Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents

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Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is diagnosed in most patients between the ages of 15 and 34. It is very rare in infants. Children and adolescents with HL have special needs for their treatment and care. 

Usually, specialized cancer centers for children and adolescents are best equipped to address these needs. These centers offer the advantage of having doctors called “pediatric oncologists,” who specialize in treating children with cancer and therefore understand their unique needs.
It is important for parents of children diagnosed with HL to talk to members of the oncology team about the:

  • Specific subtype of the disease
  • Stage of the disease
  • Risk of treatment-related fertility issues
  • Other risk factors

Table of Contents

What Are treatment approaches are used for children with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)

Doctors use all of this information about the patient’s disease to determine the most effective treatment approach. They can develop treatment plans that limit the amount of therapy required to bring about remission. It is important for adult patients and parents of children who will be undergoing treatment to discuss their children’s planned therapy with members of the oncology team in order to learn about the treatment schedule and the drugs that will be used, as well as their potential side effects and long-term effects.

Usually, one or more of the following treatment approaches are used for children with HL:

  • Chemotherapy
    Image-guided radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy (monoclonal antibodies)
  • Surgery (if doctors believe that a mass can be completely removed)
  • High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation

What are various drug combinations used for Children and adolescents with Hodgkin Lymphoma

Children and adolescents are treated with dose-intensive regimens that are adjusted based on monitoring of early treatment response. The following is a list of just some of the many drug combinations used:

  • ABVE—Adriamycin® (doxorubicin), bleomycin (Blenoxane®), vincristine, etoposide
    (Etopophos®)
  • ABVE-PC—Adriamycin® (doxorubicin), bleomycin (Blenoxane®), vincristine,
    etoposide (Etopophos®), prednisone, cyclophosphamide
  • Escalated BEACOPP—bleomycin (Blenoxane®), etoposide (Etopophos®),
    Adriamycin® (doxorubicin), cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine,
    prednisone
  • COPP/ABV—cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone,
    Adriamycin® (doxorubicin), bleomycin (Blenoxane®), vinblastine
  • VAMP/COP—vincristine, Adriamycin® (doxorubicin), methotrexate and
    prednisone alternating with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone
  • Stanford V—Adriamycin® (doxorubicin), vinblastine, mechlorethamine
    (Mustargen®), vincristine, bleomycin (Blenoxane®), etoposide (Etopophos®),
    prednisone

Children may experience treatment-related side effects, both in the short and long term. Some effects include second cancers, cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism and fertility issues. Side effects can affect learning, growth, cognitive development and psychosocial development. These and other possible long-term and late
effects can be managed. 

When children return to school, families will face new challenges because their main focus, up to that point, had been getting through treatment. By being aware of possible side effects, parents can work with school personnel to help their children cope and manage their schoolwork.

What Else Should I Know?

When you are diagnosed the first thing to do would be to get a treatment plan from your doctor. This treatment plan may be very specific to your case considering the stage of HL and its severity. Once you get your treatment plan instead of heading for a treatment right away, a better thing to do would be to seek a second opinion. The second opinion will not only confirm the diagnosis but will also help you explore various treatment options.

After you are done with taking a second opinion and are ready to stick to a treatment plan, you might also need to consult a dietician to lay down a list of dietary changes you are required to make.

How Do I Go Forward With Treatment?

You can start by looking for some of the renowned hospitals in cancer treatment near you. However, if the blood cancer treatment cost is too high in your home country there is no harm in looking for countries with cheaper options. For instance, the leukemia treatment cost in India is much more affordable than those in western countries. India is also home to some of the world’s best and most experienced Hematologists and Oncologists. Going to India for blood cancer treatment would be economical while providing you with quality medical treatment.

What should you look for while getting treated elsewhere?

Traveling to a different region or another country altogether, for treatment may sound intimidating, but if done right, it could give you the benefits of quality healthcare and affordable expenses.
Your best bet is to look for reputed hospitals with good facilities, infrastructure, and most importantly experienced oncologists.

What If I Need Help?

If you choose to get treated in other countries, look for organizations that can offer you all-round support, from guidance and consultations to help with finding the right hospitals.
As mentioned above, the leukemia treatment cost in India is a fraction of what it will cost you elsewhere, so if you choose to get treated in India, look for similar organizations or support groups.
Mozocare, an established medical travel company can help you with the whole process from virtual consultation to help regarding second opinions, providing you with an estimate of the total expenses of blood cancer treatment in India. The company comprises of a highly experienced team of doctors who guide patients from around the globe who seek top-notch quality treatment at affordable prices.