The pathogenesis of Hodgkin's disease

Extensive clinical research over the past few decades has changed Hodgkin's disease from a routinely fatal disease to a usually curable disease. However, treatment is far from perfect; a substantial percentage of patients are not cured of their primary disease, and a substantial percentage of patients die of treatment-related second malignancies. Present efforts in clinical research are likely to result in improved antitumor therapy and a reduction in second malignancies; however, it is unrealistic to expect that they will result in striking improvements. Major new advances in Hodgkin's disease will require a better understanding of the biology of the disease.