination of PET results at
the end of treatment revealed PET negativity in 59.1% (n=68) of patients, progressive/refractory disease
in 7% (n=8), and partial PET response in 6.1% (n=7). During follow-up, relapse/refractory disease was
observed in 16.5% (n=19) of patients. The mean age of patients with relapse was higher (14 vs. 11.9). In
the relapse group, leukocyte counts were higher, hemoglobin levels were lower, and platelet counts were
significantly higher compared to the other group. In addition, erythrocyte sedimentation rate was higher
(p=0.039), and the frequency of B symptoms was greater (p=0.001) in this group. The mean follow-up
period was 90±52 months (6?200), and 8.7% (n=10) of patients died during follow-up. Six patients died
due to infection, pneumonia, or respiratory failure, and four died due to disease progression. The mean
survival time for cases was 187.4±5 months, and the 5-year OS was 91.8 and RFS was 83.5.
CONCLUSION
Identifying low-risk patients and reducing treatment intensity will protect patients from long-term side
effects. Infection and pulmonary toxicity are among the primary causes of decreased survival in Hodgkin
lymphoma.