Combined radiation and nitrogen mustrad therapy in Hodgkin's disease as compared with radiation therapy alone.

Abstract

A total of 392 cases of Hodgkin's disease was treated at Harper Hospital from 1922 through 1957. Of these, 347 were suitable for long term follow-up study. The absolute survival rates are presented in five year series from five years to thirty years. A special group of 212 cases (1941 to 1952), approximately one-half of which was treated by roentgen therapy alone and the other half by a combination of roentgen therapy and nitrogen mustard, is analyzed in detail. The fact that an almost equal absolute five year survival rate was observed in each group is interpreted as indicating an advantage of the combined method, since this was used only in cases of generalized involvement. The increased three year survival rates, the longer average monthly survivals of deceased patients and the lower first year mortality rate are additional observations in support of the more beneficial value of the combined method as compared to roentgen therapy alone. In those cases where the combined method was used for the treatment of recurrence, worthwhile further remissions have been produced. (auth)