The management of stages I, II, and III Hodgkin's disease with combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

An analysis and progress report is presented of the randomized clinical trials testing the value of adjuvant MOPP chemotherapy with irradiation in the management of Hodgkin's disease. The 213 patients with Stages IA through IIIB have been followed for periods of up to 64 months. The chemotherapy controls the occult disease, resulting in significant improvement in disease-free survival (p = .002). Over-all survival is not yet affected, however, with combined 5-year survival results of 92% and 88% in the two groups. The treatment program is difficult but feasible. No increased incidence of second malignancies has been observed in this study group. It is premature to conclude that adjuvant MOPP chemotherapy is indicated in the radiation management of Hodgkin's disease.