Randomized study for the treatment of advanced Hodgkin's disease: MOPP vs. LOPP.

Between January 1983 and December 1984, 83 patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease were entered in a prospective randomized trial comparing MOPP (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone) with a regimen containing chlorambucil (Leukeran), vincristine, prednisone and procarbazine (LOPP). Both groups were comparable for the variables of age, stage, symptoms, histology and sites of involvement. Seventy percent of LOPP-treated patients achieved a complete remission compared to 65% of the MOPP-treated group. After a median follow-up of greater than 48 months, there is no statistical difference between the two treatment groups in survival or relapse free-survival. The LOPP combination was better tolerated with significantly less side effects. The drug regimen LOPP appears to be as effective as MOPP in producing complete remission and long term survival in patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease.