This information represents the views of the doctors and nurses serving on the American Cancer Society's Cancer Information Database Editorial Board. These views are based on their interpretation of studies published in medical journals, as well as their own professional experience.

The treatment information in this document is not official policy of the Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.

Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don't hesitate to ask him or her questions about your treatment options.

This section starts by describing the types of treatments used for Hodgkin disease. This is followed by a discussion of the typical treatment options based on the stage of the disease and other prognostic factors when these are important. Finally, treatment of Hodgkin disease in special circumstances, such as in children or during pregnancy, is discussed.

In recent years, many advances have been made in treating Hodgkin disease. Most newly-diagnosed patients can be cured with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Treatment for Hodgkin disease is based largely on the stage of the disease. But other factors, including the person's age and general health, and the type and site(s) of the disease, may also affect treatment options.

Making treatment decisions

After Hodgkin disease is staged, the cancer care team will discuss treatment options with you. Take the time to think about all of your choices. In choosing a treatment plan, consider your health and the type and stage of the Hodgkin disease. Be sure that you understand all the risks and side effects of the various treatments before making a decision.

Getting a second opinion can give you more information and help you feel confident about the treatment plan that you choose. Your doctor should be willing to help you find another cancer doctor who can give you a second opinion.

For almost all patients with Hodgkin disease, cure is the main goal. But treatment can have side effects that often don't show up for many years. Because of this, doctors try to choose a curative treatment with the lowest risk of potential side effects. The 2 main methods of treating Hodgkin disease are chemotherapy (the use of cancer-killing drugs) and radiation therapy (the use of high-energy rays or particles).

Depending on the situation, the best approach may involve using one or both of these treatments. High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplants, discussed later, may be used for certain patients if other treatments haven't been successful. In most cases, except for biopsy and staging, surgery is rarely used to treat Hodgkin disease.

Last Medical Review: 07/21/2009
Last Revised: 07/21/2009