How to treat localized Hodgkin lymphoma?

Purpose of review: We aim to summarize the current knowledge on the management of early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma, with a focus on conventional strategies, incorporation of immunotherapies and exploration of novel prognostic markers.

Recent findings: Long-term data on combined modalities (associating chemotherapy and radiotherapy) still supports their benefit in terms of progression free survival compared to chemotherapy alone in both early favourable and early unfavourable interim PET-negative classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. Novel agents, such as Brentuximab Vedotin and checkpoints inhibitors show promising and impressive results when added to first-line treatment. Various strategies have been used, mainly in phase 2 non randomized clinical trials. Interim PET-scan has limited prognostic value and its role in regimens incorporating immunotherapies is yet unknown. Other prognosis markers emerge, such as metabolic tumour volume and circulating tumour DNA. By reflecting tumour burden pretreatment and minimal residual disease on treatment, they might be useful tools guiding treatment decisions.

Summary: Novel immunotherapy agents are likely to change the landscape in front-line management of classical early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma by combined modality treatment. Despite encouraging recent data, proof of their efficacy and safety on the longer term are still needed. Treatment decisions might be guided by new promising prognosis markers but their use in clinical practice is still to be determined.