Hodgkin's disease with bulky mediastinal involvement: effective management with combined modality therapy

Definition of bulky disease in early stage Hodgkin lymphoma in computed tomography era: prognostic significance of measurements in the coronal and transverse planes

Disease bulk is an important prognostic factor in early stage Hodgkin lymphoma, but its definition is unclear in the computed tomography era. This retrospective analysis investigated the prognostic significance of bulky disease measured in transverse and coronal planes on computed tomography imaging. Early stage Hodgkin lymphoma patients (n=185) treated with chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy from 2000-2010 were included. The longest diameter of the largest lymph node mass was measured in transverse and coronal axes on pre-treatment imaging. The optimal cut off for disease bulk was maximal diameter greater than 7 cm measured in either the transverse or coronal plane. Thirty patients with maximal transverse diameter of 7 cm or under were found to have bulk in coronal axis. The 4-year overall survival was 96.5% (CI: 93.3%, 100%) and 4-year relapse-free survival was 86.8% (CI: 81.9%, 92.1%) for all patients. Relapse-free survival at four years for bulky patients was 80.5% (CI: 73%, 88.9%) compared to 94.4% (CI: 89.1%, 100%) for non-bulky; Cox HR 4.21 (CI: 1.43, 12.38) (P=0.004). In bulky patients, relapse-free survival was not impacted in patients treated with chemoradiotherapy; however, it was significantly lower in patients treated with chemotherapy alone. In an independent validation cohort of 38 patients treated with chemotherapy alone, patients with bulky disease had an inferior relapse-free survival [at 4 years, 71.1% (CI: 52.1%, 97%) vs 94.1% (CI: 83.6%, 100%), Cox HR 5.27 (CI: 0.62, 45.16); P=0.09]. Presence of bulky disease on multidimensional computed tomography imaging is a significant prognostic factor in early stage Hodgkin lymphoma. Coronal reformations may be included for routine Hodgkin lymphoma staging evaluation. In future, our definition of disease bulk may be useful in identifying patients who are most appropriate for chemotherapy alone.

Chemotherapy only for localized Hodgkin lymphoma

Radiation therapy (RT) alone and more recently in combination with chemotherapy (combined modality therapy; CMT) has been the cornerstone of curative treatment for early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) for over 40 years. Because of increasing awareness of the late morbidity and mortality associated with RT, recent treatment regimens have attempted to limit its use. Chemotherapy only has been demonstrated to be a treatment option for most patients with localized HL. Current clinical trials have targeted subgroups of such patients who may be at an increased risk of recurrence for the addition of limited RT to chemotherapy.

Stanford V and radiotherapy for locally extensive and advanced Hodgkin's disease: mature results of a prospective clinical trial

PURPOSE

To provide more mature data on the efficacy and complications of a brief, dose-intense chemotherapy regimen plus radiation therapy (RT) to bulky disease sites for locally extensive and advanced-stage Hodgkin's disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-two patients with stage III or IV or locally extensive mediastinal stage I or II Hodgkin's disease received Stanford V chemotherapy for 12 weeks followed by 36-Gy RT to initial sites of bulky (> or =5 cm) or macroscopic splenic disease. Freedom from progression (FFP), overall survival (OS), and freedom from second relapse (FF2R) were determined using life-table estimates. Outcomes were analyzed according to the international prognostic score. Late effects of treatment were recorded in follow-up.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 5.4 years, the 5-year FFP was 89% and the OS was 96%. No patient progressed during treatment, and there were no treatment-related deaths. FFP was significantly superior among patients with a prognostic score of 0 to 2 compared with those with a score of 3 and higher (94% v 75%, P <.0001). No secondary leukemia was observed. To date, there have been 42 pregnancies after treatment. Among 16 patients who relapsed, the FF2R was 69% at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

These data confirm our preliminary report that Stanford V chemotherapy with RT to bulky disease sites is highly effective in locally extensive and advanced Hodgkin's disease. It is most important to compare this approach with standard doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine chemotherapy in the ongoing intergroup trial (E2496) to determine whether Stanford V with or without RT represents a therapeutic advance.

