Evaluation of treatment outcome in 175 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma aged 60 years or over: the SHIELD study.

The SHIELD program for Hodgkin lymphoma in patients 60 years of age or older, prospectively evaluated clinical features and outcome in a large patient cohort (n = 175). The central element was a phase 2 study of VEPEMB chemotherapy (n = 103, median age 73 years) incorporating comorbidity assessment. A total of 72 other patients were treated off-study but registered prospectively and treated concurrently with: ABVD (n = 35); CLVPP (n = 19), or other (n = 18).

Investigating iron status in microcytic anaemia.

Microcytic anaemia is often assumed to indicate iron deficiency, but up to 20-30% of patients will have another diagnosis, particularly anaemia of chronic inflammation or myelodysplasia. Measurement of serum ferritin offers the best means of confirming iron deficiency, although in some cases a trial of iron may be required.