**Part 5**

## **Treatment of Early Stage Hodgkin's Lymphoma**

110 Hodgkin's Lymphoma

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### **Treatment of Early Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma**

Samer A. Srour and Luis E. Fayad

*The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA* 

#### **1. Introduction**

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon lymphoid malignancy which accounts for about 0.5% to 1% of all cancers. In 2010, an estimated 8,490 new cases and 1,320 deaths will occur in the United States (Jemal, Siegel, Xu*, et al*, 2010). HL incidence appears to be stable over the past few decades, in contrast to the incompletely understood continued increase in frequency of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. HL has a bimodal incidence with most patients diagnosed in the third decade, followed by another peak in adults aged 55 years or older. There has been correlation between incidence of certain histologic sybtypes of HL and age and sex; for example, nodular-sclerosis HL is more common in women and young adults in contrast to mixed cellularity HL which is more common in men and lymphocyte-rich HL which is more common in older males (Correa, O'Conor, Berard*, et al*, 1973).

The cause of HL remains unknown, but there has been some progress in identifying risk factors in development of HL. Factors associated with HL include genetic predisposition (increased incidence in certain ethnic populations such as Jews and in first degree relatives such as siblings, twins and children), viral exposures, and immune suppression (Bernard, Cartwright, Darwin*, et al*, 1987; Glaser & Jarrett, 1996; Lynch, Marcus & Lynch, 1992; Mack, Cozen, Shibata*, et al*, 1995). Epstein-Bar virus (EBV) has been implicated in the etiology of HL based on epidemiological and serologic studies (Weiss, Strickler, Warnke*, et al*, 1987), as well as by the detection of the EBV genome in tumor specimens of about half of HL nodes. Moreover, HIV-infected patients have been noted in many studies to have a significantly increased risk of HL with the majority of patients presenting with advanced stages, having extranodal involvement and unfavorable histological subtypes, and associated with a poorer outcome after initial therapy (Levy, Colonna, Tourani*, et al*, 1995; Tirelli, Errante, Dolcetti*, et al*, 1995).

The past few decades have seen major advances in treatment of HL using both, radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy. With advances in combination chemotherapy regimens and RT techniques over the past four-five decades, HL has changed from an incurable disease to one with the best survival rates to date among other cancers. HL is currently curable in 85% to 95% of cases, depending on disease stage at time of diagnosis and other risk factors (Diehl, 2007). In the H8-F trial, Ferme' et al. reported a 10-year overall survival (OS) estimates of 97% in early-stage disease (Ferme, Eghbali, Meerwaldt*, et al*, 2007). In fact, cure rates for HL have increased so extensively that the overriding treatment considerations often relate to long-term toxicity, especially for patients with early- or intermediate-stage disease (Hoppe, Advani, Ai*, et al*, 2011). For advanced disease, clinical trials still emphasize improvement in cure rates, but the potential long-term effect of treatments remain an important consideration as well. New innovative treatment strategies are clearly needed for the refractory and recurrent disease, as the cure rates in these patients are still low, especially for those who relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT).

In this chapter, we will discuss briefly the initial workup and staging at the time of diagnosis with brief review of the role of positron emission tomography (PET) scan in HL. We will then go through the revised response criteria, followed by a thorough review for the management of early stage HL including the various definitions of the favorable and unfavorable risk groups as determined by major study groups. Management of HL in specific populations such as the NLPHL, elderly, and pregnant patients will be reviewed in this chapter as well.

#### **2. Diagnosis/staging**

Hodgkin lymphomas are defined as lymphomas containing one of the characteristic types of Reed-Stenberg (RS) cells in a background of nonneoplastic cells. Based on the morphology and immunophenotype of the RS cells and the composition of the cellular background, the WHO classification system published in 2001 divided HL into two disease entities: classical HL (cHL) which accounts for 95% and nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL (NLPHL) which accounts for 5% of all HL cases. cHL is further divided into 4 subtypes: nodular sclerosis (grades I or II), mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depleted, and lymphocyte-rich cHL (Diehl V, 2005b; Harris, Jaffe, Diebold*, et al*, 1999; Jaffe ES, 2001). cHL and NLPHL share the same diagnostic workup, though they have different natural history and distinctive morphologic and immunophenotypic features (**Table 1**), and ultimately different approach of therapy.


EBV, Epstein-Barr virus; EMA, epithelial membrane antigen; Ig, immunoglobulin; L&H, lymphocytes and histiocytes; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; RS, Reed-Sternberg.

Adapted from De Vita et al. Cancer. Principles & practice of oncology. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2005.

Table 1. Morphologic and Immunophenotypic Features of cHL Compared to NLPHL.

the potential long-term effect of treatments remain an important consideration as well. New innovative treatment strategies are clearly needed for the refractory and recurrent disease, as the cure rates in these patients are still low, especially for those who relapse after autologous

In this chapter, we will discuss briefly the initial workup and staging at the time of diagnosis with brief review of the role of positron emission tomography (PET) scan in HL. We will then go through the revised response criteria, followed by a thorough review for the management of early stage HL including the various definitions of the favorable and unfavorable risk groups as determined by major study groups. Management of HL in specific populations such as the NLPHL, elderly, and pregnant patients will be reviewed in

Hodgkin lymphomas are defined as lymphomas containing one of the characteristic types of Reed-Stenberg (RS) cells in a background of nonneoplastic cells. Based on the morphology and immunophenotype of the RS cells and the composition of the cellular background, the WHO classification system published in 2001 divided HL into two disease entities: classical HL (cHL) which accounts for 95% and nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL (NLPHL) which accounts for 5% of all HL cases. cHL is further divided into 4 subtypes: nodular sclerosis (grades I or II), mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depleted, and lymphocyte-rich cHL (Diehl V, 2005b; Harris, Jaffe, Diebold*, et al*, 1999; Jaffe ES, 2001). cHL and NLPHL share the same diagnostic workup, though they have different natural history and distinctive morphologic and immunophenotypic features (**Table 1**), and ultimately different approach

Pattern Diffuse, interfollicular, nodular Nodular, at least in part Tumor cells Diagnostic RS cells; mononuclear or lacunar cells L&H or popcorn cells

> Lymphocytes (B cells > T cells), histiocytes

mutated, ongoing

Classic HL NLPHL

Fibrosis Common Rare

CD15, CD30 + –

T cells – + EMA – + CD20 ± + EBV (in RS cells) + (~50%) –

protein – +

cell PCR) Rearranged, clonal, mutated, "crippled" Rearranged, clonal,

Adapted from De Vita et al. Cancer. Principles & practice of oncology. Philadelphia: Lippincott

Table 1. Morphologic and Immunophenotypic Features of cHL Compared to NLPHL.

EBV, Epstein-Barr virus; EMA, epithelial membrane antigen; Ig, immunoglobulin; L&H, lymphocytes

Background Lymphocytes (T cells > B cells), histiocytes, eosinophils, plasma cells

and histiocytes; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; RS, Reed-Sternberg.

stem cell transplantation (ASCT).

this chapter as well.

of therapy.

CD45 & CD57 +

Nuclear bcl-6

Ig genes (single-

Williams and Wilkins; 2005.

**2. Diagnosis/staging** 

Diagnosis of HL should always be established by a tissue biopsy; though a core needle biopsy may be adequate, an excisional lymph node biopsy is preferred and highly recommended. FNA alone is generally insufficient for the evaluation of architecture and for immunophenotyping, and should be avoided (Caraway, 2005; Hehn, Grogan & Miller, 2004; Meda, Buss, Woodruff*, et al*, 2000). Rarely, multiple LN biopsies may be necessary for the diagnosis, as the cytokines associated with HL can produce reactive hyperplastic changes in adjacent lymph nodes (Ansell & Armitage, 2006).

Though it might not be necessary for typical cases of cHL, immunohistochemistry staining is recommended for accurate diagnosis of any case of HL with atypical features and many cases of NLPHL. cHL is usually positive for CD15 and CD30, but negative for CD3 and CD45. NLPHL usually stains positive for CD45 and CD20, but negative for CD15, and rarely expresses CD30 (Hoppe, Advani, Ai*, et al*, 2011)(**Table 1**). Also, in contrast to NLPHL, the RS cells of cHL lack the nuclear bcl-6 protein associated with follicle center B cells (Falini B, 1995).

Staging of HL is based on the Ann Arbor staging system that was developed in 1971 (Carbone, Kaplan, Musshoff*, et al*, 1971) and further modified in 1989 through a consensus meeting held in Cotswolds, England (Lister, Crowther, Sutcliffe*, et al*, 1989) (**Table 2**).


Table 2. Modified Ann Arbor Staging System for HL.

Initial staging evaluation starts with a detailed history and physical examination. History should focus on the presence or absence of systemic B symptoms (unexplained fevers >38 °C within the preceding month, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss of >10% body weight within the preceding 6 months), performance status, pruritus, alcohol intolerance, and any history of prior cancers and treatments received (chemotherapy and/or RT). Of notice, cHL compared to NLPHL, presents more commonly with B symptoms (about one third of patients with HL), pruritus, alcohol-induced pain, and extra nodal disease involvement. Physical examination should be focused on all lymphoid regions in addition to the liver and spleen.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) established certain laboratory and radiographic studies which are recommended at the initial evaluation of patients with HL. These include (NCCN, v.2.2011) CBC with differential and platelets, ESR, LDH, albumin, liver and kidney function tests, and a pregnancy test for women of childbearing age. An adequate bone marrow (BM) biopsy should be performed for stages IB-IIB and stages III-IV disease. More invasive procedures such as liver biopsy, diagnostic laparotomy, or splenectomy are restricted to a very small subgroup of patients where initial staging is inconclusive. Radiographic studies should include at least chest x-ray and diagnostic computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. CT-PET scan has become an integral part of initial staging as well. Neck CT is recommended if RT is planned.

#### **2.1 Role of PET in HL**

The role of PET in HL has been markedly evolving over the past few years. It has been used and shown to have high positivity and specificity for initial staging and restaging in patients with lymphoma (Isasi, Lu & Blaufox, 2005; Seam, Juweid & Cheson, 2007). In a review done by Juweid ME (Juweid, 2006a), the use of PET scan in HL results in a modification of disease stage (usually upstaging) in about 15-20% of patients with an impact on management in about 5-15%. However, it remains unclear whether patients would benefit from a subsequent change in the treatment plan, and therefore, the value of PET for initial staging of HL patients outside a clinical trial is still debatable. On the other hand, as reviewed by Juweid, response assessment after completion of therapy is currently the most widely utilized application of restaging PET in HL and can be considered the standard of care for post treatment assessment of patients with HL. In this setting, PET shows an excellent negative predictive value between 91 and 95% in several studies, but the positive predictive value is substantially lower and considerably more variable averaging approximately 65% (de Wit, Bohuslavizki, Buchert*, et al*, 2001; Juweid, 2006a; Weihrauch, Re, Scheidhauer*, et al*, 2001). To decrease the false positive results, the International Harmonization Project (IHP), recommends that PET not be performed for at least 3 weeks following chemotherapy and preferably 8-12 weeks after completion of radiotherapy (Juweid, 2006b). The role of PET scan for routine post therapy surveillance remains controversial, primarily because of the potential for a disproportionate fraction of false-positive findings, potentially resulting in increasing cost without proven benefit from earlier PET detection of disease compared to standard surveillance methods (Cheson, Pfistner, Juweid*, et al*, 2007; Jerusalem, Beguin, Fassotte*, et al*, 2003).