Radiation dose selection in Hodgkin's disease patients with large mediastinal adenopathy treated with combined modality therapy

PURPOSE

To determine the effective dose of consolidation radiation in Hodgkin's disease (HD) patients with large mediastinal adenopathy (LMA) treated with combined modality therapy (CMT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Eighty-three HD patients with LMA receiving CMT between 1983 and 1997 at Duke University and Yale University were identified. Patients underwent complete clinical staging. The staging breakdown was: IA, 4 patients; IB, 1 patient; IIA, 25 patients; IIB, 33 patients; IIIA, 3 patients; IIIB-6 patients; IVA, 2 patients; and IVB, 9 patients. All patients received induction chemotherapy (CT) as follows: MOPP/ABV(D), 31 patients; BCVPP, 15 patients; ABVD, 24 patients; MOPP, 3 patients; and other regimens, 10 patients. Following 6 cycles of CT, patients were restaged and classified as having either complete response (CR) or induction failure (IF). Post-CT gallium scans were obtained in 52 patients. Patients with residual radiographic abnormalities were classified as having CR if they were gallium-negative and clinically well otherwise. Following induction CT, 78 patients had a CR. There were 5 IFs. Consolidation irradiation was administered to all sites of initial involvement in patients who had achieved CR. RT dose varied. Patients were grouped into the following dose ranges: < or = 20 Gy, 12 patients; 20-25 Gy, 24 patients; 25-30 Gy, 30 patients; > or = 30 Gy, 12 patients.

RESULTS

Overall survival and failure-free survival were both 76% at 10 years. Of the 78 CR patients, 15 failed. Patterns of failure were in-field alone, 8 patients; out of field alone, 2 patients; and combined, 5 patients. Failure patterns by RT dose were: < or = 20 Gy, 0/12; 20-25 Gy, 7/24; 25-30 Gy, 5/30; > or = 30 Gy, 3/11. There was no apparent correlation between RT dose and subsequent failure. Post chemotherapy gallium scans were helpful in predicting for failure. Of 48 patients in whom the gallium was negative after chemotherapy, there were 6 failures, compared with 9 failures among 30 patients in whom gallium was not done after chemotherapy (p = 0.066). Additionally, patients receiving adriamycin-based chemotherapy regimens had improved outcomes compared to those not receiving adriamycin (p = 0.03.)

CONCLUSIONS

These retrospective data suggest that low-dose radiotherapy following CR achieved with induction chemotherapy (particularly when documented with gallium scanning) may be as effective as higher doses for bulky HD at presentation. Phase III trials are necessary for confirmation of this hypothesis.

Lymphoproliferative disorders presenting as mediastinal neoplasms

Lymphoproliferative disorders may present in any organ of the body. The mediastinum is an uncommon location for presentation of these heterogeneous disorders, but involvement of the mediastinum may be the sole site of disease for several aggressive lymphomas. Both Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may present in the mediastinum. The most common types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the mediastinum include lymphoblastic lymphoma and mediastinal large cell lymphoma. These lymphomas most commonly develop in the anterior mediastinum but may be seen in the middle and posterior mediastinum. Symptoms associated with a mediastinal presentation of a lymphoproliferative disorder are often attributable to compression of mediastinal structures (eg, superior vena cava syndrome) or invasion of thoracic structures such as the pericardium or pleura. Although staging can be performed with routine imaging studies, surgical intervention is often required to ensure accurate histologic diagnosis of these lymphomas. Once a diagnosis has been established, therapeutic modalities usually include chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Changes in airway responsiveness following mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease

STUDY OBJECTIVES To investigate whether mantle radiotherapy (MRT) for the lung, through its proinflammatory effects, can induce an increase in airway responsiveness.

DESIGN

Follow-up of the changes in lung function and methacholine responsiveness in patients 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after they underwent MRT.

