News & Events
Voices of Hodgkin’s Blog
Voices of Hodgkin’s Blog
Aerobic Physical Activity Reduces Depression Among Adults With Cancer
Healio –

This article focuses on the emotional benefits of physical activity, particularly regarding depression – a common late effect of cancer survivorship. From the study: “Results showed statistically significant improvement in self-reported depression 1 month — and as long as 6 to 12 months — after completion of an aerobic physical activity intervention compared with usual care or no intervention.”

Arm Symptoms Common in Breast Cancer Survivors With and Without Lymphedema
Oncology Nurse Advisor –

Unfortunately, many Hodgkin’s survivors have been diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of their earlier treatment. Arm symptoms, including pain, swelling, and limited movement, can be a nagging issue for these survivors, adding to what may be a long list of post-cancer ailments.

Surgeon Roundtable: Complex and High-Risk Heart Valve Surgery
HeartValveSurgery.com –

Patients, their families and medical teams can all agree that there are inherent risks when undergoing any type of heart valve surgery. That said, treatment options and approaches may change when a patient is considered “high-risk” due to complex cardiac conditions, health problems, advanced age and/or heart valve reoperations. To learn more about the therapeutic options and medical advances designed for patients considered “high-risk”, we sat down with two expert heart surgeons from the Cleveland Clinic.

Surgeon Q&A: Rigid Sternal Fixation: A New Approach to Sternal Closure
HeartValveSurgery.com –

For Hodgkin’s survivors who are facing open-heart surgery, concerns about how their radiated chests will heal are real and warranted. We know that mediastinal radiation, particularly older forms of radiation, can make healing difficult. However, there is another way to close the sternum that offers a faster recovery time and minimal pain. The technique is called Rigid Sternal Fixation.

Evidence-Based Nutrition Guidance to Drive Better Patient Outcomes
Oncology Times –

This article dispels many myths that we have heard over the years. The author presents fact-based and anecdotal evidence that what we eat matters!

Physical Exercise Prevents Nerve Damage Caused by Chemotherapy
Healio –

This article describes the results of recent study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine. It explores a fairly common side effect of some cancer treaments, “chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy,” or CIPN. More than just an annoying condition, CIPN can have a significant effect on the quality of life for survivors. The study presented here offers some exciting news about possible treatments for this condition.

Study Finds Early Menopause May Be Linked to Greater Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancers
The ASCO Post –

Many women who are long-term Hodgkin’s survivors experience early menopause as a result of their radiation and chemotherapy treatments, especially if they received them at a young age. As we are already at risk for breast cancer due to the same treatments, it is important to be aware of any additional risk factors.

Childhood Cancer Survivors May Benefit From Plant-Rich Foods
Oncology Times –

Interesting study from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (SJLIFE), and originally published int the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The results may not be surprising, but it does appear that a plant-based diet has even more significance for childhood cancer survivors when it comes to premature aging and other health factors. (Note: the term “childhood cancer survivors” may include young adults in their 20’s).

Cancer Survivors “Lost In Transition”
Cancer Therapy Advisor –

Here is a brief summation of a research study published by the JCO Oncology of Practice (May 24, 2024) that appeared in the Cancer Therapy Advisor. In short, it describes the decline in follow-up care with primary care providers after five years of completing treatment.

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.