Comparative study of two mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone derived chemotherapeutic protocols for the management of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): single-center 5-year experience

We aimed for the comparison of two protocols (OAP and COMP) as chemotherapy treatment in children with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). A total of 119 children newly diagnosed with HD were divided to receive either the anthracycline-based OAP protocol or the alkylating-agent-based COMP protocol. Sixty patients received the OAP protocol and 59 patients received the COMP protocol. Complete response was achieved for 81.4% of patients treated with the COMP protocol versus 53.3% for those who received the OAP treatment. Toxic hepatitis or liver cell failure was recorded in 5% of patients treated with the COMP protocol. Complications were more frequent in those treated with the OAP protocol, as 6.8% developed heart failure and 20% showed toxic hepatitis or liver cell failure. The relapse rate was almost equal in both treatment arms. Patients treated with the COMP protocol achieved a better response and less toxicity but with similar survival to those given the OAP protocol.