[Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy of stage IIIB Hodgkin's disease].

The results of treatment of 92 cases of stage IIIB Hodgkin's disease were evaluated. Combined treatment (46) included 3-4 courses of MOPP (embichin, vincristine, natulan and prednisolone) followed by radical radiotherapy 2-4 weeks later. Complete remission was recorded in 36 (78.3%) out of 46 patients. Overall 5-year survival in that group was 75.3 +/- 7.8% matched by 95.8 +/- 4.2% in those in complete remission (36). No signs of recurrence were observed in 68.0 +/- 11.1% in the latter group during the 5 years of follow-up. Combination chemotherapy (MOPP) alone was given to 46 patients. Complete remission was registered in 43.5% of those patients which was significantly less frequent than in the combined therapy group (78.3%). Overall 5-year survival was 53.8 +/- 8.6% and recurrence-free course--in 58.1 +/- 11.7%. Overall survival and complete remission rate in the combined treatment group were shown to be significantly higher than in the patients who had received 5-6 courses of MOPP alone.