Are there side effects of Hodgkin's lymphoma treatments?

The treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma aims to destroy all lymphoma cells. However, like any other treatment, this one also involves some unwanted side effects. Every individual is different and hence the impact of drugs also varies which results in different side effects experienced by every individual undergoing treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These symptoms can be mild to moderate or even severe. Although, many of the side effects are common and every individual might not experience it while on treatment. 


Chemotherapy is used to kill the cancerous cells of the body. It involves either intravenous or oral administration of the drugs which reach the entire body via the bloodstream. Chemo is one of the main lines of treatment for treating Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is even given in combination with other anti-cancer drugs or even is followed by radiation therapy, at times.

Which drugs are used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

A variety of drugs in combination with chemo is an effective way for the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Because different drugs have a different mechanism of actions to kill the cancerous cells of the body. Some of the drugs include: 


• ABVD which involves a proper regimen including Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine
• BEACOPP which involves a proper regimen involving Bleomycin, Etoposide, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide, Oncovin, Procarbazine, Prednisone
• Stanford V involving a regimen of Doxorubicin, Mechlorethamine, Vincristine, Vinblastine, Bleomycin, Etoposide, Prednisone and followed by radiation therapy


Radiation therapy is also given after several other drug regimens for more effective coverage of killing the cancerous cells of the body.

What are the side effects of treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Many unwanted side effects are caused during the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The effects vary depending on the type of drug therapy and dosage used. However, some of the common side effects include:

• Hair loss

• Extreme levels of fatigue because of lesser blood cells

• Mouth soreness

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Excessive bleeding or easy bruising because of lack of blood platelets

• Peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage

• Bladder irritation can also be caused by the high dose of drugs

• Diarrhea or changes in bowel habits like constipation etc.

Many of these symptoms appear temporarily and fades away after treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is stopped. However, sometimes severe symptoms appear and because of that therapy has to be stopped temporarily.

Are there any long-term side effects of treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Some of the chemo drugs used during treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma leave a long-lasting side effect on the body of a person. Some of these appear even later after few years of stopping the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Some of the commonly appearing long-term side effects include:


• The lung damage caused by prolonged Bleomycin therapy and because of this, even pulmonary function tests are required to analyze the condition. 
• Some drugs trigger another kind of cancers at later stages of life like leukemia mainly in radiation therapy patients.
• Doxorubicin can cause heart damage upon prolonged treatment and hence, heart function tests are often recommended in such cases.
• Some of the drugs involved in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma negatively impacts growth and fertility of the growing children or even the adults etc.


These symptoms do not go away easily and proper treatment is required. Sometimes stopping the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma permanently or switching to other available options is best. Your physician is the best one to discuss your after effects post-treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If you experience any unwanted symptoms during or after the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, then you must certainly discuss the details with your doctor.

Also Read: What are the first signs of lymphoma cancer?

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