Introduction
A chemotherapy regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, vincristine sulfate, prednisone and dacarbazine is used to treat male children with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).
C = Cyclophosphamide
O = Oncovin (Vincristine Sulfate)
P = Prednisone
DAC = Dacarbazine
Cyclophosphamide (Copdac) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (types of cancer that begin in white blood cells that usually fights infection); cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL, a group of cancers of the immune system); multiple myeloma ( It is a type of cancer of the bone marrow). In children, Cyclophosphamide is also used to treat nephrotic syndrome (a disease caused by damage to the kidneys). Cyclophosphamide is in a class of drugs called alkylating agents. When Cyclophosphamide is used to treat cancer, it works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body. When Cyclophosphamide is used to treat nephrotic syndrome, it works by suppressing your body’s immune system.
Cyclophosphamide injection comes as a powder added to fluid and injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital outpatient clinic. It may also be injected intramuscularly (into a muscle), intraperitoneally (into the abdominal cavity), or intrapleurally (into the chest cavity). Cyclophosphamide is also available in tablet form. It can be taken once a day or as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken at the same time every day. The length of treatment depends on various factors, such as the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer or condition you have.
Vincristine may be used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat certain types of leukaemia. Vincristine is in a class of medications called vinca alkaloids. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body. Vincristine comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given once a week. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Your doctor may need to delay your treatment or change your dose if you experience specific side effects. You need to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with a vincristine injection.
Prednisone
Prednisone is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of low corticosteroid levels (lack of certain substances that are usually produced by the body and are needed for normal body functioning). Prednisone is also used to treat other conditions in patients with normal corticosteroid levels. These conditions include certain types of arthritis; severe allergic reactions; multiple sclerosis (a disease in which the nerves do not function properly); lupus (a disease in which the body attacks many of its organs); and certain conditions that affect the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines. Prednisone is also sometimes used to treat the symptoms of certain types of cancer. Prednisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works to treat patients with low levels of corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are usually produced naturally by the body.
Prednisone is usually taken with food one to four times a day or once every other day. Your doctor will probably tell you to take your dose(s) of prednisone at a specific time every day. Your dosing schedule will depend on your condition and how you respond to treatment. If you take the concentrated solution, use the specially marked dropper that comes with the medication to measure your dose. You may mix the concentrated solution with juice, other flavored liquids, or soft foods such as applesauce.
Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole; do not chew or crush it.
If you are taking prednisone to treat a long-lasting disease, the medication may help control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take prednisone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking prednisone without your doctor’s permission. If you suddenly stop taking prednisone, your body may not have enough natural steroids to function normally. This may cause symptoms such as extreme tiredness, weakness, slowed movements, upset stomach, weight loss, changes in skin color, sores in the mouth, and craving for salt. Call your doctor if you experience these or other unusual symptoms while decreasing doses or after you stop taking the medication.
Dacarbazine is used to treat melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that has spread to other parts of your body. Dacarbazine is also used in combination with other medications to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Dacarbazine is in a class of medications known as purine analogues. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in body.
Dacarbazine injection comes as a powder. It can be mixed with liquid to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over 1 minute or infused intravenously over 15 to 30 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. When dacarbazine is used to treat melanoma, it may be injected once a day for ten days every four weeks, or it may be injected once a day for five days in a row every three weeks. When dacarbazine is used to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it may be injected once a day for five days in a row every four weeks, or it may be injected once every 15 days.
