Predictive Model Aims to Personalize Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment

The development of predictive models for Hodgkin lymphoma is advancing with a focus on simplicity, objectivity, and broad applicability. According to Andrew Evens, DO, MBA, MSc, deputy director for clinical services and chief physician officer, Rutgers Cancer Institute and Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, a key strength of the E-HIPI model lies in its use of continuous, objective, and widely available clinical variables, deliberately avoiding subjective or inaccessible data like certain gene expressions. This makes the model both practical and scalable. Its primary purpose is to inform patients about their likelihood of cure or relapse, which in turn can improve clinical decision-making.

Beyond patient counseling, these models also hold promise for refining risk stratification in clinical trials. For instance, identifying ultra-low-risk patients could lead to treatment de-escalation, while higher-risk groups might benefit from intensified or novel therapies. This approach could shape more targeted trial designs and therapeutic breakthroughs.

The research is evolving in phases. The current phase assesses pretreatment risk, but future steps will incorporate the impact of specific treatments. This includes evaluating different regimens and integrating interim PET scan data—typically collected after 2 cycles—to further refine prognostic accuracy. The next stage will also examine survivorship by modeling long-term and late treatment effects such as cardiopulmonary issues, neuropathy, and diminished quality of life.

Using a consortium-based registry of nearly 10,000 patients, the team is constructing models to estimate not only initial outcomes but also posttreatment complications and relapse scenarios. These efforts are designed to remain adaptive as new therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted agents, enter the field.

Finally, Evens emphasized the importance of global, multidisciplinary collaboration in this work. Contributions from adult and pediatric lymphoma experts, radiation oncologists, statisticians, biologists, and quality-of-life researchers have been essential.