Treatment of New Hodgkina lymphoma increases fertility without sacrificing survival

Young adults who have been diagnosed with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma may no longer have to choose between survival and future parenthood. The main international study, published in Lancet Oncology, shows that the new chemotherapy scheme, Brecadd, significantly improves fertility results compared to the long-used EBEACOPP-BEZ protocol damage to recovery indicators. The results conducted by scientists from the University Hospital and the German research group Hodgkin (GHSG) are ready to change the standard guidelines for the treatment of younger patients who hope to have children after cancer.

The results were published under the title

Fertility friendly option for young cancer patients

Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphatic system cancer, is one of the most common cancers affecting teenagers and young adults. While current therapies effectively achieve remission, they often amount to high costs: permanent infertility, especially in men.

The HD21 study compared two treatments: the standard Ebeacopp scheme and a newer, experimental Brecadd protocol. Of the over 1,500 participants in nine countries, Brecadd treated people showed a much better return to hormonal health three years after treatment.

In particular, 95% of women and 86% of men in the Brecadd group regained normal hormone levels – consisting of only 73% of women and 40% of men in the Ebeacopp group. The study also recorded more pregnancies and births among people who received Brecadd.

“In the case of young adults with lymphoma Hodgkin Brecadd offers a greater chance to build a family after defeating cancer – without a compromise of survival,” said Dr. Justin Ferdinandus, a research doctor from GHSG and the first author of the study. “It’s a win.”

New standard of care

Brecadd is already adopted as new standard treatment in the first color in the University Hospital and has been integrated with current guidelines for the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in patients who want fertility.

“HD21 research mainly changes clinical practice,” said Dr. Karolin Behringer, a research doctor and senior author of this article. “Our data clearly support Brecadd as a preferred option for younger patients – especially those who want children in the future.”

The study followed the recovery of hormones through the levels of hormone stimulating serum in the blood (FSH), a key marker of fertility marker of both men and women. Scientists also collected data on actual pregnancies and live births, providing real evidence of long -term benefits of Brecadd outside the laboratory.

Supported by global cooperation

The HD21 study was a randomized clinical trial of phase III involving 233 medical centers in nine countries, covering patients up to 60 years old. The study was supported by Takeda Oncology and is one of the most comprehensive efforts to assess fertility results after cancer treatment.

“This is a key moment in the field of oncology and survival care,” said Dr. Ferdinandus. “We not only save lives – we help patients live the life they dreamed of from cancer.”

What does this mean for patients

Discoveries are particularly significant for patients with teenagers and young adults (AYA) who often encounter difficult decisions about maintaining fertility at the time of diagnosis. Thanks to Brecadd, it may be less necessary to resort to invasive or expensive procedures for maintaining fertility before starting treatment.

Especially in the case of men, the study indicates a significant increase in the likelihood of biological paternity of children after treatment-in which Ebeacopp was clearly limited.

Scientists hope that these discoveries will encourage oncologists around the world to consider Brecadd for the option of the first line of Hodgkin lymphoma in patients aware of fertility.