Another evolving and interesting use of PET scan is in the assessment of early response; interim PET scan findings has been significantly correlated with treatment outcomes in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. Recently, PET scanning was proposed to assist in determining the choice of therapy. Patients with negative PET scans after 2-3 cycles of treatment are being considered for an abbreviated course of chemotherapy alone, whereas those with positive PET scan are treated in a more standard fashion with the combined modality. The ongoing United Kingdom (RAPID trial) is testing whether PET scanning can guide therapy in early HL after 3 cycles of chemotherapy; PET-negative patients are randomized to involved field RT (IF-RT) versus observation while PET-positive are treated with 4th cycle ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) followed by IFRT. The recently initiated EORTC/GELA H10 Intergroup trial is comparing 'standard therapy' to PETbased response-adapted therapy (i.e. PET after 2 cycles ABVD) for favorable and intermediate group patients with early-stage HL.

#### **3. Response criteria**

116 Hodgkin's Lymphoma

body weight within the preceding 6 months), performance status, pruritus, alcohol intolerance, and any history of prior cancers and treatments received (chemotherapy and/or RT). Of notice, cHL compared to NLPHL, presents more commonly with B symptoms (about one third of patients with HL), pruritus, alcohol-induced pain, and extra nodal disease involvement. Physical examination should be focused on all lymphoid regions in addition to the liver and

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) established certain laboratory and radiographic studies which are recommended at the initial evaluation of patients with HL. These include (NCCN, v.2.2011) CBC with differential and platelets, ESR, LDH, albumin, liver and kidney function tests, and a pregnancy test for women of childbearing age. An adequate bone marrow (BM) biopsy should be performed for stages IB-IIB and stages III-IV disease. More invasive procedures such as liver biopsy, diagnostic laparotomy, or splenectomy are restricted to a very small subgroup of patients where initial staging is inconclusive. Radiographic studies should include at least chest x-ray and diagnostic computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen and pelvis. CT-PET scan has become an

The role of PET in HL has been markedly evolving over the past few years. It has been used and shown to have high positivity and specificity for initial staging and restaging in patients with lymphoma (Isasi, Lu & Blaufox, 2005; Seam, Juweid & Cheson, 2007). In a review done by Juweid ME (Juweid, 2006a), the use of PET scan in HL results in a modification of disease stage (usually upstaging) in about 15-20% of patients with an impact on management in about 5-15%. However, it remains unclear whether patients would benefit from a subsequent change in the treatment plan, and therefore, the value of PET for initial staging of HL patients outside a clinical trial is still debatable. On the other hand, as reviewed by Juweid, response assessment after completion of therapy is currently the most widely utilized application of restaging PET in HL and can be considered the standard of care for post treatment assessment of patients with HL. In this setting, PET shows an excellent negative predictive value between 91 and 95% in several studies, but the positive predictive value is substantially lower and considerably more variable averaging approximately 65% (de Wit, Bohuslavizki, Buchert*, et al*, 2001; Juweid, 2006a; Weihrauch, Re, Scheidhauer*, et al*, 2001). To decrease the false positive results, the International Harmonization Project (IHP), recommends that PET not be performed for at least 3 weeks following chemotherapy and preferably 8-12 weeks after completion of radiotherapy (Juweid, 2006b). The role of PET scan for routine post therapy surveillance remains controversial, primarily because of the potential for a disproportionate fraction of false-positive findings, potentially resulting in increasing cost without proven benefit from earlier PET detection of disease compared to standard surveillance methods (Cheson, Pfistner, Juweid*, et al*, 2007; Jerusalem, Beguin,

Another evolving and interesting use of PET scan is in the assessment of early response; interim PET scan findings has been significantly correlated with treatment outcomes in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. Recently, PET scanning was proposed to assist in determining the choice of therapy. Patients with negative PET scans after 2-3 cycles of

integral part of initial staging as well. Neck CT is recommended if RT is planned.

spleen.

**2.1 Role of PET in HL** 

Fassotte*, et al*, 2003).

Uniform and standardized criteria for assessment of initial treatment response are essential since they guide for additional treatment and are required for interpreting and comparing clinical trials. Hence, the International Working Group (IWG) published guidelines for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma response criteria first time in 1999 (Cheson, Horning, Coiffier*, et al*, 1999; Cheson, Pfistner, Juweid*, et al*, 2007). The HL study groups have adopted these IWG criteria which were based on the size reduction of the enlarged lymph nodes (as measured with CT scan) and the extent of BM involvement; bone marrow aspirate and biopsy should only be performed to confirm a CR if they were initially positive or if it is clinically indicated by new abnormalities in the peripheral blood counts or blood smear.

The IWG guidelines were revised in 2007, by the IHP, after incorporating the PET scans, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry in the definitions of response for both NHL and HL (**Table 3**). Using the revised system, response is simplified to complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), relapsed disease, or progressive disease (PD) (see table 3). CRU (complete response uncertain) category was eliminated from the new guidelines, based on the improved ability of PET scans to distinguish between viable tumor and necrosis or fibrosis in residual masses present after treatment (Buchmann, Reinhardt, Elsner*, et al*, 2001; Jerusalem, Beguin, Fassotte*, et al*, 1999; Jerusalem, Warland, Najjar*, et al*, 1999; Wirth, Seymour, Hicks*, et al*, 2002).

More recently integrated PET/CT scan, which combines a PET and a CT scan in a single study, has been shown to provide at least equal information to that obtained separately by PET and CT scans. This is supported mostly by retrospective and small trials (Juweid, 2006a). The recent increase in use of combined PET/CT scans may further help in distinction between viable and nonviable tumors.

#### **4. Treatment**

#### **4.1 Background**

Traditionally, treatment modality for HL had been chosen based on clinical stage. Earlystage HL includes the limited stages I, II, and IIIA whereas advanced HL includes stage IIIB and stage IV, according to the Cotswolds modification of the Ann Arbor classification (Josting, Wolf & Diehl, 2000). Major advances in treatment modalities over past 3 decades made early stage HL highly curable with rates achieving up 97% after 10-year follow up as reported by Ferme et al (Ferme, Eghbali, Meerwaldt*, et al*, 2007). Such high cure rates for


Table 3. Revised Response Criteria/Definitions for Lymphoma.

Abbreviations: CR, complete remission; FDG, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose; PET, positron emission tomography; CT, computed tomography; PR,

partial remission; SPD, sum of the product of the diameters; SD, stable disease; PD, progressive disease. Source: Table 3 from Cheson BD,

Pfistner B, Juweid ME, et al. Revised response criteria for malignant lymphoma. J of Clin Oncol 2007;25(5):579-586.

Abbreviations: CR, complete remission; FDG, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose; PET, positron emission tomography; CT, computed tomography; PR,

partial remission; SPD, sum of the product of the diameters; SD, stable disease; PD, progressive disease. Source: Table 3 from Cheson BD,

Pfistner B, Juweid ME, et al. Revised response criteria for malignant lymphoma. J of Clin Oncol 2007;25(5):579-586.

Table 3. Revised Response Criteria/Definitions for Lymphoma.

early stage HL made the focus of recent studies on minimizing acute and late therapy related toxicities without decreasing the excellent treatment outcomes. Hence, there have been various attempts to modify different treatment modalities such as omitting RT, decreasing the dose and/or field of RT, and modifying the chemotherapy. In order to maintain efficacy and decrease toxicity, clinical investigators, through major randomized studies, were able to identify adverse prognostic factors that may predict treatment outcomes in different groups of patients. We will discuss and define below these risk groups according to published data from major study groups in Europe and North America. Subsequently, we will discuss the management of early stage HL according to different risk groups.

#### **4.2 Definitions of favorable and unfavorable early-stage HL**

In addition to the clinical stage and B symptoms which have traditionally known to be of prognostic value, various other adverse factors have been identified based on large cohorts over several years. As there have been different approaches to treat HL among major study groups which ultimately lead to different prognostic variables, various definitions for different risk groups do exist among these cooperative research groups.

In Europe, three different risk groups are defined: early-stage favorable, early-stage unfavorable (intermediate) and advanced-stage HL (**Table 4**). The NCCN divides HL into 3 groups: early-stage favorable (stage I-II with no B symptoms or large mediastinal adenopathy), early-stage unfavorable (stage I-II with large mediastinal mass, with or without B symptoms; stage I-II with B symptoms; numerous sites of disease; or significantly elevated ESR), and advanced-stage disease (stage III-IV). However, some centers in Northern America define only two risk groups, namely limited-stage (IA and IIA without bulky disease) and advanced-stage HL [III and IV; B symptoms; bulky disease (≥10 cm)] (Fuchs, Diehl & Re, 2006).

NCCN unfavorable risk factors for stage I-II disease include bulky mediastinal disease (mediastinal mass ratio >0.33) or bulky disease >10 cm, B symptoms, ESR >50 and more than 3 nodal sites of disease. NCCN further classifies unfavorable stage I-II disease into stage I-II (unfavorable with bulky disease) and unfvaorable stage I-II with bulky disease and unfvaorable stage I-II with non-bulky disease. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancers (EORTC) definitions of favorable and unfavorable early stage HL are very similar to those for early stage HL in the German HL Study Group (GHSG) (**Table 4**) (Carde, Burgers, Henry-Amar*, et al*, 1988; Loeffler, Pfreundschuh, Ruhl*, et al*, 1989; Mauch, Tarbell, Weinstein*, et al*, 1988; Tubiana, Henry-Amar, Carde*, et al*, 1989). The EORTC criteria differs by substituting age ≥50 years in place of the extra nodal disease criterion and specifying ≥4 involved regions rather than ≥3, as in GHSG (Noordijk, Carde, Dupouy*, et al*, 2006). Moreover, the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) subdivided early-stage HL into risk categories, with 'low risk' being NLPHL and nodular sclerosis histology, age <40 years, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) <50, and ≤3 disease regions. 'High risk' group patients were all other cases with stage I-II disease, except those with bulky disease > 10 cm, which are assigned to advanced-stage disease (**Table 4**) (Evens, Hutchings & Diehl, 2008; Meyer, Gospodarowicz, Connors*, et al*, 2005).


Abbreviations: CS, clinical stage; EORTC, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; GELA, Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte; GHSG, German Hodgkin Study Group; LDHL, lymphocyte depleted HL; MCHL, mixed cellularity HL; MMR, mediastinal mass ratio, maximum width of mass/maximum intrathoracic diameter; NCIC/ECOG, National Cancer Institute of Canada/ Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; NCCN,

National Comprehensive Cancer Network; NLPHL, nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma; RF, risk factor

aB symptoms include fever with temperature >38oC, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss of >10% body weight within 6 months.

bSource: Derived from Table 21.2 by Srour S.A. and Fayad L.E. (Srour & Fayad, 2010).

Table 4. Unfavorable Factors and Treatment Groups According to Major Study Groups and NCCN.

