COPP (chemotherapy)

COPP (chemotherapy)

The COPP regimen is a chemotherapy treatment protocol primarily used in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma. The acronym COPP stands for the drugs that make up the regimen: Cyclophosphamide, Oncovin, Procarbazine, and Prednisone.

Treatment Protocol[edit | edit source]

The COPP regimen is typically administered in cycles, with each cycle lasting 28 days. The drugs are administered as follows:

Cyclophosphamide: Given orally on days 1-14 of the cycle.
Oncovin (Vincristine): Given intravenously on days 1 and 8 of the cycle.
Procarbazine: Given orally on days 1-14 of the cycle.
Prednisone: Given orally on days 1-14 of the cycle.

The exact dosage and duration of treatment may vary depending on the patient's overall health, the stage of the disease, and the treating physician's discretion.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Like all chemotherapy regimens, the COPP regimen can cause side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and neutropenia. Patients may also experience steroid-induced diabetes due to the use of Prednisone.

Efficacy[edit | edit source]

The COPP regimen has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, with many patients achieving complete remission. However, the regimen is also associated with a high rate of infertility, particularly in male patients.