Stage I and II non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Results of combined of THP-COP chemotherapy and radiotherapy

We evaluated the usefulness of radiotherapy plus THP-COP chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, pirarubicin (tetrahydropyranyl adriamycin, THP), and prednisone for stage I and II non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Between October 1998 and October 2001, 32 patients with Stage I or II NHL were treated with THP-COP plus radiotherapy. The patients consisted of 19 men and 13 women with a median age of 60 years (range, 23-81 years). The histological type was intermediate grade in 29, high in one, and unclassified in two. The number of cycles of THP-COP ranged from three to six (median, three cycles). Doses of irradiation ranged from 18.0 to 46.5 Gy (median, 40.0 Gy). The median length of follow-up was 19 months (range, 1-47 months). The 3-year overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate were 81.3% and 74.9%, respectively. Leukopenia of grade 3-4 was documented in 24 patients (75%) and thrombopenia of grade 3-4 in four (12.5%). THP-COP plus radiotherapy appeared to be feasible for stage I and II NHL patients. However, further evaluation is needed to determine the usefulness of this treatment. (author)