Weight changes in patients with hodgkin lymphoma following treatment: experience from a cancer hospital

Some recent studies have suggested that patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who undergo remission following treatment are likely to experience significant weight gain and may become overweight or obese. The association between treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma and subsequent weight gain has not been explored in Pakistan. We undertook a review of weight changes in adult Hodgkin lymphoma patients who received treatment at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore. Methods: In this longitudinal study, we collected and analysed secondary data including adult patients who received treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma at our institute from January 2010 till December 2013. We retrospectively noted baseline demographic, clinical characteristics, details about treatment received and change in weight from baseline at start of treatment to 6, 12, and 18 months after start of treatment. Results: A total of 470 patients registered for Hodgkin lymphoma at our centre. Data were available for 402 patients who were included in this study. Progressive increase in weight was observed in patients after treatment. The mean weight gain from the start of treatment to 6, 12, and 18 months was 3.1 kg, 7.1 kg, and 9.5 kg, respectively. Weight gain was not significantly associated with age or sex of patients. Weight gain was significantly associated with higher stages of cancer, response to treatment and B symptoms. Conclusion: The evaluation of Hodgkin lymphoma patients after treatment demonstrated considerable tendency for weight gain. Further work is warranted to explore this association and its impact on HL survivors. (author)