QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN SURVIVORS OF HODGKINS-DISEASE

The great majority of patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) are success fully treated. However, several reports on treatment sequela have been published. The object of this study was to examine the quality of lif e (QOL) among survivors of HD focusing on gender and treatment modalit ies. All patients treated for HD at our oncological unit between 1985 and 1993 (n = 55) were registered. In December 1994, 49 survivors were mailed a questionnaire consisting of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Forty-two pat ients responded (86%). They reported a low frequency of symptoms and a high level of functioning. There was a significant correlation betwee n mantle field irradiation and dyspnoea (p = 0.023). Females reported a significantly superior global quality of life (p = 0.016) and a lowe r fatigue score (p = 0.040) compared to males. Almost half of the pati ents reported financial difficulties. To improve QOL among survivors o f HD, groups at risk have to be identified. Patients treated with mant le field irradiation and males seems to be at a higher risk. Should th e treatment of HD be altered towards less radiotherapy and more chemot herapy?