Clinical outcome of patients with relapse or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated by EPOCH regimen

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of EPOCH regimen as salvage chemotherapy regimen in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).Methods:All the 15 patients from 2004 to 2006 were treated with EPOCH regimen previously treated by at least 2 kinds of chemotherapy regimen.Vp-16 mg/m2/d,ADM or THP 10mg/m2/dand VCR 0.4mg/m2/dcontinuous infusion on days 1-4,CTX 750mg/m2/dinfusion on fifth day,every 21 days.Results:All the 31 patients were assessable.The over all response rate was 54.9%,CR19.4%,PR35.5%.Major toxicity was myelosuppression.Other toxicities was mild.Conclusion:EPOCH regimen used as standard salvage regimen is effective and well tolerant for the patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.Continuous infusion schedules of several chemotherapeutic agents may partially reverse chemo-resistance and reduce toxicity.