Successful Management of Paediatric Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at Desun Cancer Institute

December 27, 2025

Initial Presentation and Diagnosis

A 10-year-old boy from Malda arrived at Desun Cancer Institute with persistent fever, weight loss, and swelling of the neck lymph nodes, which doctors consider classic warning signs of lymphoma. Blood tests revealed elevated ESR and LDH levels, prompting further investigation. The Oncology team performed a lymph node biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a highly treatable but potentially aggressive cancer.

In order to assess the extent of disease, Specialists at Desun performed an advanced PET-CT scan to map lymph node involvement across the chest and abdomen, enabling accurate staging and forming the basis for a tailored treatment plan. Desun’s recent JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation, the global standard in patient safety and quality care, reinforced the oncology team’s ability to follow globally aligned treatment protocols, particularly important in complex cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma. At every step, from biopsy analysis to PET-CT staging and chemotherapy delivery, Desun adheres to stringent international safety and quality standards, enhancing treatment precision and reducing complications.  

Paediatric-Specific Cancer Treatment Strategy

Since paediatric cancers require specialised protocols, the child was put under care of a multi-disciplinary team involving Paediatricians and Oncologists on a regimen to balance effective treatment with minimised long-term side effects. A multi-disciplinary tumour board, including Paediatricians, Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Nuclear Medicine Specialists, Dieticians, and Paediatric Nurses, designed a personalised care plan. The boy underwent cycles of chemotherapy appropriate for his disease stage, followed by targeted radiation therapy to involved lymph node regions. Throughout the treatment, Desun’s Specialists monitored his organ functions, growth parameters, and blood counts to ensure safe delivery of therapy.  

Supportive Care to Reduce Complications

Since children receiving chemotherapy are vulnerable to infections and nutritional deficits, specialists at Desun Cancer Institute  provided continuous supportive care, including proper management of nausea, necessary antibiotics when required, growth factor injections to maintain blood counts, and psychological counselling for both child and parents. Periodic bone marrow assessments ensured complete response to therapy and helped track remission progress. The hospital’s child-friendly infrastructure, compassionate nursing, and play therapy support created a comforting environment during his long treatment journey.  

Remission and Recovery

Repeat PET-CT scans within six months confirmed the boy had achieved complete remission. He gradually regained strength, restarted regular meals, and began light physical activity as advised by physiotherapists. With remission established, the focus shifted to long-term survivorship care, which included periodic scans, blood tests, and counselling to monitor his physical and emotional well-being. His immune system steadily recovered, and he resumed school and social life, even participating in sports and other physical activities.  

Outcome and Clinical Significance

The child is now active, healthy, and leading a normal childhood, with his recovery standing witness to the excellence of Desun Cancer Institute’s care, particularly in paediatric cancers, where specialised expertise, precision imaging, advanced therapies, and compassionate support make all the difference. Desun’s combination of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, evidence-based treatments, and sensitive patient care helped this young boy overcome a life-threatening cancer and move towards a bright, healthy future.