PATIENTS

Thirteen nonasthmatic patients with bulky Hodgkin's lymphoma who were scheduled for MRT.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Chest radiographs, lung function tests, methacholine thresholds of the bronchi (the provocative dose of methacholine causing a 10% fall in FEV(1) [PD(10)]) and central airway (the provocative dose of methacholine causing a 25% fall in the maximal mid-inspiratory flow [PD(25)MIF(50)]), and the provocative dose of methacholine causing five or more coughs (PDcough) were serially assessed. One month after patients underwent MRT, there were significant decreases in PD(10) (mean [+/- SEM], 2,583 +/- 414 microg to 1,512 +/- 422 microg, respectively; p < 0.05), PD(25)MIF(50) (mean 2,898 +/- 372 microg to 1,340 +/- 356 microg, respectively; p < 0.05), and PDcough (mean 3,127 +/- 415 microg to 1,751 +/- 447 microg; p < 0.05), which were independent of the decrease in FEV(1) and reversed within 6 months in all patients but three. Six months after undergoing MRT, four patients showed radiation-induced lung injury (RI) on chest radiographs, which subsequently evolved into fibrosis. These patients had greater decreases in vital capacity, FEV(1), MIF(50), and methacholine thresholds than those without RI, and this persisted up to 2 years after they had undergone MRT. One year after the patients underwent MRT, a close relationship was found overall between the change in FEV(1) and those in both PD(10) (r = 0.733; p = 0.004) and PD(25)MIF(50) (r = 0.712; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

: MRT triggers an early transient increase in airway responsiveness, which reverses spontaneously. In patients with RI, the persistence of airway dysfunction long after undergoing MRT may depend on airway remodeling from radiation fibrosis.

Sequential chemotherapy (etoposide, vinblastine, and doxorubicin) and subtotal lymph node radiation for patients with localized Hodgkin disease and unfavorable prognostic features: A phase II Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study (9051)

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate a regimen of sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy for patients with Hodgkin disease.

METHODS

The Cancer and Leukemia Group B conducted a Phase II study of three cycles of etoposide, vinblastine, and doxorubicin (EVA) chemotherapy followed by subtotal lymph node radiation for patients with localized Hodgkin disease and unfavorable prognostic features. Fifty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Fifty-three patients met all study eligibility criteria; 48 of them (91%) had mediastinal disease and 29 (55%) had bulky mediastinal disease.

RESULTS

A complete response (CR) occurred in 35 of the patients (66%). Of all patients who had CR, 26% had the CR after the chemotherapy and before the radiation, and 74% after the chemotherapy and radiation. Twenty percent of the patients who had CR experienced disease progression; in these patients, the progression was outside the radiotherapy field in the lung and involved widespread disease.

CONCLUSIONS

EVA offers a nonbleomycin-containing alternative for patients in whom preexisting pulmonary disease may be exacerbated by bleomycin and radiation therapy. EVA, as given in this study (in three cycles), was insufficient chemotherapy for patients who had disease in areas outside the radiation fields (occult disease).

Mantle irradiation alone for clinical stage I-II Hodgkin's disease: long-term follow-up and analysis of prognostic factors in 261 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate mantle radiotherapy (MRT) alone as the initial therapy of patients with clinical stage (CS) I-II Hodgkin's disease (HD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of patients treated with MRT alone for CS I-II supradiaphragmatic HD between 1969 and 1994. Prognostic factor analysis was performed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Outcome was also assessed in favorable cohorts defined in the literature.

