EPOCH is an acronym that represents a commonly used combination chemotherapy regimen in cancer treatment.
The EPOCH regimen consists of the following drugs:
A Typical EPOCH Regimen (regimens should be tailored to the individual)
- Cycle length: 21 days
- Number of cycles: 6-8
- Days 1-4: Etoposide, doxorubicin, and vincristine (IV infusion)
- Day 5: Cyclophosphamide (IV)
- Days 1-5: Prednisone (oral)
Vomit potential?
- Days 1-4: Low
- Day 5: Moderately high
What EPOCH is effective for and why
EPOCH is used as treatment against a variety of lymphoma subtypes, all with varying degrees of efficacy. These subtypes include: Relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, some less-aggressive mantle cell lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Burkitt's lymphoma, AIDS-related B-cell lymphoma, NK/T-cell lymphomas (noncutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphomas), and even very rare subtypes, such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL).
EPOCH Side effects: Overview
The EPOCH combination chemotherapy regimen is associated with the following side effects: myelosuppression, nausea and vomiting, neurotoxicity, hyperglycemia, stomach problems, cardiotoxicity, hair loss, constipation and hypotension.
References
- Boyiadzis, Michael M. et al. Hematology-Oncology Therapy. 2007. New York: McGraw Hill, Medical Publishing Division.
Significant studies relating to EPOCH
