Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare cancer of the lymphatic system. The most common subtype, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, develops from B lymphocytes, a type of infection-fighting white blood cell. A defining feature of the condition is the presence of large, abnormal cells known as Reed-Sternberg cells, which are typically found in affected lymph nodes. 

The primary goals of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment are to eliminate cancer cells, achieve long-term remission or cure and minimize treatment-related side effects. Because this type of cancer often responds well to modern therapies, many patients experience an excellent outcome with an individualized treatment approach.

The specialists in the Malignant Hematology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center provide comprehensive care for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, whether they are newly diagnosed or are seeking treatment for relapsed or refractory disease. Each patient’s care is guided by a multispecialty team that includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, hematologists, transplant specialists and other experts. Working together, these specialists evaluate the lymphoma subtype, stage, molecular characteristics, imaging findings and other diagnostic information to develop a tailored treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life.

Chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses powerful cancer-fighting drugs, which enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body to reach widespread cancer cells. Because Hodgkin lymphoma typically involves the lymphatic system rather than a single localized tumor, systemic therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for most patients.

At Moffitt, chemotherapy recommendations are individualized based on the Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, stage and biologic characteristics and the patient’s overall health, age and treatment goals. Our multispecialty team also considers PET/CT findings and other diagnostic information when determining the most appropriate chemotherapy regimen and treatment duration.

When is chemotherapy used for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Chemotherapy is the main treatment for nearly all patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. This systemic treatment may be used to:

• Address newly diagnosed early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, often followed by radiation therapy 
• Treat advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma as the primary therapy
• Eliminate any residual lymphoma cells after an excisional biopsy has confirmed the diagnosis
• Treat relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma before a bone marrow transplant or another advanced therapy
• Reduce the cancer burden before high-dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation

Throughout treatment, the healthcare team will use PET/CT imaging to evaluate how well the lymphoma is responding. These interim assessments may allow treatment to be intensified or de-escalated while maintaining excellent cancer control.

Which chemotherapy drugs are most effective for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Several well-established chemotherapy agents can be used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. The most appropriate option can vary depending on the patient’s specific disease characteristics, anticipated treatment response and overall health.

Common chemotherapy regimens for Hodgkin lymphoma include:

• ABVD – Doxorubicin (Adriamycin®), bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine remain a standard first-line regimen for many patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
• AVD – Doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine may be used without bleomycin in select cases, particularly when bleomycin-related lung toxicity is a concern or after interim PET imaging demonstrates an excellent response.
• BrECADD – Brentuximab vedotin, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, dacarbazine and dexamethasone may be considered for some patients with advanced-stage lymphoma.
• Escalated BEACOPP – Bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine (Oncovin®), procarbazine and prednisone may be recommended for certain patients with high-risk or advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, although its use has become more selective due to the risk of treatment-related toxicity.
• Salvage chemotherapy regimens – If lymphoma returns or does not respond adequately to initial therapy, the patient may receive a combination such as ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide), DHAP (dexamethasone, high-dose cytarabine and cisplatin) or GVD (gemcitabine, vinorelbine and liposomal doxorubicin), often before bone marrow transplantation or immunotherapy.

What are the risks and possible side effects of chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Side effects of chemotherapy can vary according to the specific drugs, dosage and duration of treatment. The healthcare team will carefully monitor the patient throughout therapy and provide supportive treatments as needed to help minimize discomfort and maintain quality of life. Potential side effects include:

• Fatigue (common with most regimens) – Energy levels often fluctuate throughout treatment. Prioritizing rest, maintaining light physical activity as tolerated and eating a balanced diet can help manage chemotherapy-related fatigue.
• Lower blood cell counts (common with ABVD, BrECADD, BEACOPP and salvage regimens) – Reduced white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets can increase the risk of infection, anemia or bruising. Routine blood tests, growth factor medications when appropriate and prompt reporting of fever can help support safe and effective treatment.
• Nausea and appetite changes (commonly associated with dacarbazine, cyclophosphamide and cisplatin-containing regimens) – Taking antinausea medications, ensuring adequate hydration and eating smaller, more frequent meals can help the patient remain comfortable during chemotherapy.
• Hair loss (more common with doxorubicin-containing regimens) – Hair usually begins to regrow after chemotherapy is completed. In the meantime, some patients may choose to wear a wig, scarf or another type of head covering.
• Peripheral neuropathy (associated with vinblastine, vincristine and brentuximab vedotin) – Tingling, numbness or weakness in the hands and feet should be reported promptly, as early dose adjustments may help prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Lung inflammation (associated with bleomycin) – Pulmonary function may be monitored before and during treatment as appropriate. The patient should report a new cough or shortness of breath as soon as possible so the healthcare team can evaluate the symptoms.
• Fertility effects (more likely with intensive regimens such as escalated BEACOPP) – Patients who may wish to have children in the future are encouraged to discuss fertility preservation options before treatment begins.