RESULTS

There were 261 eligible patients. The median follow-up period for surviving patients was 8.4 years (range, 1.8 to 27.4 years). The 10-year OS rate was 73%. Multifactor analysis for OS showed that age was the only important prognostic factor. The 10-year PFS rate was 58%. On multifactor analysis for PFS, the most important prognostic factors were clinical stage, B symptoms, histology, number of sites, and tumor bulk. The 10-year PFS rate for lymphocyte-predominant disease was 81% for stage I and 78% for stage II. In favorable patient cohorts defined in the literature, the 10-year PFS rate ranged from 70% to 73% for the whole group and from 71% to 90% in patients with favorable stage I disease, but only from 48% to 57% in patients with favorable stage II disease. On competing-risks analysis, the cumulative 10-year incidence of first site of failure in the para-aortic/splenic region alone was 10.5%. Sixty percent of relapsed patients remain progression-free at 10 years after chemotherapy salvage.

CONCLUSION

These results support the use of MRT alone in patients with favorable CS I HD and CS I-II HD with lymphocyte-predominant histology. The remainder of patients with CS I-II HD require more intensive treatment.

Of what use is molecular biology to the practicing radiation oncologist?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We are in a period of rapid advance in understanding the basic mechanisms behind the induction and progression of cancer. The relevance of this new knowledge to the daily clinical practice of radiation oncology may not necessarily be readily apparent. Familiarity with a few of the concepts of molecular biology and biochemistry are necessary to fully appreciate the clinical relevance of the new biology.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To illustrate how the new knowledge affects the practice of radiation oncology, examples of the use of molecular biology are presented for different clinical aspects of clinical oncology, i.e. screening and prevention, prognostic factors, predictive factors, treatment decision, novel therapy and follow-up. A number of the molecular biology techniques are illustrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The advances from molecular biology directly impact the role of radiation oncologists in the clinic. While major new therapies are still in development in the laboratory, these will likely have a very significant role in patient care and cancer prevention in the not-too-distant future. Given the central role of radiation oncologists in cancer management, a basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques and their application is essential so that we can be current with our colleagues and patients and as a specialty, participate actively in improving the outcome of patients with or at risk of developing cancer.

Stage IA-IIB Hodgkin's disease: management and outcome of extensive thoracic involvement

PURPOSE

To examine the presentation, management, and outcome of patients with extensive intrathoracic involvement in early-stage Hodgkin's disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred seventy-two patients with clinical Stage IA-IIB Hodgkin's disease and extensive intrathoracic involvement were studied. Extensive intrathoracic disease was defined as either large mediastinal adenopathy (LMA, defined as the width of the mass greater than one-third the maximum thoracic diameter, n = 154) or as extensive (> 10 cm) cephalocaudad intrathoracic disease that did not fulfill formal chest radiograph criteria for LMA (n = 18). Patients were divided into three groups based on staging and extent of treatment. Forty-seven patients were treated with radiation alone after a laparotomy (RT-lap), 47 patients received combined modality therapy after laparotomy (CMT-lap), and 78 patients were treated with combined modality therapy without staging laparotomy (CMT-no lap). MOPP was used in 82% of the CMT patients. Low-dose whole-cardiac RT was used in nearly 50% of patients treated either with RT or CMT.

RESULTS

The 10-year actuarial freedom from relapse rates were 54% with RT alone and 88% with CMT (p = 0.001); overall survival rates were 84 and 89%, respectively (p = NS). The median time to relapse was only 17 months. Over 80% of relapses occurred within the first 3 years. The most common site of relapse in all patients was the mediastinum. Relapses below the diaphragm were rare, even in CMT patients who did not receive abdominal radiation treatment. The principal acute morbidity was symptomatic pneumonitis, which occurred in 29% of patients receiving any part of their chemotherapy after RT, compared to 13% if all the chemotherapy was given before RT and 11% if RT alone was administered. There was a low late risk of myocardial infarction (3%) in the two groups with the longest follow up (RT-lap, CMT-lap), but a higher risk of second malignancy in the CMT-lap group (21%) compared with the RT-lap group (2%).