#### **4.3 Treatment of early stage cHL**

Treatment of HL is becoming more standardized in the current era of rapidly evolving medical literature and with the marked advances in high technique imaging studies. The

A

nodal regions <sup>D</sup> <sup>≥</sup>4 involved

<sup>E</sup> MCHL or

CS I–II

CS I–II

CS I–II

with no RF

with any RF

MMR, mediastinal mass ratio, maximum width of mass/maximum intrathoracic diameter; NCIC/ECOG, National Cancer Institute of Canada/ Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; NCCN, National Comprehensive Cancer Network; NLPHL, nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's

bSource: Derived from Table 21.2 by Srour S.A. and Fayad L.E. (Srour & Fayad, 2010).

CS III–IV CS III–IV CS I–II with A;

Abbreviations: CS, clinical stage; EORTC, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; GELA, Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte; GHSG, German Hodgkin Study Group; LDHL, lymphocyte depleted HL; MCHL, mixed cellularity HL;

aB symptoms include fever with temperature >38oC, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight

Table 4. Unfavorable Factors and Treatment Groups According to Major Study Groups and

Treatment of HL is becoming more standardized in the current era of rapidly evolving medical literature and with the marked advances in high technique imaging studies. The

Early stage RF

Large mediastinal mass

<sup>C</sup> Same as for

NLPHL histology in supradiaphragmatic

supradiaphragmatic

supradiaphragmatic

GHSG*<sup>1</sup>* <sup>C</sup>

Risk Factors (RF) <sup>A</sup>

Treatment groups Lymphocyte predominant

Early stage unfavorable

Advanced stage

NCCN.

lymphoma; RF, risk factor

loss of >10% body weight within 6 months.

**4.3 Treatment of early stage cHL** 

Large mediastinal mass

ESR ≥50 or B symptomsa with ESR ≥30

NLPHL histology in CS I–II with no

CS I, CS IIA with any RF; CS IIB with C/D but without A/B

CS IIB with A/B;

<sup>B</sup> Extranodal

<sup>D</sup> <sup>≥</sup>3 involved

RF

favorable CS I–II with no RF

C

**GHSG EORTC/GELA NCIC/ECOG NCCN**

disease <sup>B</sup> Age ≥50 y B Age ≥40 B ESR ≥50, if

nodal regions <sup>D</sup> >3 involved

<sup>A</sup> Bulky disease >10 cm <sup>A</sup>

> ESR ≥50 or any B symptoma

LDHL

CS I–II with no

CS I-II with any RF except A

CS III–IV CS III-IV

Low risk early stage

High risk early stage Large mediastinal mass (MMR >0.33) or bulky disease (>10 cm)

asymptomatic

nodal regions

CS I-II with none of the RFs

CS I-II with any of the RFs

C B symptomsa

nodal regions <sup>D</sup> >3 involved

most accepted standard of care to date is the combined modality treatment (CMT) with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (**Table 5**). However, there has been some controversy about the best RT field/dose and/or the best chemotherapy regimens. We will discuss below some of these issues.


aSee Table 4 for the definitions of favorable and unfavorable prognostic groups

bFor favorable early stage cHL, the most commonly used regimens are the ABVD (2 to 4 cycles) and the Stanford V regimen (2 cycles)

cFor unfavorable early stage cHL, either ABVD is given for 4 to 6 cycles or Stanford V for 3 cycles dSee Table x for the chemotherapy regimen abbreviations and dosages

eCategory 2B, per NCCN, is defined as follows: the recommendation is based on lower-level evidence and there is nonuniform NCCN consensus (but no major disagreement)

f In the setting of non-bulky CS IIA NLPHL

gGiven the rarity of NLPHL, no large randomized trials regarding the best chemotherapeutic regimen are done. ABVD is widely used based on data for cHL. Immunotherapy with rituximab has been shown recently to have excellent response rates in NLPHL. See text for further details.

CS, clinical stage; IF-RT, involved field radiation therapy; NCCN, National Comprehensive Cancer network; RT, radiation therapy

Table 5. Recommended Treatments for Early Stage HL Commonly Adopted in Europe and USA.

#### **4.3.1 Radiotherapy alone**

It was first noticed in 1950, by Peters (Peters, 1950), that aggressive RT might cure patients with limited stage HL. It was not then until early 1960's when extended field RT (EF-RT) was adopted as standard of care for early stage HL. However, EF-RT was complicated by high relapse rates (Horwich, Specht & Ashley, 1997) and serious long-term side effects including pulmonary dysfunction, heart disease and secondary cancers (Gustavsson, Osterman & Cavallin-Stahl, 2003). Hence, in an attempt to lessen toxicity and improve treatment outcomes, several studies over the past 3 decades addressed those concerns through modifying the radiation field/dose and/or incorporating chemotherapy to RT. Multiple randomized studies revealed that combined modality treatment (RT plus chemotherapy) has superior outcomes and less toxicity to RT alone. Of importance are the two randomized studies by Press et al (Press, LeBlanc, Lichter*, et al*, 2001) and Engert et al (Engert, Franklin, Eich*, et al*, 2007) which compared RT alone in early stage favorable HL to combined modality with chemotherapy followed by RT. Press el al compared 3 cycles of chemotherapy (doxorubicin + vinblastine) followed by subtotal lymphoid irradiation (STLI) to STLI alone with freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) of 94% vs. 81% after 3 years of follow up in favor to combined modality arm. Engert et al compared EF-RT alone to combined modality with 2 cycles of ABVD followed by EF-RT. Superior outcomes were in favor to the combined therapy after 7 years of follow up with FFTF of 88% vs. 67%.

Therefore, treatment with large radiation fields alone has been abandoned and the availability of less toxic and more effective chemotherapy made the combined modality therapy the standard of care in treating early HL over the past 10-15 years. The only exception is those patients with stage IA NLPHL who might benefit from RT alone as will be discussed below.

#### **4.3.2 Early stage favorable cHL**

Almost all investigators in Europe and US now agree that patients with favorable early stages HL should receive combined modality therapy. However, there is still no consensus as to what chemotherapy should be used, how many cycles should be delivered, and how much RT should be administered, if at all. The application of chemotherapy prior to irradiation not only led to better treatment results but also enabled the reduction of EF-RT to IF-RT in this group of patients (Bonadonna, Bonfante, Viviani*, et al*, 2004; Diehl V, 2005a; Hagenbeek A, 2000; Noordijk EM, 2005) and also lead to a meaningful reduction (up to 50%) in the effective prescribed radiation dose (Yahalom, 2006).

Among other regimens (chemotherapy regimens abbreviations are listed in Tables 6-8), ABVD and Stanford V have been favored as frontline regimens in the combined modality with RT in the early stage HL (see **Table 6** for regimen details and dosages). ABVD was first introduced by Bonadonna et al in 1975 for patients who failed MOPP with very promising results. Hence, Santoro and colleagues (Santoro, Bonadonna, Valagussa*, et al*, 1987) compared then three cycles of MOPP vs. ABVD as frontline therapy followed by EF-RT and three additional chemotherapy cycles in an attempt to improve outcomes and decrease toxicities associated with MOPP. ABVD arm had superior outcomes with better freedom from progression (FFP) rates (81% vs. 63%) and lower rates of sterility and leukemia. Since then, many studies were conducted by major study groups in Europe and USA and compared the combination of either EF-RT or IF-RT with different chemotherapy regimens like ABVD, MOPP, MOPP/ABV, EBVP, COPP and BEACOPP, among others. **Table 7** summarizes some of the major studies addressed the combined modality treatment with the treatment outcomes.

The Stanford V regimen, which incorporated the active agents from ABVD and MOPP into a brief dose-intense regimen, is one of the relatively new regimens that also has been proven, combined with radiotherapy, to be highly effective in early stage favorable and unfavorable or locally extensive HL with low toxicity profile.

The number of chemotherapy cycles (2 to 4 ABVD versus 2 to 3 Stanford V), and the intensity of radiation, have been addressed by multiple randomized studies to date with major impact on current therapy guidelines. Bonadonna et al (Bonadonna, Bonfante, Viviani*, et al*, 2004) revealed a noninferiority outcomes with 4 cycles of ABVD followed by IF-RT compared to same chemotherapy followed by EF-RT after 12 years of follow up (FFP rates of 93% for ABVD followed by EF-RT vs. 94% for ABVD followed by IF-RT). Horning S (Horning SJ, 2004), in a single arm study, showed as well that the 8-week modified Stanford V chemotherapy (rather than the standard 12 –week cycle) followed by IF-RT has

chemotherapy (doxorubicin + vinblastine) followed by subtotal lymphoid irradiation (STLI) to STLI alone with freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) of 94% vs. 81% after 3 years of follow up in favor to combined modality arm. Engert et al compared EF-RT alone to combined modality with 2 cycles of ABVD followed by EF-RT. Superior outcomes were in

Therefore, treatment with large radiation fields alone has been abandoned and the availability of less toxic and more effective chemotherapy made the combined modality therapy the standard of care in treating early HL over the past 10-15 years. The only exception is those patients with stage IA NLPHL who might benefit from RT alone as will be

Almost all investigators in Europe and US now agree that patients with favorable early stages HL should receive combined modality therapy. However, there is still no consensus as to what chemotherapy should be used, how many cycles should be delivered, and how much RT should be administered, if at all. The application of chemotherapy prior to irradiation not only led to better treatment results but also enabled the reduction of EF-RT to IF-RT in this group of patients (Bonadonna, Bonfante, Viviani*, et al*, 2004; Diehl V, 2005a; Hagenbeek A, 2000; Noordijk EM, 2005) and also lead to a meaningful reduction (up to 50%)

Among other regimens (chemotherapy regimens abbreviations are listed in Tables 6-8), ABVD and Stanford V have been favored as frontline regimens in the combined modality with RT in the early stage HL (see **Table 6** for regimen details and dosages). ABVD was first introduced by Bonadonna et al in 1975 for patients who failed MOPP with very promising results. Hence, Santoro and colleagues (Santoro, Bonadonna, Valagussa*, et al*, 1987) compared then three cycles of MOPP vs. ABVD as frontline therapy followed by EF-RT and three additional chemotherapy cycles in an attempt to improve outcomes and decrease toxicities associated with MOPP. ABVD arm had superior outcomes with better freedom from progression (FFP) rates (81% vs. 63%) and lower rates of sterility and leukemia. Since then, many studies were conducted by major study groups in Europe and USA and compared the combination of either EF-RT or IF-RT with different chemotherapy regimens like ABVD, MOPP, MOPP/ABV, EBVP, COPP and BEACOPP, among others. **Table 7** summarizes some of the major studies addressed the combined modality treatment with the

The Stanford V regimen, which incorporated the active agents from ABVD and MOPP into a brief dose-intense regimen, is one of the relatively new regimens that also has been proven, combined with radiotherapy, to be highly effective in early stage favorable and unfavorable

The number of chemotherapy cycles (2 to 4 ABVD versus 2 to 3 Stanford V), and the intensity of radiation, have been addressed by multiple randomized studies to date with major impact on current therapy guidelines. Bonadonna et al (Bonadonna, Bonfante, Viviani*, et al*, 2004) revealed a noninferiority outcomes with 4 cycles of ABVD followed by IF-RT compared to same chemotherapy followed by EF-RT after 12 years of follow up (FFP rates of 93% for ABVD followed by EF-RT vs. 94% for ABVD followed by IF-RT). Horning S (Horning SJ, 2004), in a single arm study, showed as well that the 8-week modified Stanford V chemotherapy (rather than the standard 12 –week cycle) followed by IF-RT has

favor to the combined therapy after 7 years of follow up with FFTF of 88% vs. 67%.

discussed below.

treatment outcomes.

