Short-term outcome of hodgkin lymphoma patients and its prognostic factors in northeast peninsular Malaysia: A single centre experience

INTRODUCTION: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a hematopoietic malignancy characterized by the presence of Reed Sternberg cells, with generally favourable outcomes compared to other hematological malignancies. This study aims to determine the socio-demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics, as well as the short-term overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates, of HL patients treated at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), a tertiary centre in northeast peninsular Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of HL patients treated from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2018, with follow-up until December 31, 2021. Data on demographics, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. OS and PFS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS: Among 126 patients, the median follow up was 41 months. Most were male (55.6%) and of Malay ethnicity (97.6%). Nodular sclerosis was the predominant histology (52.4%), with 77.8% presenting with advanced-stage disease. All patients received chemotherapy, while 23.1% underwent combined modality therapy either with radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Post-treatment, only 34.1% achieved complete response. The 3-year OS and PFS rates were 74.9% and 59.5%, respectively-relatively lower than rates reported in developed countries. Independent adverse prognostic factors for OS and PFS included advanced-stage disease, bulky disease, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches to improve HL outcomes in northeast Peninsular Malaysia. The relatively modest OS and PFS rates compared to developed nations suggest potential benefits from enhanced access to advanced therapied and diagnostic tools like positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) scan.