How does chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma affect daily life, and what is the recovery process like?

Most chemotherapy medications used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma are administered intravenously in an outpatient infusion center. Some patients may receive treatment through a temporary IV line, while others have an implanted port placed beneath the skin to make repeated infusions more comfortable. Certain regimens also include oral medications that can be taken at home.

Treatment is delivered in cycles to allow healthy tissues time to recover between infusions. Depending on the regimen, treatment cycles generally occur every two to four weeks and continue for several months.

Many patients are able to continue some of their normal daily activities during chemotherapy, although work schedules, exercise routines and social activities may need to be adjusted. Fatigue often becomes more noticeable in the days immediately following an infusion and gradually improves before the next treatment cycle begins.

Most temporary side effects will start to improve within several weeks after chemotherapy is completed, although full recovery of energy levels may take several months. The healthcare team will continue to monitor blood cell counts, organ function and treatment response during follow-up visits while helping the patient safely transition back to their usual activities.

Radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

Radiation treatment uses carefully targeted, high-energy beams to destroy lymphoma cells while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy tissues. For Hodgkin lymphoma, radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy to improve local disease control and reduce the risk of recurrence.

At Moffitt, radiation oncologists work closely with medical physicists, dosimetrists and radiation therapists to develop highly individualized treatment plans. Advanced imaging, sophisticated treatment-planning software and modern delivery techniques can help maximize precision while minimizing exposure to surrounding organs, such as the heart, lungs, breasts and thyroid.

How does radiation therapy treat Hodgkin lymphoma?

For some patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, radiation therapy may be recommended after chemotherapy, particularly if bulky disease or other high-risk features are present. By targeting the areas where lymphoma was present before chemotherapy, radiation therapy can help eliminate microscopic cancer cells that remain after chemotherapy, which can reduce the risk of recurrence.

In certain situations, radiation therapy may also be used to:

• Consolidate treatment after systemic therapy
• Treat residual lymphoma that remains after chemotherapy
• Relieve symptoms caused by localized lymphoma, such as pain or pressure on nearby structures
• Prepare the patient for bone marrow transplantation when total body irradiation (TBI) is recommended as part of the treatment plan

Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy is not typically used as a standalone treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.

What radiation treatment techniques are available for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma is individualized based on the lymphoma subtype and stage, the location of any involved lymph nodes and the response to chemotherapy. Treatment techniques include:

Involved site radiation therapy (ISRT)

ISRT is the current standard approach for most patients who require radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. This technique precisely targets only the lymph node regions known to have been involved before chemotherapy while limiting radiation exposure to nearby healthy organs and tissues. Treatment planning incorporates PET/CT imaging obtained before and after chemotherapy to accurately define the treatment area.

Involved field radiation therapy (IFRT)

IFRT targets the entire lymph node region that contained lymphoma before chemotherapy rather than only the specific lymph nodes known to be involved. Although this treatment technique represented the standard of care for many years, it has largely been replaced by ISRT, which allows for smaller treatment volumes without compromising effectiveness. IFRT may still be considered in select clinical situations based on the available imaging or prior treatment history.

Extended field radiation therapy (EFRT)

EFRT treats both the involved lymph nodes and the adjacent uninvolved lymph node regions. Because this approach exposes a larger volume of healthy tissue to radiation, it is now used only rarely. Advances in imaging and treatment planning have allowed more targeted approaches to achieve excellent lymphoma control while reducing the risk of long-term side effects.

Total body irradiation (TBI)

TBI delivers radiation to the entire body and is not part of routine treatment for newly diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma. Instead, it may be incorporated into a conditioning regimen before bone marrow transplantation to help eliminate remaining lymphoma cells and prepare the bone marrow for donor blood-forming cells.

