Stanford V program for locally extensive and advanced Hodgkin lymphoma: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience

Background: The Stanford group has reported excellent results with the Stanford V regimen for patients with bulky and/or advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). However, Gobbi reported markedly inferior failure-free survival (FFS) comparing Stanford V to other regimens but included major deviations from the original program. We retrospectively examined whether treatment at our institution carefully following Stanford V guidelines would confirm the original Stanford outcome data. Patients and methods: From June 1995 to May 2002, 126 patients with either locally extensive or advanced HL were treated with the 12-week Stanford V chemotherapy program followed by 36-Gy involved-field radiotherapy to sites initially 5 cm and/or to macroscopic splenic disease. Overall, 26% had stage IV disease and 20% had international prognostic score (IPS)>= 4. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival, progression-free survival (PFS), FFS, and freedom from second relapse (FF2R) were determined. Results: The 5- and 7-year OS were 90% and 88%, respectively. The 5-year FFS was 78%. IPS 4 was a significant independent predictor of worse OS and PFS. The FF2R was 64% at 3 years. Conclusion: Stanford V with appropriate radiotherapy is a highly effective regimen for locally extensive and advanced HL.