Clinical Features and Outcomes of Patients with Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Study from a Tertiary Cancer Centre

Background and Aim: Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, predominantly affects individuals aged 20-40 years. While curable, treatment responses remain unpredictable. This study aimed to analyze the clinical profile, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes of Hodgkin's lymphoma patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of hospital records (2017-2018) was conducted on 38 Hodgkin's lymphoma patients, examining demographics, clinical presentations, histological subtypes, staging, prognostic scores, PET CT imaging, treatment regimens, response rates, toxicity, and outcomes. Results: The cohort showed a male predominance, with a median age of 28 years. B symptoms were the most common presentation (28%), and lymphadenopathy was present in 42% of early - stage and 58% of advanced - stage patients. Extranodal disease occurred in 38%, marrow involvement in 5%, and bulky disease in 19%. Nodular sclerosis was the most common histological subtype. PET CT revealed a 65% complete response rate. Low - risk patients (IPS) comprised 85% of the cohort. The ABVD regimen was the most frequently used; 34% of patients received radiotherapy post - chemotherapy. Stage I/II patients achieved >80% remission, while remission dropped to 66% in stages III/IV. Myelosuppression and lung toxicity occurred in 15% and 10%, respectively, with one treatment - related mortality due to bleomycin lung toxicity. Conclusion: The study highlights male predominance and younger onset compared to Western populations. Complete remission was high in early - stage patients, declining in advanced stages, consistent with global data. Higher nodular sclerosis incidence and early - stage presentation contrasted with Indian data.