BEACOPP Chemotherapy

BEACOPP is the name of a chemotherapy regimen (drug schedule) used in the treatment of advanced stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is a common and effective chemotherapy regimen for newly diagnosed patients who have widespread disease. Though not commonly used in the U.S., it is considered the standard chemotherapy combination for stage III or IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma in some European countries.

Drugs Used in the BEACOPP Regimen:

A combination of seven drugs is used in BEACOPP.

• Cytoxan/Neosar (Cyclophosphamide) – given as an infusion in your veins on day 1.
• Adriamycin/Rubex (Doxorubicin) – given as an infusion in your veins on day 1.
• VePesid (Etoposide) – given as an infusion in your veins on days 1 to 3.
• Matulane (Procarbazine) – given as pills to be taken by mouth on days 1 to 7.
• Prednisone – given as pills to be taken by mouth on days 1 to 14
• Blenoxane (Bleomycin) – given as a short intravenous injection on day 8.
• Oncovin (Vincristine) – given as a short intravenous infusion on day 8.

How Frequently is BEACOPP Given?

Each cycle of BEACOPP consists of administration of these 7 drugs on the scheduled days. Each cycle is repeated every 21 days.

How Many Cycles Are Required?

Usually 6 to 8 cycles of BEACOPP are required as a full course of chemotherapy in advanced stage disease.

Tests Required with BEACOPP Chemotherapy

Before BEACOPP chemotherapy is started, blood counts as well as blood tests for kidney and liver function are done. An echocardiogram is required to test heart function before the treatment begins. As doxorubicin may occasionally affect the heart, it's important to have that information for comparison later on during the treatment. A chest x-ray and lung function tests may be used to gauge the fitness of the lungs prior to use of bleomycin, as this drug can affect the lungs.

During chemotherapy, blood counts are required before every drug injection cycle. Other tests may be repeated as required.

Side Effects During Chemotherapy

• A fall in blood counts is very common, and will be routinely monitored. Growth factors (drugs used to raise the white blood cell count) are routinely required along with the chemo drugs. Low counts despite growth factors may result in delaying cycles, and protective measures from infection need to strictly followed. Report a fever to your doctor immediately.
• Nausea and vomiting may be common, and anti-emetics (drugs that prevent and control nausea and vomiting) will be routinely prescribed
• Hair loss
• Sore mouth, stomach upset and diarrhea
• Discoloration of skin and nails
• Mild alteration of sensations in hands and feet