What are the possible side effects of radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Side effects of radiation therapy can vary based on the area of the body treated, the radiation dose and the patient’s overall health. Most short-term side effects will gradually improve after treatment ends, and the healthcare team will continue to monitor for long-term complications.

Potential side effects of radiation therapy include:

• Fatigue during treatment – Tiredness often develops gradually over the course of therapy. Maintaining light physical activity, staying well hydrated and allowing adequate time for rest can help maintain energy levels.
• Skin irritation in the treatment area – Mild redness, dryness or sensitivity may occur. Using gentle skin care and moisturizing products recommended by the healthcare team and protecting the treated skin from excessive sun exposure can help promote healing.
• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing (when the neck or chest is treated) – Eating soft foods, maintaining good hydration and taking medications recommended by the healthcare team can help reduce discomfort until the treated tissues recover.
• Temporary cough or mild lung irritation (after chest radiation) – The patient should report any persistent respiratory symptoms promptly for evaluation and treatment if necessary.
• Long-term tissue changes – Depending on the treatment site, some patients may develop gradual changes involving the thyroid, heart, lungs or other nearby tissues years after treatment is completed. Long-term follow-up care, routine health screenings and appropriate surveillance help identify and manage these effects as early as possible.

What is the radiation therapy schedule for Hodgkin lymphoma, and what is the recovery process like?

Radiation therapy is usually delivered five days per week, Monday through Friday, over approximately two to four weeks, although the exact schedule can vary depending on the patient’s treatment plan. Typically, each session lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes, with the radiation itself delivered in only a few minutes.

Most side effects of radiation therapy develop gradually during the second or third week of treatment and continue for one to two weeks afterward before improving. Skin irritation and throat discomfort generally resolve within a few weeks, while fatigue may persist longer.

Throughout treatment and recovery, the healthcare team will closely monitor the patient’s progress, help manage side effects and coordinate follow-up imaging to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy and guide any additional treatment recommendations.

Immunotherapy and targeted therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

Advances in precision medicine have expanded the treatment options available for many patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly those with relapsed or refractory disease. Precision medicine involves analyzing the genetic and molecular features of the lymphoma to help identify therapies that are most likely to be effective for each patient.

At Moffitt, our multispecialty team carefully reviews the lymphoma's pathology findings, genetic profile and other molecular features to individualize each patient's treatment plan. Although classical Hodgkin lymphoma has relatively few targetable genetic mutations compared with many solid tumors, specialized testing can help determine whether immunotherapy, targeted therapy or a clinical trial may be appropriate.

How does immunotherapy work for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Immunotherapy can strengthen the body’s natural defenses against cancer. In classical Hodgkin lymphoma, Reed-Sternberg cells often activate immune checkpoint pathways that effectively “turn off” nearby immune cells, allowing the cancer to continue growing.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are designed to block certain proteins, including programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. By interrupting these signaling pathways, these immunotherapy drugs can “unmask” lymphoma cells and restore the immune system’s ability to attack them.

Immunotherapy may be recommended for a patient whose lymphoma has returned after initial treatment or has not responded adequately to chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation. In select cases, it may also be used as part of a combination treatment strategy.

How does targeted therapy work for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Targeted therapy is another important treatment option for Hodgkin lymphoma. These medications are designed to recognize specific proteins found on lymphoma cells, allowing treatment to be directed more precisely to those cells. For example, brentuximab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate that targets the CD30 protein expressed on Reed-Sternberg cells and delivers chemotherapy directly into the cancer cells while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy cells.

Unlike many solid tumors, classical Hodgkin lymphoma is not routinely treated based on mutations in genes such as EGFR, KRAS or BRAF. Instead, treatment decisions are guided primarily by the lymphoma subtype, stage, response to PET/CT imaging and the expression of specific cellular markers.

Which biomarkers are tested before targeted therapy or immunotherapy is considered for Hodgkin lymphoma?

When determining whether targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be appropriate, the healthcare team may evaluate several biomarkers, imaging findings and other clinical factors, including:

• CD30 expression – Reed-Sternberg cells in classical Hodgkin lymphoma almost universally express CD30, making the patient a potential candidate for brentuximab vedotin.
• PD-L1 and PD-L2 overexpression – Many cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma demonstrate increased PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression, often related to alterations involving chromosome 9p24.1. These findings help explain why PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab can be highly effective.
• Chromosome 9p24.1 alterations – Amplification of this chromosomal region contributes to increased expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 and supports the use of immune checkpoint inhibition in appropriate patients.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status – Some Hodgkin lymphomas are associated with EBV infection. Although EBV status does not routinely determine treatment, it may provide additional biologic information in certain clinical situations.
• Clinical and imaging response – PET/CT imaging performed during and after treatment remains one of the most important tools for determining whether therapy should continue as planned or be modified.