**4.3.2 Early stage favorable cHL** 

in the effective prescribed radiation dose (Yahalom, 2006).

or locally extensive HL with low toxicity profile.


aThe duration of chemotherapy and number of cycles are determined by the stage of the disease and the prognostic stratification (see text for details)

bABVD regimen was used first as described in the table by Bonadonna G et al (Bonadonna G et al., 1975). On subsequent studies, dacarbazine was administered on days 1 and 15 rather than on days 1-5 (Canellos GP et al., 1992)

cDerived from Diehl V et al. 2003

dMaximum dose 2 mg.

eFilgrastrim is given subcutaneously starting on day 8 and continuing until WBC ≥13,000/mm3on 3 consecutive days. The dose is 300 mcg/day for patients with body weight <75 kg and 400 mcg/day for those ≥75 kg f

Derived from Bartlett NL et al. 1995

gVinblastine dose reduced to 4mg/m2 and vincristine dose to 1mg/m2 during cycle 3 for patients 50 years of age or older

hPrednisone is started on day 1 and continued every other day. It is tapered by 10 mg/dose every other day starting on day 14 of the third cycle

Table 6. Common Chemotherapy Regimens Used for the Treatment of HL in Europe and USA.


ABV, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), bleomycin, vinblastine; ABVD, doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine; ALLG/TTROG, Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group/Trans-Tasman Radiation

**Patients**

40 Gy IF-RT) 311 87 months 7-yr FFTF, 67%;

RT or 40 Gy IF-RT) <sup>316</sup>7-yr FFTF: 88%;

B: 2 ABVD + IF-RT (20 Gy) 299 8-yr FFTF: 85.9

C: 4 ABVD + IF-RT (30 Gy) 298 8-yr FFTF: 87.2

D: 4 ABVD + IF-RT (20 Gy) 298 8-yr FFTF: 89.9

46 (favorable factors GHSG)

B: STLI (S) (36–40 Gy) 161 3-yr FFS: 81%

Gy) 270 92 months 10-yr EFS: 93%

B: STLI (S) 272 10-yr EFS 68%;

modified IF-RT (30 Gy) 65 16 months 3-yr FFP: 94.6%

A: 6 EBVP + IF-RT (36 GY) 164 9 years 10-yr EFS: 88%;

B: EF-RT 165 10 yr FFTF: 78%;

B: 4-6 cycles of ABVD alone 59 5-yr EFS: 87%

B: 6 EBVP + IF-RT (20 Gy) 209 4-yr EFS: 85%

C: 6 EBVP alone 130 4-yr EFS: 69%

IF-RT ?75 5.9 years 5-yr FFP: 97%

**Median Follow-up**

91 months for OS and 79 months for FFTF

**Treatment Outcomes** 

7-yr OS: 92%

7-yr OS: 94%

8-yr FFTF: 85.5 8-yr OS: 93.6

8-yr OS: 95.1

8-yr OS: 94.4

8-yr OS: 94.7

10-yr OS: 97%

3-yr OS: 98%

3-yr OS: 96%

10-yr OS 97%

10-yr OS 92%

3-yr OS: 96.6%

10-yr OS: 92%

10 yr OS: 92%

5-yr OS: 100%

5-yr OS: 97%

4-yr OS: 99%

4-yr OS: 100%

4-yr OS: 98%

8.5 years 10-yr FFP: 100%

165 3.3 years 3-yr FFS: 94%

**Trial/Study Group Treatment Protocols No. of** 

A: RT alone (30 Gy EF-RT or

B: 2 ABVD + RT (30 Gy EF-

A: Stanford V for 8 wk + IF-RT (mostly 30 Gy, but some

vinblastine) + STLI (S) (36–40

A: 3 MOPP/ABV + IF-RT (36

NCIC-CTG/ECOG A: EF-RT alone 64 4.2 years 5-yr EFS: 88%

EORTC-GELA H9-F A: 6 EBVP + IF-RT (36 Gy) 239 51 months 4-yr EFS: 88%

ABV, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), bleomycin, vinblastine; ABVD, doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine; ALLG/TTROG, Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group/Trans-Tasman Radiation

3 ABVD followed by 30 Gy

Stanford V for 8 wk +

with 20 Gy)

Gy)

A: 3 (doxorubicin +

A: 2 ABVD + IF-RT (30 Gy) 295

Engert A et al. (2007)

Engert A et al. (2010) GHSG HD10, 1998–

Advani RH et al. (2010)

Press OW et al. (2001) SWOG 9133/CALGB

Ferme C et al. (2007) EORTC/GELA H8F

Horning SJ et al. (1999)

Noordijik EM et al.

EORTC/GELA H7F

Meyer RM et al. (2005)

Eghbali H et al. (2005)

Wirth A et al. (2011) ALLG/TTROGa

Stanforda

Stanforda

(2006)

9391

GHSG HD7

2003

Oncology Group; AV, doxorubicin and vinblastine; AVD, doxorubicin, vinblastine, dacarbazine; CALGB, Cancer and Leukemia Group B; EF-RT, extended-field radiotherapy; EBVP regimen, epirubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and prednisone; ECOG, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; EFS, event-free survival; EORTC, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer; FFP, freedom from progression; FFS, failure-free survival; FFTF, freedom from treatment failure; GELA, Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte; GHSG, German Hodgkin Study Group; IF-RT, involvedfield radiation therapy; MOPP, mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone; OS, overall survival; NCIC-CTG, National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group; RFS, relapse-free survival; RT, radiotherapy; Stanford V, mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, vinblastine, prednisone, vincristine, bleomycin, VP-16; STLI (S), subtotal nodal irradiation (splenic irradiation); SWOG, Southwest Oncology Group; VAPEC-B, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, bleomycin, prednisone; yr, year.

aUsed GHSG definition for early stage favorable HL

Table 7. Selected Trials in Favorable Early Stage HL Derived from Major Study Groups.

comparable outcomes to more intense regimens with FFP of 96% and OS of 98% after a median follow-up of 5.7 years.

Furthermore, one of the recent "practice changing" important studies, the GHSG HD 10 trial by Engert A et al (Engert, Plutschow, Eich*, et al*, 2010), randomized 1370 patients (age range, 16 to 75) with early stage favorable HL in a 4 arm study into 2 or 4 cycles of ABVD followed by 20 or 30 Gy IF-RT. Favorable disease included patients with no bulky disease, no extranodal extension, and without elevated ESR (see Table 4 for definitions of risk groups). With a median follow-up of 79-91 months, there were no significant differences in FFTF and OS in the 4 arms with FFTF rates in the range of 85.5% to 89.9% and OS rates in the range of 93.6% to 95.1% (**Table 7**). Furthermore, patients who received only two cycles of ABVD and low dose of radiation have less adverse events and acute toxic effects.

The HD 13 randomized trial is trying to address the question, in order to decrease toxicity from ABVD, whether the number of drugs can be reduced. Patients in this study are randomly assigned to one of the 4 arms: ABVD, ABV, AVD, or AV chemotherapy followed by 30 Gy of IF-RT. An interim safety analysis in 2006 showed increased failure rates in the ABV and AV arms, hence those arms were closed. Until further evidence, dacarbazine should be considered an integral part of the ABVD regimen in early stage favorable HL. Future analyses of the HD 13 study would hopefully answer the question whether ABVD and AVD are equivalent or not (Borchmann & Engert, 2010).

#### **4.3.3 Early stage unfavorable cHL**

The standard of care based on multiple randomized studies remains the combined modality treatment with chemotherapy and RT, as for the early stage favorable HL. However, there has been a trend towards more intense therapy than early favorable stage HL with some investigators suggesting therapy approaches similar to those adopted for advanced HL. However, giving the high cure rates and prolonged CR rates, there have been many randomized studies trying to address the need for less intense chemotherapy and/or RT in order to decrease long term toxicity from RT and maintain the best response rates. **Table 8** summarizes some of the major studies addressing the therapeutic approaches for early stage unfavorable HL with the associated response rates.

#### **4.3.3.1 Brief historical background for chemotherapy use in early stage unfavorable cHL**

Various chemotherapeutic regimens have been investigated in the combined modality treatment for early stage unfavorable HL since early 1980's. However, studies didn't identify significant survival advantages among different modalities. Based on data derived from major studies in advanced HL, ABVD has been favored in most recent studies as first line therapy combined with RT in this population. ABVD has been favored for its superior outcomes and low late toxicity profile compared to other more intense regimens. Stanford V has been studied as well with some promising data and more recently ABVD has been compared to more intense regimens such as BEACOPP in early stage unfavorable HL.

Earlier studies in unfavorable HL patients compared CMT with MOPP to ABVD and MOPP-like combinations. One of the earlier studies is the Milan study (Santoro, Viviani & Zucali, 1983) which randomized patients in a split fashion for 3 cycles of MOPP followed by subtotal nodal irradiation followed by another 3 cycles of MOPP versus same course but with ABVD rather than MOPP. No significant differences in FFP were noticed initially. However, the EORTC H6U trial (Cosset, Ferme, Noordijk*, et al*, 1996) showed a better 10 year FFTF with ABVD compared to MOPP, though there was no significant survival advantage as in many other subsequent studies.

In an attempt to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity, few studies were conducted with modified combinations such as reducing alkylating agents or total cumulative dosage of chemotherapy. However, inferior outcomes were noticed in the unfavorable early stage HL with these approaches (**Table 8**).

One of such experiences was the Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9051 phase II study (Wasserman, Petroni, Millard*, et al*, 1999) which tested three cycles of etoposide, vinblastine, and doxorubicin (EVA) followed by subtotal lymphoid irradiation in 59 patients with CS I-III disease and unfavorable features (bleomycin was eliminated). CR rate was about 66% with high relapse rate of 20%.

In a more recent study (the EORTC H7U trial) conducted by the EORTC group (Noordijk, Carde, Dupouy*, et al*, 2006), 389 patients with unfavorable prognosis early stage HL were randomized to receive CMT with six cycles of epirubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and prednisone (EBVP) and IF-RT versus 6 cycles of mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone, doxorubicin, bleomycin, and vinblastine (MOPP/ABV hybrid) and IF-RT. The EBVP regimen, given one time per month (compared with two times per month for ABVD), was anticipated to be a less toxic regimen. However, the 10-year EFS rate was 88% in the MOPP/ABV arm compared with 68% in the EBVP arm (P < .001), leading to 10-year OS rates of 87% and 79%, respectively (P = .0175). Also, the failure-free survival rate at three years was significantly lower with EBVP (72 versus 88 percent) and further entry into the trial was discontinued.

#### **4.3.3.2 Popular chemotherapy regimens, number of cycles, and dose/field of radiation**

Recent studies, focused on the more popular regimens such as the ABVD, Stanford V, and BEACOPP, and as well on the number of cycles and dose/field of RT in order to enhance the outcomes and decrease toxicities (**Table 8**).

