Clinical Research Directory

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed Hodgkin Lymphoma * Stage IA or IIA disease * No stage IA Hodgkin lymphoma with no clinical or CT evidence of disease after diagnostic biopsy * Above the diaphragm with no mediastinal bulk, defined as maximum transverse diameter of mediastinal mass * Internal thoracic diameter at level of D5/6 interspace \> 0.33 * Bulky disease at other sites, defined as nodal mass with transverse diameter ≥ 10 cm allowed PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for ≥ 6 months * No prior malignancy except appropriately treated basal cell carcinoma of the skin or carcinoma in situ of the cervix * No severe underlying illness considered to make the trial therapy hazardous (i.e., severe heart disease or lung fibrosis) * Willing to travel to the nearest PET scan center * Able to comply with protocol follow-up arrangements PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * No prior treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma * No contraindications to chemotherapy or radiotherapy