ABVD consists of the chemotherapy drugs Adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine. It has been shown to be as effective as MOPP, with fewer side effects. ABVD cannot be given to patients who have heart or lung problems because of its toxicity to those organs. Radiotherapy or radiation therapy is another treatment option. It is given through a series of outpatient hospital visits.
Radiation is given to a specific location on the body called a treatment field.
Side effects of radiation depend on where the radiation field is and may include fatigue, loss of appetite, skin burn, throat irritation, nausea, and hair loss. Despite these treatments, a patient may have a recurrence of Hodgkin's disease and will need further therapy. In addition to an increased incidence of leukemia in some patients who have been treated with MOPP chemotherapy, some women who were treated with radiation to the chest develop breast cancer due to treatment. Cure For Lymphoma Foundation provides this information as a service. Publication of this information is not intended to take the place of medical care or the advice of your doctor.