Clinical achievements of the EORTC Lymphoma Group and aspects of future group strategy

Since 1964, the EORTC Lymphoma Group has conducted nine consecutive randomized phase III trials on early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma aimed at increasing efficacy while decreasing short- and long-term toxicities. Event-free and overall survival significantly improved from about 50% and 70%, respectively, in the early years to over 80% and 90%, respectively, more recently. Identification of prognostic subgroups appeared to be a successful method to tailor treatment strategies. Radiotherapy fields have become more restricted whereas chemotherapy has become standard. Early PET-CT has been introduced to investigate the possibility of treatment adaptation. Longitudinal quality-of-life assessment has become an integral part of our studies. An ongoing study focuses on the rehabilitation and quality of long-term survival in all 6658 Hodgkin lymphoma patients treated in EORTC trials since the earliest beginning. In advanced stages overall outcome has improved as well with 10-year survival rates of over 75%.