Real-Life Data, a Retrospective Report from Romania Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Registry - Single Center Experience

Abstract

Background. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a type of cancer originating from the lymphatic system, characterized by Reed-Sternberg cells. It is essential due to its distinct clinical presentation, early age at diagnosis, favorable prognosis with early detection and treatment, and the ongoing need for research to optimize therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes. Aims: This study evaluates demographic data and clinical features, staging, and treatment options of newly diagnosed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patients in the biggest Hematology Center in Bucharest, Romania “Fundeni” Clinical Institute Study design: Retrospective study Methods: Demographic data, histopathological and clinical features, treatment modalities, and treatment responses were systematically extracted from hospital records and integrated into the National Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Registry under the auspices of the Romanian Hematology Association. Key dates, including initial diagnosis, remission, relapse, last follow-up, and death, were meticulously documented to facilitate comprehensive survival analysis. Results. We analyzed data from a cohort of Hodgkin Lymphoma patients, comprising both male and female individuals, with a median age of 35. The predominant histological subtype was nodular sclerosis, and the most common stage at diagnosis was stage II. The ABVD chemotherapy regimen (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) was the most frequently administered treatment in the first-line setting. Five-year survival rates were significantly higher in patients diagnosed at an early stage and those with favorable prognostic factors, showing improved overall and relapse-free survival rates. Prognosis factors impacting outcomes included the presence of B-symptoms, serum albumin levels, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), and LDH levels. Conclusion. The analysis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma data from the Romanian National Registry highlights the critical necessity for the enhancement of diagnostic infrastructure, the promotion of equitable access to advanced treatments, and active engagement in international clinical trials. Addressing these imperative issues through targeted healthcare reforms has the potential to significantly ameliorate patient outcomes and synchronize Romania's management of Hodgkin's Lymphoma with global benchmarks.