Adriamycin combinations as salvage therapy in advanced MOPP-resistant Hodgkin's disease

Thirty one patients with advanced MOPP-resistant Hodgkin's disease were treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinca alkaloid and prednisolone (ABVP). Sixteen patients received vinblastine, seven received vincristine and in eight VM26 was substituted for the vinca. Of 28 patients evaluable for response 17 (61%) achieved an objective response with five (18%) complete responders. Response was significantly inferior in patients receiving VM26. Patients with a prolonged interval since previous chemotherapy had a greater chance of complete response (p less than 0.02) as did those with previous complete response to MOPP therapy (p less than 0.05). Response to treatment did not affect overall survival (p = 0.8) although relapse free survival was significantly longer for those achieving complete response (p less than 0.01). The regimen produced minimal gastrointestinal toxicity, but significant myelosuppression. ABVP is a well tolerated salvage therapy in advanced MOPP-resistant Hodgkin's disease.