MOPP therapy in children with Hodgkin's disease

Between 1979 and 1987, 28 children with Hodgkin's disease were treated with MOPP (nitrogen mustard, Oncovin, prednisone, procarbazine) combination chemotherapy without radiotherapy. Twenty-four were staged clinically. Splenectomy was performed in four only. Staging was as follows: nine (32%) in stage I, five (18%) in stage II, nine (32%) in stage III, and five (18%) in stage IV. Histologic types were lymphocytic predominance in five (18%), mixed cellularity in 15 (54%), nodular sclerosis in seven (25%) and lymphocytic depletion in one (4%). All children achieved complete remission. Two in stages III and IV relapsed and were salvaged with additional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Twenty-six are in continuous relapse-free remission for periods ranging from 2 to 9 years. The relapse-free survival rate of 92% and survival rate of 100% compares favorably with results obtained using combined modality treatment.