Hodgkin's lymphoma in the young child

Primarily a disease of adults, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) contributes significantly to pediatric malignant diseases, particularly in developing countries where the incidence is higher. The treatment has evolved and now most patients are treated with chemotherapy; the optimal use additional radiation therapy (XRT) is being questioned, and it is likely that XRT will be reserved for a subset of higher risk patients. Patients with advanced disease have lower outcomes, which have improved with chemotherapy intensification. This has the potential for increasing acute and long-term toxicity. Treatment strategies for HL should be risk and response stratified, aiming at reduction of toxic effects. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.