A Review of Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Era of Checkpoint Inhibitors

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a hematopoietic malignancy of B-cells that has bimodal distribution with respect to age and incidence. With the introduction doxorubicin (Adriamycin), bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) radiation combined, prognosis HL significantly improved, five-year survival rates approaching 95%. While become highly curable, side effect profiles ABVD are dire warrant continuous review. Because often diagnosed in populations their 20s-30s, patients forced undergo fertility preservation procedures as well deal other long-term effects chemotherapy (including dose-dependent cardiotoxicity bleomycin-induced lung toxicity). The opportunity cost treatment short term vulnerability treatment-induced malignancies decades later dramatically affect quality life patients. New therapies have developed over past several immunotherapies, particularly programmed death protein 1 inhibitors (e.g., nivolumab pembrolizumab). Studies shown checkpoint be effective treating an objective response rate 69% for relapsed/refractory classical use. Checkpoint will continue help maintain high hopefully more favorable profile term, patient’s life. This article seeks summarize options while comparing outcomes addition inhibitors.