**4.3.3.1 Brief historical background for chemotherapy use in early stage unfavorable cHL**  Various chemotherapeutic regimens have been investigated in the combined modality treatment for early stage unfavorable HL since early 1980's. However, studies didn't identify significant survival advantages among different modalities. Based on data derived from major studies in advanced HL, ABVD has been favored in most recent studies as first line therapy combined with RT in this population. ABVD has been favored for its superior outcomes and low late toxicity profile compared to other more intense regimens. Stanford V has been studied as well with some promising data and more recently ABVD has been compared to more intense regimens such as BEACOPP in early

Earlier studies in unfavorable HL patients compared CMT with MOPP to ABVD and MOPP-like combinations. One of the earlier studies is the Milan study (Santoro, Viviani & Zucali, 1983) which randomized patients in a split fashion for 3 cycles of MOPP followed by subtotal nodal irradiation followed by another 3 cycles of MOPP versus same course but with ABVD rather than MOPP. No significant differences in FFP were noticed initially. However, the EORTC H6U trial (Cosset, Ferme, Noordijk*, et al*, 1996) showed a better 10 year FFTF with ABVD compared to MOPP, though there was no significant survival

In an attempt to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity, few studies were conducted with modified combinations such as reducing alkylating agents or total cumulative dosage of chemotherapy. However, inferior outcomes were noticed in the unfavorable early stage HL

One of such experiences was the Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9051 phase II study (Wasserman, Petroni, Millard*, et al*, 1999) which tested three cycles of etoposide, vinblastine, and doxorubicin (EVA) followed by subtotal lymphoid irradiation in 59 patients with CS I-III disease and unfavorable features (bleomycin was eliminated). CR rate was about 66%

In a more recent study (the EORTC H7U trial) conducted by the EORTC group (Noordijk, Carde, Dupouy*, et al*, 2006), 389 patients with unfavorable prognosis early stage HL were randomized to receive CMT with six cycles of epirubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and prednisone (EBVP) and IF-RT versus 6 cycles of mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone, doxorubicin, bleomycin, and vinblastine (MOPP/ABV hybrid) and IF-RT. The EBVP regimen, given one time per month (compared with two times per month for ABVD), was anticipated to be a less toxic regimen. However, the 10-year EFS rate was 88% in the MOPP/ABV arm compared with 68% in the EBVP arm (P < .001), leading to 10-year OS rates of 87% and 79%, respectively (P = .0175). Also, the failure-free survival rate at three years was significantly lower with EBVP (72 versus 88 percent) and further entry into the

**4.3.3.2 Popular chemotherapy regimens, number of cycles, and dose/field of radiation** 

Recent studies, focused on the more popular regimens such as the ABVD, Stanford V, and BEACOPP, and as well on the number of cycles and dose/field of RT in order to enhance

stage unfavorable HL.

advantage as in many other subsequent studies.

with these approaches (**Table 8**).

with high relapse rate of 20%.

trial was discontinued.

the outcomes and decrease toxicities (**Table 8**).



ABV, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), bleomycin, vinblastine; ABVD, doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine; ALLG/TTROG, Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group/Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group; AOPE, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, etoposide; BEACOPP, bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone; COPP, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone; CVPP, cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, prednisone; DFS, disease-free survival; EBVP, epirubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, prednisone; ECOG, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; EF-RT, extended-field radiotherapy; EFS, event-free survival; EORTC, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer; FFP, freedom from progression; FFTF, freedom from treatment failure; GATLA, Grupo Argentino de Tratamiento de la Leucemia Aguda; GELA, Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte; GHSG, German Hodgkin Study Group; IF-RT, involved-field irradiation; MOPP, mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone; NCIC-CTG, National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group; OS, overall survival; Stanford V, mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, vinblastine, prednisone, vincristine, bleomycin, VP-16; RT, radiation therapy; STLI, subtotal nodal irradiation; TLI, total lymphoid irradiation.

aUsed GHSG definitions for favorable and unfavorable early stage HL bIncluded unfavorable stage I and all clinical stage II patients

Table 8. Selected Trials in Unfavorable Early Stage HL Derived from Major Study Groups.

Trying to address the number of cycles and/or radiation field, Ferme C, et al. randomized 996 patients with early unfavorable HL in the GELA H8U trial into one of the following three arms: six cycles of the hybrid MOPP/ABV regimen plus IF-RT versus four cycles plus IF-RT versus 4 cycles plus subtotal nodal irradiation (STNI). All arms had similar 5-year EFS and 10-year OS rates (Ferme, Eghbali, Meerwaldt*, et al*, 2007). Hence, 4 cycles of chemotherapy followed by IF-RT was proposed as standard treatment for early stage unfavorable HL. EF-RT versus IF-RT has been addressed as well by the large HD8 randomized trial from the German Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group (Engert, Schiller,

B: 4 ABVD + IF-RT 70 12-yr FFP: 94%

B: 4 MOPP/ABV + IF-RT (36 Gy) 333 10-yr EFS: 80%

C: 4 MOPP/ABV + STLI 327 10-yr EFS: 80%

ABV, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), bleomycin, vinblastine; ABVD, doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine; ALLG/TTROG, Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group/Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group; AOPE, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, etoposide; BEACOPP, bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone; COPP, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone; CVPP, cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, prednisone; DFS, disease-free survival; EBVP, epirubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, prednisone; ECOG, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; EF-RT, extended-field radiotherapy; EFS, event-free survival; EORTC, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer; FFP, freedom from progression; FFTF, freedom from treatment failure; GATLA, Grupo Argentino de Tratamiento de la Leucemia Aguda; GELA, Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte; GHSG, German Hodgkin Study Group; IF-RT, involved-field irradiation; MOPP, mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone; NCIC-CTG, National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group; OS, overall survival; Stanford V, mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, vinblastine, prednisone, vincristine, bleomycin, VP-16; RT, radiation therapy; STLI, subtotal nodal irradiation; TLI, total lymphoid

Table 8. Selected Trials in Unfavorable Early Stage HL Derived from Major Study Groups.

Trying to address the number of cycles and/or radiation field, Ferme C, et al. randomized 996 patients with early unfavorable HL in the GELA H8U trial into one of the following three arms: six cycles of the hybrid MOPP/ABV regimen plus IF-RT versus four cycles plus IF-RT versus 4 cycles plus subtotal nodal irradiation (STNI). All arms had similar 5-year EFS and 10-year OS rates (Ferme, Eghbali, Meerwaldt*, et al*, 2007). Hence, 4 cycles of chemotherapy followed by IF-RT was proposed as standard treatment for early stage unfavorable HL. EF-RT versus IF-RT has been addressed as well by the large HD8 randomized trial from the German Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group (Engert, Schiller,

A: 4 COPP/ABVD + 30 Gy EF-RT

**Patients**

MOPP <sup>91</sup>6-yr DFS: 93%

A: 4 ABVD + STLI 66 116 months 12 yr FFP: 93%

A: 6 MOPP/ABV + IF-RT (36 Gy) 336 92 months 10-yr EFS: 82%

(+ 10 Gy to bulky disease) 532 54 months 5-yr FFTF: 85.8%

(+ 10 Gy to bulky disease) <sup>532</sup>5-yr FFTF: 84.2%

**Median Follow-up** **Treatment Outcomes** 

6-yr OS: 91%

12-yr OS: 96%

12-yr OS: 94%

10-OS: 88%

10-yr OS: 85%

10-yr OS: 84%

5-yr OS: 90.8%

5-yr OS: 92.4%

**Trial/Study Group Treatment Protocols No. of** 

B: 3 MOPP + EF-RT (40 Gy) + 3

A: 4 COPP/ABVD + 30 Gy IF-RT

aUsed GHSG definitions for favorable and unfavorable early stage HL bIncluded unfavorable stage I and all clinical stage II patients

French Cooperation

Bonadonna G e al.

Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milanb

Ferme C et al. (2007)

EORTC/GELA

Engert A et al. (2003) GHSG HD8

irradiation.

(2004)

H8U

Josting*, et al*, 2003), where 1204 patients were randomly assigned to receive four cycles of COPP/ABVD followed by either IF-RT or EF-RT. At 5-years of follow-up, there was no significant difference in FFTF and OS between the 2 groups, but increased acute toxicity with the EF-RT group (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and GI toxicities).

ABVD and BEACOPP have been compared head to head in early stage unfavorable HL. In the EORTC/GELA H9U study (Noordijk EM, 2005) patients were randomly assigned to 6 cycles of ABVD or 4 cycles of ABVD or 4 cycles of baseline BEACOPP, all followed by 30 Gy IF-RT. At an interim analysis with a median follow-up of 4 years, no EFS and OS differences were noted, but increased toxicity with baseline BEACOPP. More recently, the final analysis of the GHSG HD11 trial (Eich, Diehl, Gorgen*, et al*, 2010) has been published with similar results to the H9U study, but with more information about the RT dosage. In this 4-arm study, 1395 patients with early stage unfavorable HL were randomized to either 4 cycles of ABVD or 4 cycles of baseline BEACOPP. Patients in each group of chemotherapy were then randomized to either 20 or 30 Gy IF-RT. At a median follow-up of 7.5 years, the OS was similar in all 4 arms. FFTF and PFS were similar as well between the 2 chemotherapy arms with the 30 Gy IF-RT. Baseline BEACOPP arm with 20 Gy IF-RT showed superior FFTF compared to ABVD followed by same RT. However, treatment-related toxicity was more frequently observed in the baseline BEACOPP arm and hence the BEACOPP is not adopted as new standard of care.

More recently, Wirth and colleagues (Wirth, Grigg, Wolf*, et al*, 2011) reported the results of the Australian Leukemia and Lymphoma Group/Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group which tested combined modality treatment in stages I-II HL with IF-RT, with the number of cycles of ABVD determined by risk group (according to GHSG). 150 patients were classified into three groups as follows: group 1 with no risk factors who received 3 cycles of ABVD and IF-RT, group 2 with stages IA-IIA disease and any of the risk factors and group 3 included patients with stage IB-IIB; groups 2 and 3 received the same therapy with 4 cycles of ABVD and IF-RT. With a median follow-up of 5.9 years, the 5-year FFP and OS were comparable to those in the HD10 and HD11 trials for groups 1 and 2, but not group 3 which showed lower 5-year FFP and OS of 73% and 85%, respectively. The lower rates in group 3 may be explained by the inclusion of stage IIBX disease (44% of patients) in this study (those were excluded from HD10 and HD11 studies).

As with ABVD and BEACOPP, clinical studies has shown promising response rates with the Stanford V regimen. Advani RH, et al (Advani, Hoppe, Baer*, et al*, 2009) updated recently the initial results of the G4 study published by Horning SJ et al (Horning SJ, 2004). Among the 87 patients with non-bulky stage IA-IIA HL, 47 patients had unfavorable risk factors (according to GHSG criteria). At a median follow-up of 9 years, the FFP and OS rates for the whole group were 94% and 96%, respectively. However, FFP was 100% for favorable disease patients compared to 89% of those with unfavorable factors, but with no significant OS differences. Hence, Stanford V (8 weeks; 2 cycles) and 30 Gy IF-RT is considered safe and highly effective in this group of patients.

