Background: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) generally provides good results in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). We studied a high-dose chemotherapy regimen based on thiotepa, etoposide and carboplatin (TECA). Methods: Fifty-eight patients with advanced HL were treated with thiotepa, etoposide and carbo platin for transplant induction. Results: The overall response rate was 79.3% (39 CR: 67.2%; and 7 PR: 12.1%); 12 patients (20.1%) were non-responders. The 5-year overall survival rate was 77.6%; five initially responder patients relapsed within the first 5 years of follow-up and underwent salvage therapy. Conclusion: The TECA conditioning regimen for ASCT in HL results in a good anti-HL effect, positive response to treatment and high 5-year overall survival rate. It was also well tolerated and did not induce excessive toxicity, suggesting that TECA may be a very useful conditioning regimen for HL. © W. S. Maney & Son Ltd 2012.