Abstract
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) reveals variable epidemiological and clinico-pathological features in different geographical locations. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the epidemiological and clinic-pathological features, and outcome of HL patients treated at one hemato-oncology centre in Erbil, northern Iraq. Medical records of 103 HL patients treated over more than six years were reviewed. Treatment outcome was evaluated by measuring the 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates. The median age of patients was 23 years, children up to 17 years constituted 31.1%, and male to female ratio was 1:1.05. The majority (96.1%) of patients presented with lymphadenopathy. Nodular sclerosis subtype was the mostly encountered histologic type (48.5%); about half of the patients (49.5%) had stage II disease. Relapse occurred in 20 patients; the 5-year overall survival for children was better (89%) compared to adult patients (79%). The associated risk features found to have adverse effects on the survival, however, only high LDH level and presence of B-symptoms at presentation showed significant correlation. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HL in our locality followed the pattern in the western world. The 5-year overall and progression-free survivals were far below the international rates, a matter which may necessitate a revision to HL treatment strategy at our centre.
Highlights
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon tumour, it is one of the more frequent malignancies in young people
In the current retrospective study, we have described the clinical and pathological characteristics as well as the treatment outcome of 103 patients with HL who have been treated at Nanakali Hemato-oncology Centre in Iraqi Kurdistan
Male to female ratio was 1:1.05; this is contrary to many reports which showed male predominance in HL mainly in low socioeconomic communities [19,20]
Summary
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon tumour, it is one of the more frequent malignancies in young people. Its annual incidence is 2–3 per 100,000 in Europe and the USA; though it accounts for 5–6% of all childhood cancer. There are variations in the epidemiologic and clinico-pathological characteristics of HL in relation to geography and socioeconomic status. HL has a bimodal incidence with the main peak in young adults of 15–35 years and the second one occurring after the age of 50. The disease appears more in young children in the developing countries.
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