“Shrinking Lung” Radiation Technique in Hodgkin’s Disease

Abstract

We present a case of Classical Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis subtype, Stage IIB EX presenting with a large left lung mass, mediastinal lymph nodes, night sweats, 19% weight loss, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 110 ml/hr and a suboptimal response to 6 cycles of ABVD (Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine and Dacarbazine) chemotherapy. The patient then underwent radiation to the left lung followed by radiation to residual disease using what we describe as a “shrinking lung” radiation technique. A PET-CT done 8 months after radiation treatment was completed demonstrated a complete response. This case highlights the use of a traditional radiation technique in treatment of chemotherapy refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma to achieve a complete remission.