The Result of Combined Modality Treatment for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of Head and Neck

From April 1985 to September 1989, 26 patients with stage I and II non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of unfavorable histology localized in head and neck region were treated with combined modality (combination chemotherapy plus radiotherapy) at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology in Kyungpook National University Hospital. Of the 26 patients, 23 showed complete response and 3 partial response. Between these two groups there were no statistical differences according to the variables. Three-year survival and disease-free survival rate were 62.4% and 65.2%, respectively. Unilateral involvement of neck node (p<0.05), radiation dose over 5000 cGy (p<0.01,) and 6 or more cycles chemotherapy (p=0.06) had a favorable effect on 3-year survival rate. There were 8 recurrences including 3 partial responders, 1 local failure, 1 distant failure, 1 contiguous failure, and 2 simultaneous local and distant failure. It could be suggested that combined modality treatment might be necessary for the treatment of stage I and II Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of unfavorable histology