What are the possible side effects of immunotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Unlike chemotherapy, which primarily affects rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy helps restore the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. As a result, side effects are often related to inflammation affecting healthy tissues. Most immune-related side effects are manageable when recognized early and treated promptly.

Potential side effects of immunotherapy include:

• Skin inflammation – Skin rash, itching or dryness may occur. Using gentle skin care products and communicating with the healthcare team early can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
• Inflammation of the intestines (colitis) – Diarrhea, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits should be reported promptly. Early treatment with medications can often control inflammation before complications develop.
• Lung inflammation (pneumonitis) – A new cough, shortness of breath or chest discomfort should never be ignored. Prompt evaluation can allow the healthcare team to determine whether to pause treatment and start anti-inflammatory medications.
• Hormone-producing gland inflammation – Immunotherapy can occasionally affect the thyroid, pituitary or adrenal glands, leading to fatigue or metabolism changes. Routine blood tests can help identify hormone fluctuations early, and hormone replacement therapy may be considered if needed.
• Liver inflammation (hepatitis) – Through regular blood work, the healthcare team will monitor liver function throughout treatment. The patient should promptly report symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, dark urine or persistent nausea.
• Infusion-related reactions – Some patients may experience fever, chills or flushing during immunotherapy. These symptoms can be minimized with careful monitoring during infusions and medications given before or during treatment.

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for Hodgkin lymphoma

BMT is a specialized treatment used in combination with high-dose chemotherapy to restore the body’s healthy blood-forming cells. This approach allows the healthcare team to administer chemotherapy doses that would otherwise permanently damage the bone marrow. After chemotherapy is complete, healthy blood-forming cells are infused to restore the bone marrow’s ability to produce new blood cells. Bone marrow transplantation is typically reserved for patients whose Hodgkin lymphoma has returned after initial treatment or has not responded to first-line therapy.

How does bone marrow transplantation treat Hodgkin lymphoma?

The primary goal of BMT is to improve the likelihood of long-term remission for a patient with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. Before the procedure, the patient will typically receive salvage chemotherapy to reduce the amount of lymphoma present, followed by high-dose chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Healthy blood-forming cells will then be infused into the bloodstream, where they can travel to the bone marrow and gradually restore the body’s ability to produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

For carefully selected patients, BMT can provide an opportunity for durable disease control and, in some cases, long-term remission when standard therapies alone are unlikely to be successful.

What types of bone marrow transplantation are available for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Several types of BMT may be used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, previous treatments and how the lymphoma responds to therapy. The types include:

Autologous bone marrow transplant

An autologous bone marrow transplant uses the patient’s own healthy blood-forming cells. Before high-dose chemotherapy begins, these cells will be collected from the bloodstream and frozen for later use. After chemotherapy is complete, the stored cells will be returned to the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) infusion. The reinfused cells will then travel back to the bone marrow, where they will begin producing new red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Autologous transplantation is the most common type of bone marrow transplant performed for patients with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma.

Allogeneic bone marrow transplant

An allogeneic bone marrow transplant uses healthy blood-forming cells donated by a person whose tissue type closely matches the patient’s. In addition to restoring the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, the donor’s immune cells may also recognize and attack any remaining lymphoma cells through a phenomenon known as the graft-versus-lymphoma effect. Because allogeneic transplantation carries a greater risk of complications than an autologous transplant, it is generally reserved for carefully selected patients whose lymphoma has returned after previous treatment or who are not candidates for an autologous transplant.

What are the possible side effects of bone marrow transplantation for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Recovery after BMT requires close monitoring because the immune system will remain temporarily weakened while the transplanted blood-forming cells become established in the bone marrow. Throughout recovery, the transplant team will provide comprehensive supportive care to promote healing and help reduce the risk of complications.

