Hi If you (or your child) has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, the cancer care team will discuss treatment options with you. It’s important to think carefully about your choices. You will want to weigh the benefits of each treatment option against the possible risks and side effects. Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma is based largely on the stage (extent) of the disease. But other factors, including a person’s age and general health, and the type and location of the lymphoma, might also affect treatment options. For almost all patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, cure is the main goal. But treatment can have side effects that often don’t show up for many years. Because of this, doctors try to choose a treatment plan with the lowest risk of possible side effects. Depending on the type and stage of the lymphoma and other factors, treatment options for people with Hodgkin lymphoma can include: Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Immunotherapy (including monoclonal antibodies) High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant The main treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Depending on the situation, one or both of these treatments might be used. Certain patients might be treated with immunotherapy or with a stem cell transplant, especially if other treatments haven’t worked. Except for biopsy and staging, surgery is rarely used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. To learn about the most common approaches to treating these cancers and about treatment in special circumstances, see: Making Treatment Decisions It is important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. In choosing a treatment plan, consider your health and the type and stage of the Hodgkin lymphoma. It’s also very important to ask questions if you’re not sure about something. You can find some good questions in What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Hodgkin Lymphoma? Getting a second opinion If time allows, you may also want to get a second opinion. This can give you more information and help you feel more certain about the treatment plan you choose. If you aren’t sure where to go for a second opinion, ask your doctor for help. Thinking about taking part in a clinical trial Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies that are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures. Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they are not right for everyone. If you would like to learn more about clinical trials that might be right for you, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials. See Clinical Trials to learn more. Considering complementary and alternative methods You may hear about alternative or complementary methods that your doctor hasn’t mentioned to treat your cancer or relieve symptoms. These methods can include vitamins, herbs, and special diets, or other methods such as acupuncture or massage, to name a few. Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment. Although some of these methods might be helpful in relieving symptoms or helping you feel better, many have not been proven to work. Some might even be dangerous. Be sure to talk to your cancer care team about any method you are thinking about using. They can help you learn what is known (or not known) about the method, which can help you make an informed decision. See the Complementary and Alternative Medicine section to learn more. Help getting through cancer treatment Your cancer care team will be your first source of information and support, but there are other resources for help when you need it. Hospital- or clinic-based support services are an important part of your care. These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment. Call our National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-227-2345 and speak with one of our trained specialists. The treatment information given here is not official policy of the American Cancer Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor. Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don t hesitate to ask him or her questions about your treatment options. Regards Dr DE