Study Examines Survival of Adolescents with Hodgkin Lymphoma in Oncology Trials

Pediatric hematologist/oncologist has lead role in clinical research on Hodgkin lymphoma

A leading pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital has co-authored a study examining outcomes for adolescents with Hodgkin lymphoma. The retrospective pooled analysis, published in Lancet Haematology, examined outcomes for patients receiving response-adjusted therapy for classical Hodgkin lymphoma in phase 3 Children’s Oncology Group trials.

Burton E. Appel, M.D., associate director for the Children’s Cancer Institute for Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, and his fellow researchers, found that the five-year event-free survival and overall survival rates in patients 15 years and older was lower than in younger patients. 

“Treatment for this highly curable cancer has become much more individualized as we have learned a great deal about the biology of lymphoma,” said Dr. Appel. “Findings highlight the need for prospective studies to examine tumor and host biology and to test novel therapies across the age spectrum. I look forward to my continued collaboration with Hodgkin lymphoma researchers on an international basis to bring cutting-edge therapy to my patients.”

Dr. Appel has taken a lead role in clinical research on Hodgkin lymphoma in recent years, and has focused his 25-year practice on pediatric cancers and blood disorders such as leukemia and lymphoma. 

Learn more about pediatric oncology advancements at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health.