Hodgkin's disease in children. A retrospective analysis: 1958-73.

One hundred nine children with Hodgkin's disease consecutively treated at The Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, during 1958-1973 are reviewed. Crude 5-year survival rates, regardless of stage, were 1958-64--50%; 1965-68--73%; and 1969-73--95%. The corresponding 5-year relapse-free rates were 19%, 20%, and 57%. This progressive improvement in results was associated with the sequential introduction of lymphography and laparotomy with splenectomy, the change from involved field to extended field irradiation, and the introduction of multiple agent chemotherapy, at first for generalized relapse and recently as elective initial therapy, combined with extended field irradiation for children in advanced stages.