The Hutchinson Center pioneered bone marrow transplantation as a treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (formerly known as Hodgkin Disease) and other blood cancers. Today, the Center is researching new ways to treat patients prior to stem cell transplantation, and our scientists are in late-stage clinical trials of a drug to treat residual Hodgkin lymphoma in patients after stem cell transplantation. Center investigators have also studied the long-term effects of stem cell and bone marrow transplantation on mental skills. Additionally, the Hutchinson Center’s lymphoma program includes nationally prominent clinician researchers who have helped craft the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines for malignant lymphomas.
Diseases & Research
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Fast Facts
- Hodgkin lymphoma occurs in lymphocytes, white blood cells that are transported by the lymph system, a network of organs, nodes and vessels that are part of the body’s immune system.
- Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of the Reed-Sternberg cell, which is a lymphocyte that becomes abnormal. The Reed-Sternberg cell does not die when it should, does not protect the body from infections and eventually multiplies to form a tumor.
- Symptoms include enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen or other immune system tissue, fever, weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats.
- Hodgkin lymphoma is considered one of the most treatable types of lymphoma with strong survival rates.
Treatment & Prognosis
Transplant – Led by Nobel Prize recipient Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, Hutchinson Cancer researchers have transformed bone marrow transplantation into standard treatment for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. The procedure is widely recognized as one of the greatest achievements in cancer treatment that has saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients. Learn more »
Iodine I 131 – Scientists are currently researching iodine I 131, a Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies, that can potentially find cancer cells and carry cancer-killing substances to them without harming healthy cells. The study, led by Dr. Ajay Gopal, looks to administer the antibody prior to an autologous stem cell transplant in treating patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Learn more »
Brentuximab Vedotin – Dr. Leona Holmberg is leading a clinical trial examining the drug brentuximab vedotin as an effective therapy for treating post-stem cell transplantation patients who are at high risk of residual Hodgkin lymphoma. Learn more »
Treatment evaluation – Dr. Oliver Press is leading a clinical trial to study fludeoxyglucose F 18-PET/CT imaging to see how well it works in assessing response to combination chemotherapy and allow doctors to plan better additional further treatment in treating patients with late stage Hodgkin lymphoma. Learn more »
Improving Survival
Mental function – Research by Dr. Karen Syrjala shows that the decline in mental skills experienced by many bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients is largely temporary. Patients who experience these symptoms can expect a return to normal cognitive functions within a year of their transplant, according to Syrjalas' 2004 study. More recent research shows that mental conditions continue to improve after one year. Learn more »
10-year health – A study by Dr. Syrjala shows that after 10 years survivors of stem cell transplants for blood cancers are nearly as healthy as people who didnt undergo the procedure. Both populations had similar rates of asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and osteoporosis. In addition, they also had similar psychological health, marital satisfaction and employment. Learn more »
Treatment Options
Hodgkin Lymphoma treatment at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
SCCA combines the expertise and experience of the Hutchinson Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children's.
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Information about current studies involving new treatments for Hodgkin Lymphoma.
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