Patients diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease have a high cure rate. However,
long-term survivors of the disease are at significantly increased risk for many
late complications. The most serious late effects faced by these patients include
the development of a second malignancy or cardiovascular disease. Ongoing trials
investigating treatment reduction, including using lower radiation dose, smaller
radiation field size, and abbreviated chemotherapy, will hopefully help in
limiting the treatment-related complications. Continued long-term follow-up of
survivors, careful documentation of the broad range of late effects,
identification of risk factors, development and evaluation of screening programs,
and preventative therapy for specific late complications are important steps in
improving the survival and quality of life of patients who have been cured of
Hodgkin's disease.