Pulmonary function following mantle-field irradiation for Hodgkin's disease

Following mantle-field irradiation for Hodgkin's disease, patients experience a transient acute pulmonary reaction resulting in a decreased vital capacity and forced expiratory volume. This reaction begins 2-3 months after the start of therapy, reaching a maximum intensity at 4-6 months and subsiding by about 8 months. In patients with intrathoracic disease, the improvement following tumor regression may result in a net increase in pulmonary function following treatment.