CONCLUSION

Extensive intrathoracic involvement is a distinctive presentation of early-stage HD that has a high relapse risk if treated with RT alone. The introduction of CMT has been associated with improvements in freedom from relapse. The low rate of peripheral relapse with CMT suggests that reductions in field size may be achievable. The use of low-dose whole-heart RT with modern techniques is not associated with a high risk of late cardiac complications and should be used in patients who present with extensive pericardial disease or cardiophrenic lymphadenopathy. The high rate of second malignancy in the CMT group with the longest follow-up suggests that careful long-term surveillance for such patients is warranted.

Combined modality therapy for early Hodgkin's disease: heterogeneity in Australasian clinical practice

Two case studies of locally extensive clinical stage IIA Hodgkin's disease (HD) were presented to radiation oncologists at a meeting of the Australasian Radiation Oncology Lymphoma Group, and subsequently to non-attending members who were asked to indicate their recommended treatment. This paper discusses the 25 responses which were notable by considerable heterogeneity in philosophy and detail. There is clearly no consensus among Australasian radiation oncologists at present, although combined modality therapy (CMT) with Adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) followed by low-medium-dose involved field radiotherapy (25-36 Gy) was the most popular response. The literature on radiation dose and chemotherapy in CMT for HD is then reviewed. It seems very likely that low doses in the range of 25-30 Gy (at 1.5-2.0 Gy per fraction) are sufficient. The ABVD should be considered as the 'standard' regimen at present, although the optimal sequencing with radiation and number of cycles remain unknown. The heterogeneity of responses to management of the case studies raises questions about ongoing education processes in radiation and medical oncology. Hypothetical case management review may complement currently proposed methods of assessing continuing medical education.

PACE BOM chemotherapy: a 12-week regimen for advanced Hodgkin's disease

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a 12-week alternating weekly chemotherapy regimen for advanced Hodgkin's disease. Consolidative irradiation of residual masses was used in selected cases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-three patients with newly diagnosed advanced Hodgkin's disease (bulky stage IIA, stage IIB-IVB) or with progressive disease after extended field radiotherapy for early stage disease were included in this study. The patients were treated for 12 weeks with PACE BOM comprising oral prednisolone together with intravenous doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide alternating weekly with intravenous bleomycin, vincristine and methotrexate. Limited field adjuvant radiotherapy was also given to 21 patients with localised persistent radiological abnormalities visible on chest X-ray after chemotherapy. The study end points were overall survival, failure free survival (FFS) and toxicity, particularly with respect to reproductive function.

RESULTS

With a median post treatment follow up of 52 months the actuarial 5-year overall survival is 90% (confidence interval 81%-95%) and FFS is 64% (52%-74%). This treatment was well tolerated and fertility was maintained in a high proportion of young adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The brief duration PACE BOM regimen with or without radiotherapy appears to be comparable in efficacy to other doxorubicin containing regimens, with a favourable toxicity profile. Randomised clinical trials are now needed to evaluate the role of this and comparable initial treatment approaches to advanced Hodgkin's disease.

Management of early-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma. The radiation oncology experience at Northwestern University/Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Early-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma patients treated with radiotherapy alone or combined modality therapy were retrospectively analyzed for survival, patterns of failure, salvage, and toxicity. Of 75 evaluable patients, 47 were given radiotherapy alone and 28 were given combination radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Of the patients studied, 26 were clinical stage I and 49 were clinical stage II, with nine patients upstaged at laparotomy. Minimum follow-up was 2 years, with a median of 81 months. Complete response rate was 95%. Relapse-free survival and overall survival were 89% and 96%, respectively, at 2 years; 78% and 86% at 5 years; and 76% and 82% at 10 years. Of 16 patients who relapsed (21%), 13/47 patients were treated with radiotherapy and 3/28 were treated with combined modality therapy. Salvage rates were higher in those treated with radiotherapy alone. There were 13 deaths: six from disease, two from treatment-related complications, and five from second primary malignancies. There was a higher incidence of second malignancies and deaths due to complication in patients treated with combined modality therapy. Radiotherapy alone or with chemotherapy is an effective modality in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment should be selected properly to optimize results and decrease complications.

