Pulmonary Function in Patients With Hodgkin's Disease Receiving Bleomycin-Based Chemotherapy

A Prospective Study of Pulmonary Function in Patients With Hodgkin's Disease Receiving Bleomycin-Based Chemotherapy With or Without Mediastinal Irradiation

The purpose of this study is to find out the impact Bleomycin-containing chemotherapy, given with or without chest radiation therapy, on patients' lung function over time.

• The tests and procedures in this study are part of regular cancer care but this study offers more structured timing of these standard tests.
• Due to the potential lung toxicity associated with bleomycin-based chemotherapy, pulmonary function tests are routinely performed. Pulmonary function tests will be performed by a licensed, registered respiratory therapist and performed prior to the beginning of treatment, between the chemotherapy and radiation therapy (only for patients receiving both chemotherapy and radiation therapy), and at approximately 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after the completion of all treatments.
• A CAT scan will be performed prior to the beginning of treatment, and approximately 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after the completion of all treatments.
• A self-administered questionnaire will be performed on the days the patient is undergoing pulmonary function tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin's disease, with mediastinal involvement
• Bleomycin-based chemotherapy alone or in combination with mediastinal irradiation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior chest irradiation
• Mediastinal irradiation received at an outside institution
• Refractory or progressive disease on treatment