Researchers from RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers Cancer Institute, Tufts Medical Center, and The University of Manchester have developed the Early-stage Hodgkin International Prognostication Index (E-HIPI), marking a significant advancement in precision medicine for adults with early-stage classic Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The E-HIPI model was developed using data from over 3,000 adult patients across four international phase III clinical trials and validated in two real-world registry cohorts of more than 2,300 patients, demonstrating strong and consistent performance.

This new model complements the previously established A-HIPI model for advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, integrating treatment regimens for improved personalized predictions in future research.

E-HIPI utilizes common clinical variables such as patient sex, tumor size, and laboratory results to predict the likelihood of remaining cancer-free for two years, thereby facilitating personalized treatment planning.

Notably, the E-HIPI model outperformed the existing European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) classification system and includes interactive online risk calculators to aid decision-making between clinicians and patients.

Dr. Andrew M. Evens, a leading researcher in the study, emphasized the model's potential to enhance clinical decision-making and improve long-term outcomes for Hodgkin's lymphoma patients.

The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Evidence and presented at the 18th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma, highlighting the significance of this research.

The research was supported by the HoLISTIC Consortium, which combines data from significant clinical trials and cancer registries to promote the advancement of precision medicine in Hodgkin's lymphoma care.

Future efforts will focus on refining the E-HIPI model by integrating treatment regimens and estimating long-term consequences post-therapy.

Dr. Evens also highlighted the importance of having a validated tool to assess relapse risk in early-stage classic Hodgkin's lymphoma, a highly curable cancer.

The E-HIPI model aims to provide a more individualized approach to patient care, enhancing the overall management of Hodgkin's lymphoma.