Haematological toxicity compromises MOPP/ABVD chemotherapy in Hodgkin's disease

A total of 23 patients with previously untreated Hodgkin's disease received MOPP/ABVD hybrid chemotherapy and response to treatment and toxicity were assessed. Of these 14 (61% (95% confidence limits 38.5%-80%] achieved complete remission with chemotherapy alone, six (26% (10.2%-48.4%)) achieved partial remission and there were three treatment failures (13%). Toxicity was mainly haematological resulting in treatment delays and dose reductions. Those in partial remission after chemotherapy achieved complete remission with additional radiotherapy. So far five of the 20 who remitted (25%) have relapsed. We conclude that the haematological toxicity from this regimen compromises dose intensity. The results from using this hybrid regimen are not superior to those using MOPP or ABVD alone in our experience.