Few other studies confirmed as well that combined modality with Stanford V regimen is highly effective for locally extensive and advanced HL with low toxicity profile. More recently, the MSKCC study (Edwards-Bennett, Jacks, Moskowitz*, et al*, 2010) tested 126 patients with either locally extensive or advanced disease with 12-week Stanford V chemotherapy regimen followed by 36 Gy IF-RT to bulky sites and/or macroscopic splenic disease. The 5-and 7-year OS rates were 90% and 88%, respectively. On the other hand, at least 3 randomized trials were conducted comparing combined modality treatment with Stanford V versus ABVD. The final results confirm that ABVD should stay the standard therapy, but offers Stanford V as an acceptable and effective alternative (NCCN, v2.2011).

#### **4.3.4 Chemotherapy alone**

Giving the high cure rates and long term survivors of early stage HL with combined modality therapy, but with continued increased risk of long term complications from RT such as premature heart disease, lung toxicity, and secondary malignancies, many investigators have initiated randomized studies trying to omit RT in such good risk patients. Data from few randomized studies and as well few other single arm studies will be discussed briefly (these were summarized by a recent review by Straus DJ, 2011).

One of the earliest randomized studies is the prospective trial by Pavlovsky S, et al (Pavlovsky, Maschio, Santarelli*, et al*, 1988). A total of 104 patients with unfavorable clinical stages I-II HL were randomized for chemotherapy alone with 6 cycles of CVPP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) versus 6 cycles of CVPP sandwiched with 30 Gy dose of IFRT. Combined modality treatment had higher rates of disease-free survival (75% vs. 34%) and a trend toward higher OS rates (84% vs. 66%).

Another prospective study was conducted by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Straus, Portlock, Qin*, et al*, 2004) which randomized 152 patients with non-bulky stages I-II and stage IIIA disease to 6 cycles of ABVD with or without RT. There were no significant differences, but increased tendency for inferior outcomes in CR rates (87% vs. 91%), FFP rates (81 vs. 86%), and OS at 60 months (90% vs. 97%) for ABVD alone compared to the combined modality arm.

A phase II trial by the NCIC and ECOG study group (Meyer, Gospodarowicz, Connors*, et al*, 2005) randomized 399 patients with non-bulky early stage IA-IIB HL to 4-6 cycles of ABVD alone (favorable or unfavorable) vs. RT based therapy (STLI alone if favorable HL and ABVD followed by STLI if unfavorable). An interim analysis after median follow-up of 4.2 years revealed better outcomes (FFP and EFS) in the RT alone plus combined modality therapy arms compared to the chemotherapy alone arm, but no survival benefit. In a subset analysis of patients with unfavorable prognostic factors, FFP was superior for those treated with the combined modality compared to chemotherapy alone (95% vs. 88%), but with no survival differences.

The fourth 3-arm randomized study is the EORTC-GELA H9-F (Eghbali, Raemaekers & Carde, 2005) which randomized early stage favorable HL patients (total of 783 patients) to chemotherapy alone with epirubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and prednisone (EBVP) versus EBVP followed by 20 Gy of IF-RT versus EBVP followed by 36 Gy IF-RT. EBVP has an inferior outcome compared to the combined modality with both the 20 Gy and 36 Gy IF-RT with 4-year EFS rates of 69%, 85%, and 88%, respectively. The EBVP alone arm was then discontinued though there was no survival differences.

Of the retrospective analyses, Canellos GP et al (Canellos, Abramson, Fisher*, et al*, 2010) reported a PFS and OS of 92% and 100%, respectively, in a series of 75 patients with early stages IA-IIA and stage IIB disease (median follow-up was 52 months). Another nonrandomized study from Spain (Rueda Dominguez, Marquez, Guma*, et al*, 2004) included

disease. The 5-and 7-year OS rates were 90% and 88%, respectively. On the other hand, at least 3 randomized trials were conducted comparing combined modality treatment with Stanford V versus ABVD. The final results confirm that ABVD should stay the standard therapy, but offers Stanford V as an acceptable and effective alternative (NCCN, v2.2011).

Giving the high cure rates and long term survivors of early stage HL with combined modality therapy, but with continued increased risk of long term complications from RT such as premature heart disease, lung toxicity, and secondary malignancies, many investigators have initiated randomized studies trying to omit RT in such good risk patients. Data from few randomized studies and as well few other single arm studies will be

One of the earliest randomized studies is the prospective trial by Pavlovsky S, et al (Pavlovsky, Maschio, Santarelli*, et al*, 1988). A total of 104 patients with unfavorable clinical stages I-II HL were randomized for chemotherapy alone with 6 cycles of CVPP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) versus 6 cycles of CVPP sandwiched with 30 Gy dose of IFRT. Combined modality treatment had higher rates of disease-free survival (75% vs. 34%) and a trend toward higher OS rates (84% vs. 66%).

Another prospective study was conducted by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Straus, Portlock, Qin*, et al*, 2004) which randomized 152 patients with non-bulky stages I-II and stage IIIA disease to 6 cycles of ABVD with or without RT. There were no significant differences, but increased tendency for inferior outcomes in CR rates (87% vs. 91%), FFP rates (81 vs. 86%), and OS at 60 months (90% vs. 97%) for ABVD alone compared to the

A phase II trial by the NCIC and ECOG study group (Meyer, Gospodarowicz, Connors*, et al*, 2005) randomized 399 patients with non-bulky early stage IA-IIB HL to 4-6 cycles of ABVD alone (favorable or unfavorable) vs. RT based therapy (STLI alone if favorable HL and ABVD followed by STLI if unfavorable). An interim analysis after median follow-up of 4.2 years revealed better outcomes (FFP and EFS) in the RT alone plus combined modality therapy arms compared to the chemotherapy alone arm, but no survival benefit. In a subset analysis of patients with unfavorable prognostic factors, FFP was superior for those treated with the combined modality compared to chemotherapy alone (95% vs. 88%), but with no

The fourth 3-arm randomized study is the EORTC-GELA H9-F (Eghbali, Raemaekers & Carde, 2005) which randomized early stage favorable HL patients (total of 783 patients) to chemotherapy alone with epirubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and prednisone (EBVP) versus EBVP followed by 20 Gy of IF-RT versus EBVP followed by 36 Gy IF-RT. EBVP has an inferior outcome compared to the combined modality with both the 20 Gy and 36 Gy IF-RT with 4-year EFS rates of 69%, 85%, and 88%, respectively. The EBVP alone arm was then

Of the retrospective analyses, Canellos GP et al (Canellos, Abramson, Fisher*, et al*, 2010) reported a PFS and OS of 92% and 100%, respectively, in a series of 75 patients with early stages IA-IIA and stage IIB disease (median follow-up was 52 months). Another nonrandomized study from Spain (Rueda Dominguez, Marquez, Guma*, et al*, 2004) included

discussed briefly (these were summarized by a recent review by Straus DJ, 2011).

**4.3.4 Chemotherapy alone** 

combined modality arm.

survival differences.

discontinued though there was no survival differences.

unselected 80 patients with early stage HL treated with 6 cycles of ABVD. The progressionfree and overall survival at 7 years reported in 65 patients without B symptoms or mediastinal bulky disease were 88% and 97%, respectively.

More recently, a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing chemotherapy alone with CMT in patients with early stage HL. Randomized studies comparing chemotherapy alone to the same chemotherapy regimen plus RT were only included. A total of 1245 patients were included. Authors concluded that adding RT to chemotherapy improves tumor control and OS in patients with early stage HL (Herbst, Rehan, Skoetz*, et al*, 2011).

Until further randomized trials are published, there will be no consensus to adopt chemotherapy alone as front line therapy for early stage HL. Enrollment in randomized clinical trials should be highly recommended. Currently, there are few ongoing randomized studies trying to answer that question. Armitage (Armitage, 2010) summarized four major randomized clinical trials which are incorporating interim PET scans to guide further therapy with or without IF-RT.

Based on available data and until further studies show convincing evidence for the opposite, we think combined modality treatment with chemotherapy and RT should remain the standard of care for early stage HL. Exceptions can be made for individual cases with either chemotherapy alone or RT alone. Of significance, and as noted by Armitage (Armitage, 2010), it appears that the actual choice of treatment modality is greatly affected by a physician's comfort with a particular treatment and by cumulative clinical experience- not just by data published in the literature.

#### **4.4 Treatment of early stage NLPHL**

#### **4.4.1 Introduction**

As discussed above, NLPHL is a rare subtype of HL with distinctive morphologic and immunophenotypic features compared to cHL. NLPHL accounts for 5% of HL cases with around 500 new diagnoses in US annually. Many retrospective analyses showed different natural history and more indolent course than cHL. Given the rarity of NLPHL, there are no randomized studies to establish standard of care for management of NLPHL. It has been managed historically similarly to cHL, however distinctive features are more recognized currently with some changes in the approach of management.

#### **4.4.2 Presentation and prognosis**

Generally, NLPHL is characterized by early presentation (stages I-II), indolent course with no constitutional symptoms, favorable prognosis, and occasional late relapses. The extremely favorable prognosis on some cases is reflected by data which showed that patients with stage IA may be treated with LN excision followed by a "watch and wait" approach or with IFRT alone (Diehl, Sextro, Franklin*, et al*, 1999; Nogova, Reineke, Eich*, et al*, 2005; Schlembach, Wilder, Jones*, et al*, 2002; Wilder, Schlembach, Jones*, et al*, 2002; Wirth, Yuen, Barton*, et al*, 2005) and that some patients with Stages IIIA-IVA may benefit as well from the "watch and wait" approach until they become symptomatic without jeopadarizing treatment outcomes.

The largest analysis to describe patients with NLPHL and identify certain prognostic factors is the recent report by Nogova , et al (Nogova, Reineke, Brillant*, et al*, 2008) who reviewed all NLPHL patients registered in the GHSG database, comparing patient characteristics and treatment outcome with cHL patients. A total of 394 patients with NLPHL were identified with 63 % having early stage favorable, 16 % has early stage unfavorable, and 21% has advanced stage. At a median follow-up of 50 months, FFTF (88% vs 82%) and OS (96% vs 92%) were found better with NLPHL compared to cHL, respectively. Among patients with NLPHL, FFTF were superior in patients with early favorable HL compared to those with early unfavorable HL and advanced HL (93% vs 87% vs 77%, respectively). The following factors were found negative prognostic factors: age (≥ 45), advanced stage, hemoglobin <10.5 g/dl, and lymphopenia. In another, but smaller series, Diehl V et al (Diehl, Sextro, Franklin*, et al*, 1999) reported similar favorable outcomes for early stage disease NLPHL compared to more advanced stages.

#### **4.4.3 Treatment options**

IF-RT or regional RT alone has been accepted by most investigators in Europe and US as a valid choice in the setting of non-bulky stage IA-IIA NLPHL, and is adopted as first line therapy by the NCCN guidelines. This is based on many retrospective analyses which showed excellent long term outcomes and no added benefit with combined modality therapy as for cHL. The Australasian Radiation Oncology Lymphoma Group (Wirth, Yuen, Barton*, et al*, 2005) described the long term outcomes of 202 patients with stage I-II NLPHL treated with RT alone. At a median follow-up of 15 years, the FFP and OS rates for the whole group were 82 % and 83 %, respectively. Various RT fields were used in this population with a median RT dose of 36 Gy. Another small series of 36 patients reported treatment outcomes with RT alone for non-bulky stage IA-IIA NLPHL (Schlembach, Wilder, Jones*, et al*, 2002). In this small series, 20 patients with stage IA received either IF-RT or EF-RT alone. At a median follow up of 8.8 years, the 5-year relapse-free and OS rates were 95% and 100%, respectively.

