ABSTRACT
The aim of this trial was to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of COPP/ABV combined with reduced radiotherapy in patients with stage I-III Hodgkin's disease [HD]. Forty-three patients were prospectively treated with 4 cycles [stage I and II patients] or six cycles [stage III patients] of COPP/ABV [cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone/adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine] followed by radiotherapy; 25 Gy to areas of initial involvement. In sites of bulky disease >/= 5 cm, the radiotherapy dose was raised to 40 Gy. The complete remission [CR] rate was 83.7%. The 5-year progression free survival [PFS] was 64% and the 5-year overall survival [OS] was 77%. Prognostic factors that could significantly affect the CR rate and the PFS were age [< vs >/= 40 years], stage of disease [I and II vs III] and the presence of bulky disease >/= 5 cm. Treatment was well tolerated with acceptable early and late toxicity. It is concluded that COPP/ABV combined with reduced radiotherapy for patients with stage I-III HD is a safe and effective approach. Further research is needed with treatment strategies being tailored according to prognostic factors