CHOP is an acronym that represents a commonly used combination chemotherapy regimen in cancer treatment.
CHOP consists of the following drugs:
A Typical CHOP Regimen (regimens should be tailored to the individual)
- Cycle length: 21 days
- Number of cycles: 6-8
- Day 1: Cyclophosphamide (IV); doxorubicin and vincristine (IV push)
- Days 1-5: Prednisone (oral)
Vomit potential?
Moderately high
What CHOP is effective for and why
CHOP combination chemotherapy is most often used against subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These subtypes include chronic lymphocytic leukemia (small lymphocytic lymphoma), AIDS-related B-cell lymphoma, and anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (ALK+). It has been used against peripheral T-cell lymphomas other than ALTL (ALK+), but results have never been very encouraging. Prior to the introduction of Rituxan, CHOP was the standard treatment protocol for many non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
CHOP Side effects
While each patient will have his or her own experiences with the side effects of the CHOP regimen, it is not uncommon for patients to endure mouth sores, nausea and/or vomiting, susceptibility to infections, hair loss, fatigue, constipation, and potential cardiac, neurologic, lung, and liver toxicity, and in some cases, peripheral neuropathy. Most of these side effects should subside when one is finished with the regimen. Patients are encouraged to report all side effects to their oncologist or oncology team.
Common side effects of CHOP include fever, infection, hair loss, nausea and/or vomiting, constipation, and potential cardiac, neurologic, lung, and liver toxicity.
Sources
- Ko, Andrew H MD et al. 2008. Everyone's Guide to Cancer Therapy, Fifth Ed. Kansas City. Andres McMeel Publishing LLC.
- Boyiadzis, Michael M. et al. Hematology-Oncology Therapy. 2007. New York: McGraw Hill, Medical Publishing Division.
- Cancerbackup UK: CHOP
Significant studies relating to CHOP
