This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of HLH-2004 chemotherapy in patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH). 10 cases of sHLH treated with HLH-2004 regimen at our department were analyzed retrospectively. The results showed that 7 patients had clinical response to HLH-2004 regimen, while other 3 patients had no clinical response. 5 cases did not complete initial therapy of 8 weeks. Out of 5 cases, 4 died in the process of chemotherapy, 1 patient abandoned for serious side effects but finally acquired remission following 4 cycles of CHOP regimen. 5 cases underwent the whole courses of initial therapy. Out of 5 cases, 3 patients acquired remission, and other 2 were not well controlled. Out of the 3 patients who had achieved remission, one died of relapse, and other 2 patients kept remission. Out of the 2 patients who were not well controlled, one patient died, but another patient acquired remission after being discharged. It is concluded that patients with infection-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (IAHS) have high rates of remission after receiving HLH-2004 regimen combining with effective antibiotics. However, patients with HLH secondary to EBV (EBV-HLH) or lymphoma (LAHS) have low rates of remission or are easy to get relapse after remission.