Treatment outcomes for early stage NLPHL with RT with or without chemotherapy have been reported in few other retrospective analyses. Chen RC et al (Chen, Chin, Ng*, et al*, 2010) reported recently the outcomes from 113 patients with stage I-II NLPHL treated with RT alone (93 patients), combined modality (13 patients), or chemotherapy alone (7 patients). Among the 106 patients treated with RT, 25 received limited-field, 35 regional-field, and 46 received EF-RT. At a median follow-up of 136 months, 10-year PFS rates were 85% (stage I) and 61% (stage II); overall survival (OS) rates were 94% and 97% for stages I and II respectively. PFS and OS did not differ among patients who received limited-field, regionalfield, or extended-field RT. In contrast, six of seven patients who received chemotherapy alone developed early disease progression. In a multivariate analysis, extent of RT was not significantly associated with PFS. Addition of chemotherapy to RT didn't improve the outcomes as well.

Nogova L et al (Nogova, Reineke, Eich*, et al*, 2005) reported a retrospective analysis, from the GHSG, which included 131 patients with stage IA NLPHL treated with either IF-RT alone (45 patients), ER-FT alone (45 patients), or the RT combined with two to four cycles of ABVD chemotherapy (41 patients). At a median follow-up of 78 months for EF-RT, 17 months for the IF-RT, and 40 months for the combined modality, the estimated 24-month FFTF rates were 100, 92, and 97 percent, respectively for the three treatment groups. In another small series (48 patients), but with longer median follow-up (9.3 years), the M.D Anderson study (Wilder, Schlembach, Jones*, et al*, 2002) showed no difference in treatment outcomes for early stage NLPHL with RT alone (37 patients) compared to combined modality (11 patients).

Based on current data and until future convincing evidence is available, we think IF-RT alone is the preferred first line treatment modality for early stage favorable NLPHL. There is a general agreement for now by most investigators to treat patients with early unfavorable or advanced-stage LPHL according to the treatment protocols for cHL. However, with more data investigating the role of the monoclonal anti-CD 20 antibody (Rituximab) in patients with NLPHL, many investigators recommend incorporating rituximab alone or combined with other treatment modalities for unfavorable early stage, advanced stage, and relapsed NLPHL.

#### **5. Special cases**

132 Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The largest analysis to describe patients with NLPHL and identify certain prognostic factors is the recent report by Nogova , et al (Nogova, Reineke, Brillant*, et al*, 2008) who reviewed all NLPHL patients registered in the GHSG database, comparing patient characteristics and treatment outcome with cHL patients. A total of 394 patients with NLPHL were identified with 63 % having early stage favorable, 16 % has early stage unfavorable, and 21% has advanced stage. At a median follow-up of 50 months, FFTF (88% vs 82%) and OS (96% vs 92%) were found better with NLPHL compared to cHL, respectively. Among patients with NLPHL, FFTF were superior in patients with early favorable HL compared to those with early unfavorable HL and advanced HL (93% vs 87% vs 77%, respectively). The following factors were found negative prognostic factors: age (≥ 45), advanced stage, hemoglobin <10.5 g/dl, and lymphopenia. In another, but smaller series, Diehl V et al (Diehl, Sextro, Franklin*, et al*, 1999) reported similar favorable outcomes for early stage disease NLPHL

IF-RT or regional RT alone has been accepted by most investigators in Europe and US as a valid choice in the setting of non-bulky stage IA-IIA NLPHL, and is adopted as first line therapy by the NCCN guidelines. This is based on many retrospective analyses which showed excellent long term outcomes and no added benefit with combined modality therapy as for cHL. The Australasian Radiation Oncology Lymphoma Group (Wirth, Yuen, Barton*, et al*, 2005) described the long term outcomes of 202 patients with stage I-II NLPHL treated with RT alone. At a median follow-up of 15 years, the FFP and OS rates for the whole group were 82 % and 83 %, respectively. Various RT fields were used in this population with a median RT dose of 36 Gy. Another small series of 36 patients reported treatment outcomes with RT alone for non-bulky stage IA-IIA NLPHL (Schlembach, Wilder, Jones*, et al*, 2002). In this small series, 20 patients with stage IA received either IF-RT or EF-RT alone. At a median follow up of 8.8 years, the 5-year relapse-free and OS rates were 95%

Treatment outcomes for early stage NLPHL with RT with or without chemotherapy have been reported in few other retrospective analyses. Chen RC et al (Chen, Chin, Ng*, et al*, 2010) reported recently the outcomes from 113 patients with stage I-II NLPHL treated with RT alone (93 patients), combined modality (13 patients), or chemotherapy alone (7 patients). Among the 106 patients treated with RT, 25 received limited-field, 35 regional-field, and 46 received EF-RT. At a median follow-up of 136 months, 10-year PFS rates were 85% (stage I) and 61% (stage II); overall survival (OS) rates were 94% and 97% for stages I and II respectively. PFS and OS did not differ among patients who received limited-field, regionalfield, or extended-field RT. In contrast, six of seven patients who received chemotherapy alone developed early disease progression. In a multivariate analysis, extent of RT was not significantly associated with PFS. Addition of chemotherapy to RT didn't improve the

Nogova L et al (Nogova, Reineke, Eich*, et al*, 2005) reported a retrospective analysis, from the GHSG, which included 131 patients with stage IA NLPHL treated with either IF-RT alone (45 patients), ER-FT alone (45 patients), or the RT combined with two to four cycles of ABVD chemotherapy (41 patients). At a median follow-up of 78 months for EF-RT, 17 months for the IF-RT, and 40 months for the combined modality, the estimated 24-month FFTF rates were 100, 92, and 97 percent, respectively for the three treatment groups. In

compared to more advanced stages.

**4.4.3 Treatment options** 

and 100%, respectively.

outcomes as well.

#### **5.1 Treatment of elderly patients with HL**

#### **5.1.1 Introduction**

HL is a disease of relatively young patients; however, about 15-30% of patients with HL are older than 60 years according to few population-based studies. Elderly patients are mostly defined as those above ages 60-65 years. Unfortunately, the reported rates of elderly HL patients enrolled in large randomized studies is much lower than its prevalence (<5% to 10%) (Evens, Hutchings & Diehl, 2008; Klimm, Diehl & Engert, 2007). There is paucity of randomized studies that targeted the elderly HL population alone. However, many retrospective analyses derived from large studies have addressed the elderly population.

#### **5.1.2 Presentation and prognosis**

Elderly patients tend to present with increased frequency of mixed cellularity histologic subtype, advanced disease, B symptoms, and Epstein-Barr virus-positive disease. Overall, patients older than 60 years tend to have poorer outcomes than the younger population as reported by most series. Poor outcomes may be attributed to various factors including multiple co-morbidities, poor performance and/or mental status, inability to tolerate aggressive therapy, and death due to causes other than HL, among other factors as discussed below (Evens, Hutchings & Diehl, 2008; Klimm, Diehl & Engert, 2007).

Kim HK et al (Kim, Silver, Li*, et al*, 2003) reported treatment outcomes of 86 elderly patients (60-93 years) among which 52 patients had early stage disease (stages IA-IIA) and 34 patients had advanced disease (stages IIB-IV). At a median follow-up of 75 months, the 10 year FFTF and OS rates for all patients were 62% and 30%, respectively. The 10-year FFTF and OS for early stage HL were 71% and 31% and for advanced stage HL were 49% and 26%, respectively. In this study, the recurrence of HL was found to have a significant negative impact on survival. In a more recent report by Engert A et al (Engert, Ballova, Haverkamp*, et al*, 2005), a comprehensive retrospective analysis from the GHSG data base was performed and yielded poorer outcomes for elderly patients. From 4251 patients, 372 (8.8%) were 60 years or older. The 5-year OS (65% vs. 90%) and FFTF (60% vs. 80%) rates were significantly lower than those in younger patients. It was noticed in this study that the acute toxicity rate was higher in the elderly and that fewer elderly patients received the intended full dose chemotherapy. Hence, the authors concluded that the overall poorer outcome of elderly HL patients is attributed to the higher mortality during treatment and the lower dose-intensity therapy received. Of notice in this study, and as have been noticed with few other reports, adequately staged elderly patients receiving appropriate doses of therapy can achieve responses comparable to those of younger patients. However, older patients in general have a less favorable outcome which may be attributed to treatmentrelated deaths, shorter survival after relapse, death due to other causes, and others as mentioned above. Few other reports over the past 3-4 decades have been published with similar outcomes as above.

#### **5.1.3 Treatment options**

To date and until proven otherwise, there is an agreement among different investigators to treat the best fit elderly patients according to the management guidelines for the younger population, early stage HL with CMT and advanced stage disease with chemotherapy with or without RT as indicated. If chemotherapy is indicated, the widely used ABVD regimen would probably be the preferred regimen over the less commonly used and/or more intense-toxic regimens such as Stanford V and BEACOPP.

Over the past 10 years, attempts are being made to define the best therapeutic approach for elderly patients. Adjusting the chemotherapy and/or RT protocols to maintain high efficacy, but decrease the toxicity have been tried.

For patients with early stage unfavorable HL, Klimm et al. (Klimm, Eich, Haverkamp*, et al*, 2007) reported in 2007 the GHSC experience for the elderly early stage HL after CMT with 4 cycles of chemotherapy (COPP/ABVD) followed by EF-RT vs. IF-RT. From 1204 patients enrolled in the GHSG HD8 study, 89 patients were 60 years or older. Acute toxicity from RT was more pronounced in elderly patients receiving EF-RT compared to IF-RT. FFTF and OS rates were significantly lower in the elderly patients compared to younger population. However, more importantly, this study reported that elderly patients had poorer outcome when treated with EF-RT compared to IF-RT in terms of FFTF (58% vs. 70%) and OS (59% vs. 81%).

In regards of best chemotherapy regimen, data suggest that best outcomes in the elderly HL patients were received with adriamycin-based therapy. Weekes et al. (Weekes, Vose, Lynch*, et al*, 2002) reported that patients received anthracycline-containing regimen (ChlVPP/ABV) survived twice as long as patients given ChlVPP alone. Ballova et al. (Ballova, Ruffer, Haverkamp*, et al*, 2005), on the other hand in the HD9 elderly study, tried more intense regimen with baseline BEACOPP compared to COPP-ABVD in patients (>60 years) with advanced stage HL. Although there was better tumor control in the BEACOPP arm, that didn't translate into better outcome because of the higher toxicity.

