Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) Clinical Trials and Treatments

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune defense network. It is distinguished from other lymphomas by the presence of large, abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. The disease is staged from I to IV based on how many lymph node regions are involved and whether it has spread beyond the lymphatic system to organs like the lungs, liver, or bone marrow.

The most common symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma include Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin, Persistent fatigue and unexplained weight loss, Drenching night sweats, Fever that comes and goes without infection, Itching all over the body without visible rash, among others. About 8,920 new cases expected in the U.S. in 2026 (American Cancer Society); approximately 2.6 per 100,000 people. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Hodgkin Lymphoma from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. Hodgkin lymphoma treatment is evolving rapidly beyond traditional chemotherapy, particularly for relapsed or refractory disease. Clinical trials are actively exploring next-generation antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, CAR-T cell therapies, and novel checkpoint inhibitor combinations.

Yes. As of October 21, 2026, 13 FDA-approved medicines have a current label that names Hodgkin Lymphoma: Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin); Bleomycin (bleomycin sulfate); Carmustine; Dacarbazine; Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (doxorubicin); Frindovyx (cyclophosphamide); Gleostine (lomustine); Keytruda (pembrolizumab); Leukeran; Matulane; Opdivo (nivolumab); Vinblastine Sulfate; and VinCRIStine Sulfate. Corticosteroids and immune globulins count once each.

Hodgkin Lymphoma arises from acquired (somatic) genetic changes in the affected cells, rather than from an inherited variant. Diagnosed by lymph node biopsy showing Reed-Sternberg cells; no tumor or germline gene test is required, though prior Epstein-Barr infection and family history raise risk. About 8,920 new cases expected in the U.S. in 2026 (American Cancer Society); approximately 2.6 per 100,000 people.

For Hodgkin Lymphoma the genetic testing that matters is usually of the tumor or affected blood cells rather than inherited DNA. Diagnosed by lymph node biopsy showing Reed-Sternberg cells; no tumor or germline gene test is required, though prior Epstein-Barr infection and family history raise risk.

Those results guide treatment choice and are often the entry requirement for targeted-therapy trials, so ask whether the biopsy was sent for molecular testing and request the report. The Genetic Testing section of this page lists laboratories in the NIH Genetic Testing Registry.

Eligibility for Hodgkin Lymphoma clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a Hodgkin Lymphoma clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.