Potential side effects of bone marrow transplantation include:

• Temporarily low blood cell counts – During the first several weeks after BMT, the patient will be at increased risk for infection, bleeding and anemia. Protective isolation measures, blood product transfusions and growth factor medications can help support recovery.
• Fatigue and weakness – Following BMT, energy levels often improve gradually over several months. A balanced diet, light physical activity and rehabilitation services can help the patient safely regain strength.
• Mouth sores (mucositis) – High-dose chemotherapy may cause painful inflammation of the mouth and throat. Specialized mouth care, pain management and nutritional support can help the patient remain comfortable while healing occurs.
• Nausea and appetite changes – Antinausea medications, dietary counseling and hydration support can improve comfort and nutritional intake during recovery.
• Infections – Because the immune system will need time to recover after BMT, the patient may receive preventive medications and will be monitored closely for fever or other signs of infection.
• Graft-versus-host disease (allogeneic transplant only) – Donor immune cells can sometimes attack healthy tissues, potentially affecting the skin, liver, digestive tract or other organs. Careful monitoring and immunosuppressive medications can help reduce the risk and manage symptoms if they occur.

What is the recovery process like after bone marrow transplantation for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Recovery from BMT can vary from patient to patient and depends on the type of transplant performed. Often, it includes a period of hospitalization followed by several months of outpatient follow-up care. During the initial recovery period, the patient will receive frequent blood tests, supportive medications and close monitoring for infection, bleeding and other potential complications.

Most patients gradually regain their strength over the course of several months, although the immune system can take six months to a year or longer to fully recover. During this time, the transplant team will provide individualized guidance on nutrition, physical activity, infection prevention and vaccinations. Some patients may also benefit from physical or occupational therapy as they return to their usual daily activities.

Throughout recovery, the transplant team will continue to monitor the patient's progress, manage treatment-related side effects and provide individualized supportive care to promote long-term health and quality of life.

Surgery for Hodgkin lymphoma

Although surgery has a limited role in treating Hodgkin lymphoma, surgical oncologists remain important members of the multispecialty team in the Malignant Hematology Program at Moffitt. Working closely with medical oncologists, radiologists and pathologists, our surgeons obtain tissue samples to ensure diagnostic accuracy and, in select situations, perform procedures to help manage complications of Hodgkin lymphoma.

When surgery is appropriate, Moffitt’s surgeons utilize advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical platforms whenever feasible. Compared with traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques can help reduce postoperative discomfort, shorten the hospital stay and support a faster recovery.

Is surgery a treatment option for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Unlike many cancers that form solid tumors, Hodgkin lymphoma is considered a systemic cancer affecting the lymphatic system rather than a disease confined to a single organ or tissue. For this reason, surgery cannot cure Hodgkin lymphoma; removing one or more affected lymph nodes cannot eliminate cancer cells that may be present elsewhere in the body. That said, surgery may be performed to:

• Obtain tissue samples to establish an accurate diagnosis
• Determine the specific subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma
• Evaluate cancer involvement in select clinical situations
• Address uncommon complications involving the spleen or another organ

In the vast majority of cases, chemotherapy—with or without radiation therapy—is the primary treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.

What are the different types of Hodgkin lymphoma surgery?

When surgery is recommended, the procedure will be selected based on the patient’s symptoms, imaging findings and diagnostic needs. Options may include:

Excisional biopsy

An excisional biopsy is the most common surgical procedure performed for Hodgkin lymphoma. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove all or a substantial portion of an enlarged lymph node for examination by a hematopathologist.

Compared with a needle biopsy, an excisional biopsy provides a larger tissue sample, allowing the hematopathologist to evaluate the lymph node’s architecture and identify the characteristic Reed-Sternberg cells and other microscopic features needed to accurately diagnose Hodgkin lymphoma and distinguish it from other lymphomas.

Splenectomy

A splenectomy involves surgically removing the entire spleen. Today, this procedure is performed only in uncommon circumstances, such as when:

• Splenic enlargement causes significant symptoms
• Diagnostic tissue is needed from the spleen
• Another medical condition makes spleen removal necessary

The healthcare team will avoid splenectomy whenever possible because preserving normal immune function is an especially important consideration when treating Hodgkin lymphoma.

Exploratory laparotomy

Before modern PET/CT imaging became widely available, exploratory laparotomy was sometimes performed to determine how far Hodgkin lymphoma had spread within the abdomen.

