Combination chemotherapy of Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract

Fifty-two patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease seen at the Massachusetts General Hospital since 1967 were treated with the MOPP (nitrogen mustard, vincristine, prednisone, and Procarbazine) combination. Of these patients, 35 had had no prior treatment, while 17 had relapsed after radiotherapy or single drug chemotherapy. The primary treatment group had a complete response rate of 91%, 66% of whom remain disease-free at a median remission duration exceeding 22 months. Complete responses occurred in 71% of the secondary treatment group, of whom 47% remain free of disease with a median in excess of 21 months. All Stage IIIA and IVA patients remain in complete remission, but 50% of those treated in Stage IIIB and IVB have relapsed. Relapses have occurred in 5 of 8 patients over the age of 50 years; bone marrow toxicity from MOPP was more severe in the older patients. Cancer 33:1499–1504, 1974.