[Combination chemotherapy (modified CHOP-Bleo) in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

Twenty-six adults with advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (73% in clinical stage IV) were treated with a combination of cyclophosphamide, hydroxyldaunorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone and bleomycin (modified CHOP-Bleo), from May 1978 to July 1987. Complete remission (CR) was obtained in 12 of 26 patients (46%). The median survival time was 19.5 months (2-77 + months), Median duration of CR was 30.5 months (2-76 + months). The survival of patients with diffuse lymphoma large cell type (DL) was better than those with other diffuse lymphomas. The 50% of patients with DL are projected to be free of disease. The survival of patients with clinical stage III was significantly better than those with clinical stage IV. Major complications during chemotherapy with modified CHOP-Bleo were myelosuppression, constipation and peripheral neuropathy. These toxicities were generally mild and well tolerated.