Chemoimmunotherapy is a type of treatment often used to treat patients with lymphoma. The R-CHOP regimen is a kind of chemoimmunotherapy very used in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). This is an effective regimen that cures around 60–70% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
R-CHOP is an acronym referring to a combination regimen that includes:
The R-CHOP regimen combines rituximab, which targets CD20, a protein present on the surface of lymphoma cells, with the CHOP chemotherapy regimen to enhance its effectiveness.
Rituximab can help the immune system recognize and kill lymphoma cells. Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine attack rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Prednisone inhibits the growth of cancer cells and kills them. It can also alleviate nausea during treatment and reduce the body’s immune response to prevent allergic reactions to rituximab.
The R-CHOP regimen is given in 21-day cycles. Some studies have used a 14-day cycle, but a 21-day cycle is the standard approach. The 21-day cycle typically consists of:
Patients typically receive six 21-day cycles of R-CHOP but can receive more or less depending on patient- and disease-related factors.
Older patients and/or patients with other diseases or conditions who can’t tolerate the intensive R-CHOP regimen may receive a lower dose version of R-CHOP, sometimes referred to as R-miniCHOP.
The side effects of R-CHOP treatment can vary from patient to patient. More than 10% of patients experienced the following side effects at varying grades of seriousness:
Patients should contact their healthcare team if they experience:
If patients feel unwell during treatment, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction, and they should inform their healthcare team. If patients experience symptoms of a heart attack or blood clot, they should call emergency services.
Due to a reduction in white blood cells during treatment, patients are more susceptible to infections, which can be serious. Contact your healthcare professionals immediately if you feel unwell or have a temperature above 99.5°F/37.5°C or below 96.8°F/36°C.
To continue reading about treatments for DLBCL, explore all the free resources at HealthTree for DLBCL. Sign up for our newsletter and join the DLBCL community!
Sources:
Chemoimmunotherapy is a type of treatment often used to treat patients with lymphoma. The R-CHOP regimen is a kind of chemoimmunotherapy very used in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). This is an effective regimen that cures around 60–70% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
R-CHOP is an acronym referring to a combination regimen that includes:
The R-CHOP regimen combines rituximab, which targets CD20, a protein present on the surface of lymphoma cells, with the CHOP chemotherapy regimen to enhance its effectiveness.
Rituximab can help the immune system recognize and kill lymphoma cells. Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine attack rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells. Prednisone inhibits the growth of cancer cells and kills them. It can also alleviate nausea during treatment and reduce the body’s immune response to prevent allergic reactions to rituximab.
The R-CHOP regimen is given in 21-day cycles. Some studies have used a 14-day cycle, but a 21-day cycle is the standard approach. The 21-day cycle typically consists of:
Patients typically receive six 21-day cycles of R-CHOP but can receive more or less depending on patient- and disease-related factors.
Older patients and/or patients with other diseases or conditions who can’t tolerate the intensive R-CHOP regimen may receive a lower dose version of R-CHOP, sometimes referred to as R-miniCHOP.
The side effects of R-CHOP treatment can vary from patient to patient. More than 10% of patients experienced the following side effects at varying grades of seriousness:
Patients should contact their healthcare team if they experience:
If patients feel unwell during treatment, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction, and they should inform their healthcare team. If patients experience symptoms of a heart attack or blood clot, they should call emergency services.
Due to a reduction in white blood cells during treatment, patients are more susceptible to infections, which can be serious. Contact your healthcare professionals immediately if you feel unwell or have a temperature above 99.5°F/37.5°C or below 96.8°F/36°C.
To continue reading about treatments for DLBCL, explore all the free resources at HealthTree for DLBCL. Sign up for our newsletter and join the DLBCL community!
Sources:
about the author
Dylan Barrett
Dylan is a freelance medical writer based in Cork, Ireland. He previously worked in independent medical education while living in London and is now collaborating with HealthTree to develop resources for blood cancer patients. His background is in genetics, and he has a passion for innovative scientific research. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.
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