While standard protocols have been established for the treatment of virtually all cancers, physicians will often modify them for their individual patients. These modifications are based on many factors including the patient’s age, general health, desired results, and the specific characteristics of his or her cancer. Since the treatments described in this report represent the standard therapeutic approaches, your physician may not strictly adhere to them.

The goal of treatment is to kill the cancer cells and avoid serious complications related to either the cancer or its treatment. A team of specialists usually works together to treat patients with Hodgkin’s disease.

The treatment and management of Hodgkin’s disease usually involves radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both. Radiation therapy remains the gold standard for early-stage disease. Most patients also receive chemotherapy, either before or after radiation. Both types of therapy are often used in treating later-stage disease. Several chemotherapy drugs are given in combination.

If Hodgkin's lymphoma does not respond to chemotherapy or radiation, other treatment options may include bone marrow transplantation or peripheral stem cell transplantation. There are no surgical methods of treating Hodgkin's disease.

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Select a topic below for a thorough discussion of each Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer treatment option:
    ]]>Radiation therapy]]>
   ]]>Chemotherapy]]>
   ]]>Bone marrow and peripheral stem cell transplantation]]>
   ]]>Lifestyle changes]]>
   ]]>Managing the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment]]>


Existing treatment protocols have been established and continue to be modified through clinical trials. These research studies are essential to determine whether or not new treatments are both safe and effective. Since highly effective treatments for many cancers remain unknown, numerous clinical trials are always underway around the world. You may wish to ask your doctor if you should consider participating in a clinical trial. You can find out about clinical trials at the government website ClinicalTrials.gov .