Value of protocol treatment of pediatric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

ABSTRACT

The present study included 77 cases of pediatric Non-Hodgikn's lymphoma [NHL]. Twelve patients had received precious treatment elsewhere and were referred for salvage treatment after relapse. The remaining 65 patients were fresh cases. Fifty five percent of the whole group presented in abdominal sites. The commonest histological type in this group was undifferentiated NHL. Lymphobloastic lymphoma was the most common histological subtype among extra-abdominal presentation. Thirteen patients did not attend to receive their full treatment program and were excluded from further analysis. Treatment was given either on protocol basis [33 cases] or on individual non protocol basis [19 cases]. Complete remission [C.R.] was achieved in 78.7% [26/33] in the protocol group versus 16% [3/19] in nonprotocol cases [P< 0.001]. No single case of C.R. could be obtained with salvage treatment. Details of treatment programs and their outcome are discussed