The mainstream chemotherapy regimen is:

• ABVD composed of 4 drugs: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Bleomycin, Vinblastine (Velban), Dacarbazine (DTIC) 

Other treatments that may be used, especially for disease that is resistant to other treatments:

• MOPP - Mechlorethamine, Vincristine, Prednisone, Procarbazine
• MOPP alternating with ABV
• MOPP alternating with ABVD
• COPP / ABVD
• ChlVPP - Chlorambucil, Vinblastine, Procarbazine, Prednisone

Other regimens being used:

• Stanford V used by Stanford in California

 
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) are the use of high doses of chemotherapy with a rescue of the immune system afterwards.  More on the Transplantation Information Page.

Clinical trials are often used for people who are not responsive to conventional treatment or who wish to help researchers test new therapies.

New Treatments - the use of Rituxan in Hodgkin's is in trials now.  Rituxan has previously only been approved for B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas.  The theory explained after the 2003 American Society of Hematology meetings is the Reed-Sternberg cells are surrounded by many normal B lymphocyte cells.  These B cells exchange chemicals with the Reed-Sternberg cells (the cancer cells in Hodgkin's) possibly keeping them alive.  If the B cells are reduced by using Rituxan or another B cell target monoclonal antibody then possibly the Reed-Sternberg cells would be starved to death.  Keep an eye on these studies and others using immunotherapy.

A list of questions you can use to discuss chemotherapy treatment options and warning signs to look for during treatment.

For specific types of treatment see the NCI data sheets listed under the Hodgkin's Resources Page.

In-Depth

Chemotherapy is delivered many different ways depending on the drugs and treatment. Intravenous means delivered by inserting a needle in a vein, orally is by mouth, and via catheter or port is by a tube inserted into the chest via a surgical procedure.  As always consult with your own doctors on the best treatment for you given your specific disease and its presentation.

Reference Books

• Hodgkin's Disease, Peter M. Mauch (Editor), James O. Armitage (Editor), Volker Diehl (Editor), June 1999.
  • Chapter 22: Principles of Chemotherapy in Hodgkin's Disease
      
• Living With Lymphoma, Elizabeth Adler, Oct. 2005
  • Chapter 3: Chemotherapy
    

Drug Information

• The Lymphoma Chemotherapy Drug Reference Page
• Detailed information on ABVD and MOPP including side effects
• Information on the Stanford V protocol
• Chemotherapy and You from Cancer.Gov (updated link)
• A searchable drug index from http://www.rxlist.com
• Drug Information from Healthtouch
• Research Protocols used by Stanford University
• Looking for books on chemo - see the book section. . .

Catheters

• See the new page The Facts About Intravenous Catheter Lines

Side Effects

Supportive Care

• Supportive Care Information from NCI (updated)

  Anxiety Disorder
  Constipation, impaction, and bowel obstruction
  Delirium
  Depression
  Fatigue
  Fever, chills, and sweats
  Hypercalcemia
  Nausea and vomiting
  Pruritus (itching)
  Sleep Disorders

Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Cell Information

• Bone Marrow / Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant Information Page
• The Hodgkin's High-dose Chemotherapy and Transplant Information page is a great collaboration.

Nutrition

Clinical Trials

• See the new page on Clinical Trials