Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children. A comparative study of two modalities of therapy.

Eighty-six children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were studied from 1964 to January 31, 1975. Seventy-six percent of the 43 patients in the nonprotocol group had far advanced disease, and 76% had Rappaport's diffuse histology. Only 11% of these patients survived free of disease. The second group of 43 patients received the LSA2L2 protocol. Seventy-six percent had advanced disease and 86% diffuse histology. Of these patients 76% are surviving free of disease with a median observation time of 25+ months. Fifty-one percent of the survivors are off therapy and without evidence of disease. Prognostic factors such as primary sites, stages, histology, and others are discussed. The most important prognostic factor is early and aggressive therapy, and the achievement of a complete response status within 1-2 months from onset of therapy.