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PubMed This is a summary of 100 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Oncology

Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Comprehensive Patient Guide

At a Glance

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a highly curable blood cancer. This comprehensive guide helps patients navigate every stage of their disease, from understanding pathology reports and staging to standard treatments like ABVD chemotherapy and long-term survivorship.

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL), you likely have a lot of questions. This resource guide is designed to empower you with evidence-based information, translating complex medical data into clear, actionable insights so you can advocate for yourself and effectively partner with your care team.

While a cancer diagnosis is inherently frightening, classic Hodgkin Lymphoma is one of the most well-understood and highly curable forms of cancer. Advances in targeted therapies, imaging, and response-adapted treatments have transformed the landscape, leading to exceptional long-term survival rates.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is structured to walk you through every phase of the disease, from the initial shock of diagnosis to long-term survivorship. We recommend reviewing the pages in order, or jumping to the section most relevant to your current situation:

01

Understanding Your Diagnosis: Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma

Recently diagnosed with classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)? Learn about this highly curable cancer, HRS cells, staging, treatments, and fertility preservation.

02

The Biology and Subtypes of Your Lymphoma

Learn about the biology of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), Reed-Sternberg cells, the role of EBV, and the four main subtypes including nodular sclerosis.

03

Pathology, Staging, and Your Risk Score

Learn how to read your Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) pathology report, Lugano staging, and IPS risk score. Understand what interim PET (iPET) results mean.

04

Standard of Care and Frontline Treatments

Learn about frontline treatments for classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Understand response-adapted therapy, ABVD, A+AVD, and how iPET scans guide your care.

05

When the Cancer Returns: Relapsed and Refractory Disease

Learn about treatment options for relapsed and refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Discover salvage therapy, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapy.

06

Life After Treatment: Your Path Forward

Learn about life after classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) treatment. Understand late effects, screening guidelines, and why routine scans are not recommended.

Take your time. You don’t have to absorb everything at once. Use the questions provided at the end of each section to prepare for your medical appointments and ensure your voice is heard in every decision.

Common questions in this guide

Is classic Hodgkin lymphoma curable?
Yes, classic Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most well-understood and highly curable forms of cancer. Advances in targeted therapies and response-adapted treatments have led to exceptional long-term survival rates for patients.
What are the standard treatments for classic Hodgkin lymphoma?
Frontline treatments typically involve chemotherapy regimens such as ABVD or A+AVD. Treatment plans are highly personalized and often adapted based on how the cancer responds, which is monitored using interim PET scans.
Who should be on my care team after a cHL diagnosis?
Your core care team will primarily be led by a hematologist or medical oncologist. Depending on your specific treatment plan, your team may also include radiation oncologists, fertility specialists, oncology nurses, and patient navigators.
Do I need to make immediate lifestyle changes after a cHL diagnosis?
While drastic immediate changes may not be necessary, it is important to discuss work modifications and daily routines with your doctor. Securing a strong support system and evaluating fertility preservation options should be prioritized before starting treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.Based on the specifics of my diagnosis, what is the immediate next step in my care plan?
  2. 2.Who are the essential members of my care team going forward?
  3. 3.Are there any immediate lifestyle or work modifications I should make right now?

Questions For You

Tap a prompt to share your answer — we'll use it plus this page's context to start a tailored conversation.

This guide provides an educational overview of classic Hodgkin lymphoma and its treatments. It is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice from your hematologist or oncologist.

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