More recently, and in an attempt to maintain dose intensity and avoid excessive toxicity, CHOP-21 regimen which is traditionally used for NHL has been studied as front line therapy for elderly HL patients with promising results (Kolstad, Nome, Delabie*, et al*, 2007).

were significantly lower than those in younger patients. It was noticed in this study that the acute toxicity rate was higher in the elderly and that fewer elderly patients received the intended full dose chemotherapy. Hence, the authors concluded that the overall poorer outcome of elderly HL patients is attributed to the higher mortality during treatment and the lower dose-intensity therapy received. Of notice in this study, and as have been noticed with few other reports, adequately staged elderly patients receiving appropriate doses of therapy can achieve responses comparable to those of younger patients. However, older patients in general have a less favorable outcome which may be attributed to treatmentrelated deaths, shorter survival after relapse, death due to other causes, and others as mentioned above. Few other reports over the past 3-4 decades have been published with

To date and until proven otherwise, there is an agreement among different investigators to treat the best fit elderly patients according to the management guidelines for the younger population, early stage HL with CMT and advanced stage disease with chemotherapy with or without RT as indicated. If chemotherapy is indicated, the widely used ABVD regimen would probably be the preferred regimen over the less commonly used and/or more

Over the past 10 years, attempts are being made to define the best therapeutic approach for elderly patients. Adjusting the chemotherapy and/or RT protocols to maintain high efficacy,

For patients with early stage unfavorable HL, Klimm et al. (Klimm, Eich, Haverkamp*, et al*, 2007) reported in 2007 the GHSC experience for the elderly early stage HL after CMT with 4 cycles of chemotherapy (COPP/ABVD) followed by EF-RT vs. IF-RT. From 1204 patients enrolled in the GHSG HD8 study, 89 patients were 60 years or older. Acute toxicity from RT was more pronounced in elderly patients receiving EF-RT compared to IF-RT. FFTF and OS rates were significantly lower in the elderly patients compared to younger population. However, more importantly, this study reported that elderly patients had poorer outcome when treated with EF-RT compared to IF-RT in terms of FFTF (58%

In regards of best chemotherapy regimen, data suggest that best outcomes in the elderly HL patients were received with adriamycin-based therapy. Weekes et al. (Weekes, Vose, Lynch*, et al*, 2002) reported that patients received anthracycline-containing regimen (ChlVPP/ABV) survived twice as long as patients given ChlVPP alone. Ballova et al. (Ballova, Ruffer, Haverkamp*, et al*, 2005), on the other hand in the HD9 elderly study, tried more intense regimen with baseline BEACOPP compared to COPP-ABVD in patients (>60 years) with advanced stage HL. Although there was better tumor control in the BEACOPP arm, that

More recently, and in an attempt to maintain dose intensity and avoid excessive toxicity, CHOP-21 regimen which is traditionally used for NHL has been studied as front line therapy for elderly HL patients with promising results (Kolstad, Nome, Delabie*, et al*, 2007).

similar outcomes as above.

**5.1.3 Treatment options** 

intense-toxic regimens such as Stanford V and BEACOPP.

didn't translate into better outcome because of the higher toxicity.

but decrease the toxicity have been tried.

vs. 70%) and OS (59% vs. 81%).

There have been few other regimens tested in single arm phase II studies and others are being under investigation with various successes to date. Examples of such regimens include vinblastine, cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, etoposide, mitoxantrone and bleomycin (VEPEMB) (Levis, Anselmo, Ambrosetti*, et al*, 2004), vincristine, doxorubicin, bleomycin, etoposide and prednisone (ODBEP) (Macpherson, Klasa, Gascoyne*, et al*, 2002), prednisone, vinblastine, doxorubicin and gemcitabine (PVAG) (Boll, Bredenfeld, Gorgen*, et al*, 2011), and bleomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbacine and prednisone (BACOPP) (Halbsguth, Nogova, Mueller*, et al*, 2010). However, randomized studies are highly recommended in this elderly heterogenous population in order to adopt any of the new regimens as standard of care compared to traditional regimens such as ABVD.

We do think that using a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) model for elderly HL patients, addressing comorbidity and functional status prior to initiation of therapy, may guide medical providers in their decision for the intense of therapy which usually predicts treatment outcomes. A similar approach has been studied in elderly patients with diffuse large cell lymphoma (Tucci A et al, 2009) where GCA was found to be an efficient method to identify elderly patients who may benefit from a curative approach with aggressive therapy (well fit patients) compared to unfit patients who have poor outcomes. Until more data is available, treatment of well fit elderly patients should follow same guidelines as for younger population given the potentially high cure rate of HL even in advanced disease status as compared to poor outcomes with other types of cancers.

#### **5.2 Treatment of HL during pregnancy**

#### **5.2.1 Epidemiology and prognosis**

As the HL high incidence rates coincides with the female reproductive age, it is not surprising to mention that it is considered the fourth most common cancer during pregnancy (Sadural & Smith, 1995). However, as the overall incidence/prevalence of HL is low compared to other cancers the association between pregnancy and HL is low as well with only few small series describing the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes in this population. Fortunately, most reports showed that pregnancy doesn't have a negative impact on the course of HL with long term treatment outcomes comparable to those who were treated while non-pregnant (Gelb, van de Rijn, Warnke*, et al*, 1996). The challenge in managing those cases is attributed to the increased risk on the fetus with the different diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions. Adverse teratogenic effects from chemotherapy and/or RT depend mainly on the level of fetal maturation. The highest teratogenic effects with increased risk of fetal malformation and death are noticed in the first trimester. In the second and third trimester, complications from therapy are more subtle with adverse effects such as intrauterine growth retardation, impaired functional or mental development, microcephaly, and low birth weight, among others (Fisher & Hancock, 1996).

#### **5.2.2 Presentation and staging**

Clinical presentation of HL during pregnancy is generally similar to non-pregnant patients. Staging workup approach is similar as well; however, to avoid fetus exposure to RT, CT scans should be avoided if possible. Instead, CXR and abdominal US and/or MRI may be used safely to complete staging (Nicklas & Baker, 2000).

#### **5.2.3 Treatment options**

There are no consensus guidelines to date that address standard of care. However, based on the available scattered reports there is an agreement to manage pregnant patients conservatively if possible until fetal maturation or delivery. Some authors suggested that in specialized cases (such as those with limited stage IA-IIA in their late second and third trimester), treatment may be deferred until mature fetal development and delivery, but patients should be followed then very closely for any signs of progression and proceed with delivery and/or therapy as indicated (Gelb, van de Rijn, Warnke*, et al*, 1996; Jacobs, Donaldson, Rosenberg*, et al*, 1981).

Patients who present with HL during the first trimester, in particular those with advanced disease, may be offered therapeutic abortion given the high risk of teratogenic effects associated with therapy. Data suggest that chemotherapy increases risk of fetal malformations to around 15% during the first trimester, with the greatest risk associated with the alkylatng and antimetabolite drugs, as opposed to the lowest risk with vinblastine (Doll, Ringenberg & Yarbro, 1989; Yahalom, 1990). Of notice, Doll DC et al. reported as well that there was low risk of fetal malformation in the second and third trimesters. In contrast, RT has been used more safely during pregnancy even in the first trimester. Yahalom J (Yahalom, 1990), in a series of 23 patients received supradiaphragmatic radiation therapy (five in the first trimester), reported no harm to the fetus. Based on these data and other similar reports, if treatment is indicated in the first trimester and can't be delayed for the second trimester, RT (with maximized uterine shielding) may be considered the best choice for supradiaphragmatic disease (with a dose of less than 10 Gy). However, for patients with infradiaphragmatic disease and/or advanced disease chemotherapy may be indicated with vinbastine-based therapy.

For second and third trimesters, treatment may be deferred until complete fetal development and safe delivery in specific asymptomatic localized stages. However, most patients would need treatment which may include RT alone (10 to 36 Gy in a mantle or IF-RT fashion) for supradiaphragmatic disease (with maximized uterine shielding) vs. chemotherapy for infradiaphragmatic and/or advanced disease as for the first trimester; however, in the second and third trimesters the use of chemotherapy is much safer than in the first trimester (Barnicle, 1992; Doll, Ringenberg & Yarbro, 1989), but remote side effects on long term survivor babies remain of concern.

#### **6. Novel treatments for early stage HL**

Besides the increased use of the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab) in NLPHL, novel targeted therapy is rarely incorporated in the management of early stage HL. This is mainly because of the high cure rates achieved with traditional chemotherapy regimens. Novel therapies are being more studied in advanced and relapsed/progressive diseases and will be discussed separately.

#### **7. Conclusion**

136 Hodgkin's Lymphoma

scans should be avoided if possible. Instead, CXR and abdominal US and/or MRI may be

There are no consensus guidelines to date that address standard of care. However, based on the available scattered reports there is an agreement to manage pregnant patients conservatively if possible until fetal maturation or delivery. Some authors suggested that in specialized cases (such as those with limited stage IA-IIA in their late second and third trimester), treatment may be deferred until mature fetal development and delivery, but patients should be followed then very closely for any signs of progression and proceed with delivery and/or therapy as indicated (Gelb, van de Rijn, Warnke*, et al*, 1996; Jacobs,

Patients who present with HL during the first trimester, in particular those with advanced disease, may be offered therapeutic abortion given the high risk of teratogenic effects associated with therapy. Data suggest that chemotherapy increases risk of fetal malformations to around 15% during the first trimester, with the greatest risk associated with the alkylatng and antimetabolite drugs, as opposed to the lowest risk with vinblastine (Doll, Ringenberg & Yarbro, 1989; Yahalom, 1990). Of notice, Doll DC et al. reported as well that there was low risk of fetal malformation in the second and third trimesters. In contrast, RT has been used more safely during pregnancy even in the first trimester. Yahalom J (Yahalom, 1990), in a series of 23 patients received supradiaphragmatic radiation therapy (five in the first trimester), reported no harm to the fetus. Based on these data and other similar reports, if treatment is indicated in the first trimester and can't be delayed for the second trimester, RT (with maximized uterine shielding) may be considered the best choice for supradiaphragmatic disease (with a dose of less than 10 Gy). However, for patients with infradiaphragmatic disease and/or advanced disease chemotherapy may be indicated with vinbastine-based

For second and third trimesters, treatment may be deferred until complete fetal development and safe delivery in specific asymptomatic localized stages. However, most patients would need treatment which may include RT alone (10 to 36 Gy in a mantle or IF-RT fashion) for supradiaphragmatic disease (with maximized uterine shielding) vs. chemotherapy for infradiaphragmatic and/or advanced disease as for the first trimester; however, in the second and third trimesters the use of chemotherapy is much safer than in the first trimester (Barnicle, 1992; Doll, Ringenberg & Yarbro, 1989), but remote side effects

Besides the increased use of the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab) in NLPHL, novel targeted therapy is rarely incorporated in the management of early stage HL. This is mainly because of the high cure rates achieved with traditional chemotherapy regimens. Novel therapies are being more studied in advanced and relapsed/progressive diseases and

used safely to complete staging (Nicklas & Baker, 2000).

**5.2.3 Treatment options** 

Donaldson, Rosenberg*, et al*, 1981).

on long term survivor babies remain of concern.

**6. Novel treatments for early stage HL** 

will be discussed separately.

therapy.

The treatment of early stage classical HL is mostly, today a combined modality with chemotherapy and involved field radiation. Decreasing the long-term side effects of the treatment is a goal. Decreasing the dosing of radiation and improving the radiation techniques, may demonstrate less complications in long-term follow-up. Incorporation of PET scan as a tool may select patients who will have higher risk for relapse. It is imperative to consider the acute and long-term side effects of the current therapeutic modalities in the treatment planning and future clinical trials.

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