Randomized phase II comparison of standard CHOP with weekly CHOP in elderly patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PURPOSETo determine whether modifying the standard regimen of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) from full doses given every 3 weeks to one-third doses given weekly (chop) increases the received chemotherapy dose-intensity in elderly patients with advanced-stage intermediate-grade lymphoma.PATIENTS AND METHODSConsenting patients, age > or = 65 years who had acceptable cardiac, renal, and liver function and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status less than 4, were stratified by bone marrow and performance status and randomized to receive standard CHOP or weekly chop. Drug doses were attenuated or escalated according to a defined dose-modification schedule. The primary outcome was average relative received dose-intensity. Secondary outcomes included response, progression-free and overall survival, toxicity, and performance status.RESULTSNineteen patients were allocated to each group. No difference in received dose-intensity was seen. When dose-intensity...