Preliminary Experience with Total Nodal Irradiation in Hodgkin's Disease

Abstract

Total nodal irradiation (TNI) of all major lymph-node areas was evaluated in 163 consecutive previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease and compared to extended-field therapy in Stages I and II. The decreased relapse rate following TNI is reflected in improved survival rates. TNI has also been effective for Stage III-A, less satisfactory for Stage III-B. Extension of disease to extranodal sites has correlated with clinical staging and histopathology, defining certain groups as especially suitable for adjuvant chemotherapy.