Hodgkin’s disease (also called Hodgkin’s lymphoma) originates mostly from a swollen lymph node, but can also originate from the bone marrow. There are two peaks of occurrence, one in the age group between 15 and 43 and another age group above age 60. There are twin studies demonstrating that genetic factors play a role, but other studies also provide evidence for environmental causes. For instance, certain occupations such as woodworkers are at a higher risk or patients with Epstein-Barr or HIV virus infections.
The more Hodgkin’s disease progresses, the weaker the immune system becomes. This is a predicament to the patient as the weakness of the immune system allows the disease to progress at a faster rate. The earlier the disease process is diagnosed the sooner the progression of the disease can be stopped with appropriate chemotherapy. Often radiotherapy and chemotherapy are combined for best results. In cases where there is resistance to the treatment, stem cell therapy can be considered. In this case your own stem cells are drawn and stored. High dose chemotherapy is given designed to kill the Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells and the stored stem cells are re-injected through a vein to repopulate the bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
1. N Engl J Med 329(14):987-994,1997.
2. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 17th edition, editors M.Beers and R.Berkow. Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999.
3. Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. 4th edition, edited by V.T. DeVita et al., Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, 1993. Chapters 51 and 52.
4. Cancer: Principles&Practice of Oncology. 5th edition, volume 2. Edited by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. et al. Lippincott-Raven Publ., Philadelphia,PA, 1997. Chapter 44,Lymphomas.
5. HY Dong et al. Mod Pathol 2001 May;14(5):472-481.
6. NL Kobrinsky et al. J Clin Oncol 2001 May 1;19(9):2390-2396.
7. Conn’s Current Therapy 2004, 56th ed., Copyright © 2004 Elsevier
8. Ferri: Ferri’s Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment, 2004 ed., Copyright © 2004 Mosby, Inc