Klin Onkol 1996; 9(6): 191-194.
Summary: Hodgkin's disease is one of the more common, but well curable oncological diseases of children. In the treatment strategy of the last ten years, we can see attempts to find highly effective, but less toxic schedule in comparison with currently used schedules containing alkylating agents and radiotherapy. We show results of treatment of children with stages I.-IV. of Hodgkin's disease using VAMP or VEPA protocols, not containing cyclophopharnide and low dose radiotherapy. The study involved 53 newly diagnosed patient, without previous treatment. The median age was 14 years. The median time from first symptoms to diagnoses was 4.42 months, median follow up 2 years. 1st and 2nd stage patients were treated with 4-6 cycles of VAMP protocol, 3rd and 4th stage patients with 4-6 cycles of VEPA. Radiotherapy in doses of 15-30Gy was given after 2-3 cycles of chemotherapy. From the total 53 children, 43 (81 %) achieved remission by the induction phasis. 5 of them (9.4%) relapsed. In 1 patient we found progression during induction phasis. Two children died, one due to progression and one due to heavy aortal stenosis. A two year disease free interval (DF1) was reached in 96.2% and five year DFI in 78.3% of patients. As a prognostically important factor, we found the presence of B symptoms at the time of diagnosis. The results are comparable with the results of standard protocols (MOPP, ABVD and their modifications and combinations). The frequency and types of late consequencies could not be judged bue to the short time of follow up.
