Chemotherapy of malignant lymphomas

In malignant lymphomas generally, radiotherapy is the treatment of choice. Chemotherapy cannot be very effective in lymphomas of the CNS because most of the cytostatic drugs in question are not able to pass the blood-brain barrier. But in cases in which malignant lymphomas are disseminated throughout the body including the CNS, cytostatic chemotherapy is the only means of prolonging the life of the patient. In such cases one has to distinguish between Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Alkylating agents, metaphase inhibitors and antibiotics are used in the treatment of malignant lymphomas. The best results are achieved with combination schedules. In Hodgkin lymphomas the so-called MOPP-schedule is the most effective. In non-Hodgkin lymphomas the same drugs are ususally given without procarbacine. After having achieved a remission, maintenance therapy is very important. Vinblastine and Chlorambuzil are able to prolonge the remission. When resistance to these drugs occurs Bleomycin, Adriamycin, CCNU and Peptichemio are effective agents. The results as well as the side effects of such regimens are described.