Hematologic recovery and deterioration after 'successful' radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease

Long term hematological profiles were compiled for 50 consecutive patients who remained continuously free of Hodgkin's disease, more than 5 yr after nodal irradiation. Return of peripheral blood values to normal occurred consistently, and recovery has been sustained over the years of observation. In the entire series of 180 cases, only 7 patients have experienced a hematological deterioration in the absence of further marrow suppressive therapy. Intervals from initial treatment to hematological deterioration ranged from several weeks to more than 5 yr. In 3 cases the cause could not be established before death. There was eventual histological confirmation of recurrent Hodgkin's disease in 6 of the 7 patients. Unexplained depression of peripheral blood counts after completion of radiotherapy should be interpreted as presumptive evidence for recurrent disease.