Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma

Your treatment depends on several factors. These include what type of Hodgkin lymphoma you have and its stage Open a glossary item. It also depends on your general health.

The main treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma include:

  • chemotherapy
  • radiotherapy
  • targeted cancer drugs
  • stem cell transplants

A team of doctors and other professionals discuss the best treatment and care with you.

Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your health when preparing for treatment. This is called prehabilitation or prehab.

Treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma treatment is usually very successful and most people are cured. The treatment you have depends on the type and stage of your Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as your general health. You might have more than one treatment.

Chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells. You normally have several chemotherapy drugs together during a course of treatment. Find out about the chemotherapy drugs used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma.

Radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to kill Hodgkin lymphoma cells. You may have radiotherapy after chemotherapy or on its own.

Targeted and immunotherapy drugs for Hodgkin lymphoma

Targeted cancer drugs are drugs that change the way that cells work and help the body control the growth of cancer. Immunotherapy is treatment that stimulates the bodies immune system to fight cancer.

Stem cell transplant for Hodgkin lymphoma

You might have a stem cell transplant if your Hodgkin lymphoma has come back after treatment. This is called relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma. Find out how you have a stem cell transplant and possible side effects.

Follow up after Hodgkin lymphoma treatment

You have regular follow up after treatment. This is to check how you are and whether you have any problems. Find out about follow up appointments and tests after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Last reviewed: 
21 Jun 2024
Next review due: 
21 Jun 2027