Hodgkin Lymphoma Program

About us

The Hodgkin Lymphoma Program is a part of Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center (DF/CHCC). We combine the expertise of both Boston Children's Hospital, one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a national leader in cancer care.

Our Hodgkin Lymphoma Program treats children and adolescents with both newly diagnosed and recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma. Our multidisciplinary care team is made up of specialists with specific expertise in pediatric lymphomas, including:

• oncologists
• radiation oncologists
• surgeons
• interventional and diagnostic radiologists
• hematopathologists

We evaluate, diagnose and treat children with all forms of Hodgkin lymphoma and related disorders. We also provide consultation services and long-term follow-up for pediatric and adolescent patients.
 

Diagnosis, treatment & care

If your child has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, you probably have a lot of questions about the treatment and care he will receive. Our program offers the latest treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma and our researchers work continuously to develop and refine treatment options. We offer:

• advanced radiologic imaging including PET scans, MRI, CT and bone scans
• biopsy via minimally invasive surgery such as thoracoscopy or open surgery as appropriate to your child’s condition
• pathologic diagnosis with access to specialized services, such as classical cytogenetics, FISH, molecular techniques such as PCR and flow cytometry
• access to most current research studies via the Children's Oncology Group, a national research consortium and a national collaborative focused only on pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma
• individualized treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs
• access to experimental therapies for recurrent or refractory lymphoma
• a Pediatric Advanced Care Team with expertise in palliative care and symptom management

We offer comprehensive multidisciplinary consultation services to physicians and families at the time of diagnosis, on therapy, at relapse and in follow-up.
 

Other services provided include:

• alternative medicine consultation and treatment integrated into the comprehensive care plan
• a designated resource specialist to help families apply for assistance from cancer-related organizations and relevant federal and local programs
• Ronald McDonald House for short-term lodging
• pediatric psychologists and social workers available for patients, siblings and parents
• medical ethics consultation
• an integrated relationship with other adult and pediatric subspecialty physicians and services such as cardiology, pulmonary, endocrinology, reproductive and gynecologic services, neurology, anesthesia, dermatology, nutrition, physical therapy.
• infectious disease physicians who specialize in the care of cancer patients
• a school re-entry program

Click here for more information on our pediatric support services.
 

Long-term follow-up

Our David B. Perini Quality of Life Clinic specializes in long-term issues for cancer survivors. This program helps patients cope with the medical, emotional, developmental and financial consequences of having had cancer.