The combination chemotherapy regimen known as COPP, sometimes referred to as M-COPP, consists of the following drugs:
A Typical COPP Regimen (regimens should be tailored to the individual)
- Cycle length: 28 days
- Number of cycles: 4-8
- Days 1 and 8: Cyclophosphamide and vincristine (IV push)
- Days 1-10: Procarbazine (oral)
- Days 1-14: Prednisone (oral)
What COPP is effective for and why
The COPP regimen has applications in various subtypes of both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkins lymphoma treatment. Most often nowadays, the regimen is used as second-line or salvage therapy for patients determined to benefit most from it. Variations of the COPP therapy include COPP-ABVD, COPP-ABV, and BEACOPP
COPP Side effects
While each patient will have his or her own experiences with the side effects of the COPP regimen, it is not uncommon for patients to experience myelosuppression, vulnerability to infection, nausea and/or vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, easy bleeding, and 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.
This regimen does present a potentially significant toxic threat to the gonads, or sex organs, and there is some potential for men and women over age 25 receiving this therapy to be rendered fertile or sterile on account of it.
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.
- Perry, Michael C, Editor. Companion Handbook to the Chemotherapy Sourcebook. 1999. Baltimore; Williams & Wilkins.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Hodgkins lymphoma, V.2.2010 and Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, V.1.2010.
Significant studies relating to COPP
