Combination chemotherapy in generalized Hodgkin's disease.
Fifty-two patients with generalized Hodgkin's disease were treated with a combination of mustine hydrochloride, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisolone. Complete remissions were obtained initially in six out of seven patients (86%) who had previously received no treatment, in 15 out of 19 (79%) who had had only radiotherapy in the past, and in 9 out of 26 (35%) who had previously been given chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Of these 30 patients in whom a complete remission was obtained 22 have been free of any symptoms or signs of disease for periods ranging from 4 to 22 months. The response to treatment was rapid, and toxicity was not a major problem, except in those who had previously been treated with cytotoxic drugs used continuously and not in courses. A comparative trial of radiotherapy and combination therapy in the treatment of Stage III Hodgkin's disease is strongly recommended.
D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects; D004357:Drug Synergism; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D000963:Antimetabolites; D006834:Hydrazines; D008466:Mechlorethamine; D014747:Vinblastine; D011239:Prednisolone