New multiple-agent chemotherapy (B-DOPA) for advanced Hodgkin's disease

B-DOPA (Bleomycin (B), D-imidazole carboxamide (D), Oncovin (O), Prednisone (P), Adriamycin (A) is a program developed for the treatment of Hodgkin's disease resistant to MOPP therapy. Twenty unselected patients were treated by the following dose schedule: B, 4 mg/m2 days 2 and 5; D, 150 mg/m2 days 1 to 5; O (vincristine), 1.5 mg/m2 days 1 and 5; P, 40 mg/m2 days 1 to 6; A, 60 mg/m2 day 1. Each course, was repeated at 3 to 4 week intervals to maximum adriamycin dose of 450 mg/m2. All patients had received prior MOPP therapy and six had received prior radiotherapy. Fifteen of the 20 patients entered into the study were evaluable for response. There were nine (60%) complete responders and three (20%) partial responders. The median duration of complete remission was 14+ months with six of nine patients remaining in remission to a maximum of 21 months. The median survival of the nonresponders was 3 months. B-DOPA is an effective combination chemotherapy regimen for advanced Hodgkin's disease in patients who have previously received MOPP treatment, including patients who are refractory to MOPP therapy. The B-DOPA program, or modifications thereof, may be integrated into primary treatment programs for advanced Hodgkin's disease.