Recurrence Rates Following Radiation Therapy of Nodular and Diffuse Malignant Lymphomas

Abstract

Analysis of local recurrence rates after initial radiation therapy in 198 patients with nodular and diffuse lymphomas revealed an inverse relationship of recurrence rate to dose, except for patients with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. At a dose of 4,400 rads, the recurrence rates for nodular lymphomas approached zero, while for diffuse lymphocytic and diffuse mixed lymphomas the recurrence rates were significantly higher, 15 and 12%, respectively. Recurrence rates between 21 and 37% were noted in patients with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma who received between 1,500 and 6,500 rads: however, no correlation between dose and rate of recurrence could be demonstrated. The implication of these observations for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is discussed.