Delayed effect of radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy on ovarian function in women with Hodgkin's disease

In this retrospective investigation of 51 female patients with Hodgkin's disease, the age of the patient at the time of primary treatment and the extent of radiation therapy were the two most important factors determining post-therapy ovarian function. Favourable indicators of ovarian preservation included young age, especially premenarchal, at the time of primary therapy, and irradiation confined to above the pelvic brim, whereas, age over 40 and irradiation below the pelvic brim predicted high probability of ovarian failure. Overall, 55 per cent of female patients under the age of 50 treated with chemotherapy alone or with radiation therapy above the pelvic brim retained normal ovarian function. The stage of disease at presentation and the post-therapy status of disease had no apparent effect on subsequent menstrual function. (Auth.)