Hodgkin's disease in children: treatment with low dose radiation and MOPP without staging laparotomy: a preliminary report.

Twenty-seven children with previously untreated Hodgkin's disease (CS I-2, II-13, III-3, IV-9) were given three cycles of MOPP to induce a remission which was consolidated with extended field radiation (2000--3500 rad) and three cycles of MOPP. Surgical staging was discontinued. Twenty-five of 27 children have not relapsed (range 15+--64+ months; median 39+ months); two children have died, one of uncontrolled Hodgkin's disease and one of acute infection while in complete remission. Actuarial 3 and 5 year survival rates and relapse-free rates are 91%. The merits of this treatment approach are discussed.