MACOP-B Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Diffuse Large-Cell Lymphoma

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Abstract
Between April 1981 and May 1984, 61 patients with advanced diffuse large-cell lymphoma completed treatment with MACOP-B (methotrexate with leucovorin rescue, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin), and innovative pilot chemotherapy program emphasizing weekly treatment, antibiotic prophylaxis, daily corticosteroid treatments, and brief duration (12 wk). Fifty-one patients (84%) achieved a complete response and 10 patients (16%) had a partial response. Over a median follow-up after treatment of 23 mo. the actuarial overall survival for the entire group was 76%; for complete responders the relapse-free survival was 90%. Toxicity was modest with 1 treatment-related eath and 7 episodes of serious infection. The most frequent toxicity was mucositis. MACOP-B is an effective treatment for large-cell lymphoma that can be delivered in 12 wk with an acceptable incidence of toxicity. This regimen can achieve results similar and possibly superior to those of other presently used regimens of longer duration.