[Experiences with a new second-line protocol in the treatment of pretreated and advanced Hodgkin disease]

Between 1983 and 1987, we treated 16 patients with Hodgkin's disease, according to a post-COPP and a post-ABVD protocol, respectively. All patients had received previous treatment, including megavoltage cobalt radiotherapy, and were in advanced stages of disease, mostly with immunosuppression/immune deficiency. The protocol of lomustine, etoposide, adriamycin, methotrexate and prednisolone was commenced after the above therapy had failed or was not tolerated. Compared to the previously used chemotherapy, the 3 new cytotoxic agents were well tolerated. A complete remission was obtained in 4 patients and a partial remission in 9. In 2 patients, there was a temporary partial remission only. In more than half the patients, a positive effect on the clinical course was recorded. Viewed as a whole, a favourable objective and subjective result ensued. This LEAMP second-line protocol was found to be effective and well tolerated.