Overview and outcome of Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Experience of a single developing country's oncology centre.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) reveals variable epidemiological and clinico-pathological features in different geographical locations. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the epidemiological and clinic-pathological features, and outcome of HL patients treated at one hemato-oncology centre in Erbil, northern Iraq. Medical records of 103 HL patients treated over more than six years were reviewed. Treatment outcome was evaluated by measuring the 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates. The median age of patients was 23 years, children up to 17 years constituted 31.1%, and male to female ratio was 1:1.05. The majority (96.1%) of patients presented with lymphadenopathy. Nodular sclerosis subtype was the mostly encountered histologic type (48.5%); about half of the patients (49.5%) had stage II disease. Relapse occurred in 20 patients; the 5-year overall survival for children was better (89%) compared to adult patients (79%). The associated risk features found to have adverse effects on the survival, however, only high LDH level and presence of B-symptoms at presentation showed significant correlation. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HL in our locality followed the pattern in the western world. The 5-year overall and progression-free survivals were far below the international rates, a matter which may necessitate a revision to HL treatment strategy at our centre.