BEACOPP

BEACOPP is a chemotherapy regimen for treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma in Stages > II. Patients typically receive treatment in cycles of 21 days with no drugs given on days 16-21. There also exists a more intensive regimen with cycles of 14 days. Usually a therapy consists of eight, sometimes six cycles. In some countries BEACOPP still is experimental, in others (e.g. Germany and Austria) it is a standard therapy. The reason that the United States physicians still use ABVD (or Stanford V) is that they think that BEACOPP induces more secondary neoplasias as leukemias, etc.Fact|date=July 2008 However, this (after 10 years of experience) is not the case (it is actually the cost factor as insurance companies want the cheapest option).Fact|date=July 2008 BEACOPP delivers approximately 10-15% more cures in advanced Hodgkins disease (IIB+risk factors or stages III and IV). BEACOPP is more expensive as it requires G-CSF support. However, it is well worth it because of the higher cure rates.

It has side effects such as scarring of the lungs but unlike ABVD it is better for people with nerve conditions which Hodgkins can cause (neuropathy).

m² = body surface

i.v. = intravenous

BEACOPP basic:

BEACOPP escalated:

ee also

* Stanford V
* ABVD