Comparison of the therapeutic effects of CTVP and CTOP regimens as initial treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Objective: To compare the efficacy and toxicity of CTVP (with VDS) and CTOP (with VCR) regimens as an initial treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Methods: From January 2000 to December 2005, 288 patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma were treated in Tianjin Cancer Hospital with combined chemotherapy, including CTVP and CTOP, among which 162 were treated by CTVP and 118 by CTOP regimen. The rate of response, toxicity and long-term survival for the 2 regimens were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The clinical characteristics of the 2 groups were quite similar (P>0.05). A total of 272 patients were eligible. The response rates for CTVP and CTOP were 73.13% and 72.32%, the clinical benefit rates were 91.88% and 90.18%, respectively (P>0.05). Major toxicity was myelosuppression, Gl toxicity, fatigue, neurotoxicity and alopecia. Incidence of neurotoxicity was lower in the CTVP group than in the CTOP group (14.81% vs. 31.36%, P< 0.05). Median follow-up was 32 months (ranging from 2 to 71 months). The 5-year overall survival rates for the CTVP and CTOP groups were 43.2% and 22.3%, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: VDS in the CTVP regimen may be more effective as an initial treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with lower toxicity and better long-term survival. A randomized clinical trial is required to confirm these results.