Today, this operation is rarely necessary because advanced imaging techniques and minimally invasive diagnostic procedures can provide accurate staging information without the need for major abdominal surgery. Exploratory laparotomy is generally reserved for highly unusual situations in which less invasive methods cannot provide the detail needed to guide treatment.

What are the risks and possible side effects of surgery for Hodgkin lymphoma?

The potential risks of surgery for Hodgkin lymphoma can vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Most patients experience only temporary side effects, and the healthcare team will provide detailed instructions to promote healing and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Possible side effects of surgery include:

• Pain or soreness at the incision site – Postoperative discomfort can usually be managed with medications, activity modifications and gradual increases in movement as healing progresses.
• Temporary fatigue – Rest, proper nutrition, hydration and light walking can help improve energy levels during recovery.
• Bleeding and infection – Maintaining careful wound care, monitoring for signs of infection and promptly reporting concerning symptoms can help identify complications early.
• Temporary limitations in movement after abdominal surgery – Walking soon after surgery, performing breathing exercises and, when appropriate, participating in physical therapy can help reduce stiffness and support recovery.
• Increased infection risk after splenectomy – Patients who undergo splenectomy will receive individualized guidance, which may include certain vaccinations, to help compensate for the spleen’s role in fighting certain bacterial infections.

What is the recovery process like after surgery for Hodgkin lymphoma?

Recovery from surgery for Hodgkin lymphoma depends largely on the type of procedure performed. Most patients who undergo an excisional biopsy return home the same day and resume their normal daily activities within several days, although strenuous lifting and vigorous exercise may be limited for approximately one to two weeks.

Recovery after a splenectomy or exploratory laparotomy is generally longer. Most patients remain in the hospital for several days after surgery and continue recovering at home over the next four to eight weeks, depending on the extent of the operation and their overall health.

During recovery, the healthcare team will monitor incision healing, help manage pain, review pathology results and discuss the next steps in treatment. A patient who has undergone abdominal surgery will be encouraged to gradually increase their activity level, maintain a nutritious diet that supports healing and follow individualized recommendations regarding lifting restrictions and physical therapy when appropriate. Once recovery is complete, most patients proceed with chemotherapy or other recommended therapies as part of their Hodgkin lymphoma treatment plan.

Hodgkin lymphoma clinical trials at Moffitt Cancer Center

Clinical trials play an essential role in advancing Hodgkin lymphoma treatment by evaluating promising new therapies, drug combinations and treatment strategies. These important research studies have helped establish many of the therapies now considered the standard of care for Hodgkin lymphoma.

As a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moffitt offers eligible patients access to a robust portfolio of clinical trials investigating new approaches to treating Hodgkin lymphoma. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, cancer stage and previous treatments, a clinical trial may be considered as part of first-line therapy, treatment for relapsed or refractory disease or long-term survivorship research.

Clinical trial participation is always voluntary, and every study follows strict safety and ethical standards. Patients who choose to participate will continue to receive comprehensive care from their multispecialty treatment team while being closely monitored throughout the trial.

Why should a patient consider a clinical trial for Hodgkin lymphoma?

For some patients, a clinical trial may provide access to promising therapies that are not yet widely available outside of leading cancer centers. These investigational treatments may include next-generation immunotherapies, targeted therapies, cellular therapies, innovative approaches to bone marrow transplantation or new combinations of established treatments designed to improve outcomes while reducing long-term side effects.

Because every patient’s situation is unique, the specialists in Moffitt’s Malignant Hematology Program carefully review available clinical trials alongside established treatment options to determine whether a study may be appropriate. Our team will fully explain the potential benefits, risks and eligibility requirements, helping each patient make an informed decision about whether participation is appropriate.

Why choose Moffitt Cancer Center for Hodgkin lymphoma treatment

Choosing where to receive cancer care is an important decision. At Moffitt, patients with Hodgkin lymphoma can benefit from the expertise of a multispecialty team dedicated exclusively to cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. Our medical oncologists, hematologists, radiation oncologists, transplant specialists, pathologists, radiologists, surgeons and supportive care providers work together to develop individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s diagnosis, overall health and goals.

Moffitt combines advanced diagnostic testing, precision medicine, leading-edge technologies and access to innovative clinical trials to deliver comprehensive care throughout every stage of treatment and survivorship. Our collaborative approach contributes to excellent patient outcomes.

If you would like to learn more about Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, you can request an appointment with a specialist in the Malignant Hematology Program at Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.

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