Radiotherapy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

One hundred and eighty-five patients with clinical stages I, II non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated between 1952 and 1982 with radiotherapy. Histological evaluation was reviewed blindly in one hundred and thirty-eight patiants by Rappaport's classification and LSG classification. Over 50% seven-year cumulative survival was obtained in stage I, II non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and the survical rate for diffevent classifications had shown significant characteristics of Japanese non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy which was completed in twenty seven cases gave good prognosis to the patients. Indications for combined radiotherapy/chemotherapy program for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients is discussed. (author)