News & Events
Voices of Hodgkin’s Blog
Voices of Hodgkin’s Blog
First TAVR for Aortic Regurgitation Moves to Phase 3 Trial
Medscape –

Here is some good news for Hodgkin’s survivors who suffer from cardiac failure due to aortic valve regurgitation – a common late effect for those who had chest radiation. The forward progression of this trial could ultimately mean that there are additional, far less invasive (and grueling!) options for open-heart surgery (SAVR). Hodgkin’s survivors often have complicating co-morbidities when it comes to surgical valve replacement procedures, making the use of TAVR a welcome choice.

One-third of childhood cancer survivors fear recurrence as adults
HemOnc Today –

This article summarizes a study using data collected from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. It affirms that long-term cancer survivors, even those who are decades beyond treatment, continue to have a fear of recurrence. This research went beyond merely compiling statistics. It looked at some of the predictors and risk factors as well as interventions to help survivors manage these fears.

‘Alarmingly’ few childhood cancer survivors undergo recommended surveillance for late effects
HemOnc Today –

The results of this recent study show that only about one-third of childhood cancer survivors adhered to follow-up recommendations regarding late effects. This finding is indeed alarming but probably not surprising to many long-term survivors.

New Combination Chemotherapy For Untreated Hodgkin Lymphoma Feasible In Older Patients
Hematology Advisor –

A new first-line chemotherapy regimen of prednisone, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and bendamustine (PVAB) yields a high complete metabolic response (CMR) rate with acceptable toxicity in older patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), according to research published in Blood.

Childhood Cancer Survivors At Greater Risk For Death After Major Cardiovascular Event
Healio –

This article describes research done by the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and CARDIA, which stands for “Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults.” These two organizations combined their data bases to create an in-depth study of the specific risks for childhood cancer survivors. The results are concerning, and they underline the need for early and frequent observation post treatment.

Dana-Farber Adult Survivorship Program
Dana Farber Cancer Institute – The Adult Survivorship Program team and Lymphoma Division at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has created an evidence-based Hodgkin Lymphoma online educational resource website for Hodgkin Lymphoma survivors, loved ones, caregivers, and clinicians. We have designed this program to describe the different aspects of survivorship for Hodgkin Lymphoma patients, including cancer risks, care of your heart, healthy living, emotional well-being, family and relationships, and general tips. This website provides specific strategies to manage potential late and long-term effects from chemotherapy and/or radiation for Hodgkin Lymphoma and other related cancers.
‘Readily Available’ Biomarkers May Predict Survivors at Risk for Cardiomyopathy
HemOnc today –

This article in HemOnc Today describes a recent study that evaluated the use of specific biomarkers, namely global longitudinal strain (GLS) and N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to identify childhood cancer survivors who may be at risk for cardiomyopathy. The study was done through the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort study.

Doxorubicin Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk in Survivor of Adolescent and Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma
Journal of Clinical Oncology –

This research paper takes a look at the risk of breast cancer from doxorubicin exposure in female survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma who are between the ages of 15-50 years of age and five years post treatment. The period of treatment was between 1975 and 2008. The study was first presented in 2021 at the ASCO Annual Meeting.

Of note is that the authors found an increased risk of breast cancer in this cohort independent of whether or not radiation was also a part of the treatment protocol.

Patient Webinar: Advances in Robotic Heart Valve Surgery
HeartValveSurgery.com –

During this special patient webinar, you will learn critical insights about new advances in minimally-invasive, robotic heart valve surgery. The featured speakers are Dr. Pavan Atluri, Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Cardiac Surgery, and Dr. Michael Ibrahim, Director of Reconstructive Valve Surgery, at Penn Medicine.

Overview of Cancer Survivorship Care for Primary Care and Oncology Providers
Up To Date –

This is a “must read” paper for survivors and medical providers. It is exactly what is needed in the world of cancer survivorship–a comprehensive template for insuring that survivors get the care that they need. Download it, pass it on, place it in the hands of your doctors and caretakers.