Brief chemotherapy (Stanford V) and adjuvant radiotherapy for bulky or advanced Hodgkin's disease: an update

From May 1989 to August 1995, 94 previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease stage II with bulky mediastinal involvement (n = 28) or stage III or IV (n = 66) received an abbreviated chemotherapy regimen, Stanford V, +/-radiotherapy (RT). Chemotherapy was given weekly for 12 weeks followed by consolidative RT to sites of initial bulky disease. With a median follow-up of 3 years, the actuarial 6-year survival is 93% and the freedom from progression is 89%. There have been no relapses or deaths among the 28 patients with stage II bulky mediastinal disease. Eight relapses and three deaths have occurred in the group of 66 patients with stage III-IV disease. The abbreviated chemotherapy regimen, Stanford V, in combination with RT is well tolerated and highly effective therapy for bulky, limited stage and advanced stage HD. Lower cumulative exposure to alkylating agents, doxorubicin, bleomycin and limited use of radiation is expected to improved the prospects for fertility and decrease the risks for second neoplasms and late cardiopulmonary toxicity.

Treatment of early and intermediate stages of supradiaphragmatic Hodgkin's disease: the Swedish National Care Programme experience. Swedish Lymphoma Study Group

PURPOSE

Since 1985 a Swedish National Care Programme has provided tailored principles for the staging, treatment and follow-up of patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD). This report presents treatment results for all patients below 60 years of age who were diagnosed with early and intermediate stages, between 1985 and 1989.

PATIENTS AND TREATMENT

During that period, 210 patients with supradiaphragmatic HD in clinical (CS) and pathological (PS) stages IA+IIA, PS IB+IIB, and PS III1 A were diagnosed in five Health Care Regions in Sweden. In patients with CS IA, staging laparotomy was not recommended provided that the radiological assessment of the abdomen was adequate, whereas this procedure was recommended in stages CS IB, IIA and IIB in order to minimize treatment. In the absence of bulky mediastinal disease, patients with CS+PS IA and PS IIA were treated with mantle (occasionally mini-mantle) irradiation alone, while patients with bulky disease, as well as those with stages PS IB+IIB+III1 A, were treated with one cycle of MOPP/ABVD prior to mantle (PS III1 A sub-total nodal) irradiation. Full chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy to initial sites with bulky disease was recommended for patients with CS IIA who did not undergo laparotomy.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up in excess of five years, treatment results are 'favourable' for all stages, provided the recommendations were followed. In patients with CS+PS IA treated according to the recommendations, recurrence rates were 14% (9/65) with all but one patient (64/65, 98%) remaining in continuous first or second remission. These figures were worse in patients treated inadequately (9/26 [35%] and 22/26 [85%], respectively). In PS IIA, adequately-treated patients had a recurrence rate of 13% (7/52) whereas 5/7 (71%) of those with bulky disease who received only mantle irradiation developed recurrences. Similar patterns also emerged in patients with CS IIA, PS IB+IIB and PS III1 A.

CONCLUSIONS

The tailored principles, which usually entail less staging and/or treatment than is generally the case, produced favourable results when applied to an entirely unselected group of patients with early and intermediate stages of HD.

Modern treatment of malignant lymphomas: a multidisciplinary approach? The Kaplan Memorial Lecture

The aim of this review is to examine critically, in Hodgkin's disease and in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, (a) whether combined modality treatment is superior to optimal radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone in most stages of the disease; (b) whether its indications could be further expanded by the use of new drug regimens and newer radiation techniques that can now substantially reduce the risk of long-term iatrogenic morbidity; and (c) whether it may become a necessary approach in the future because staging laparotomy and even lymphangiography are progressively falling into disuse. In conclusion, for the next decade or so, I do not foresee a departure from complex treatment programs. Although fewer patients are being referred to major research centers, the treatment of malignant lymphomas is not ready as yet to be relegated to the care of the single physician in a private office or local hospital.