[Induction chemotherapy of non-Hodgkin malignant lymphomas. Results of a controlled trial comparing two quadruple associations (author's transl)].

Two types of chemotherapy have been compared in a randomized trial to treat non-Hodgkin malignant lymphomas. 66 patients were included in this study, but only 40 were evaluable after a histologic review of all cases. Treatment were an association of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone and doxorubicine or VM 26. Patients received only one induction chemotherapy course during 15--20 days. Results were evaluated immediately at the end of the course. Side-effects were mild. Efficacy was about the same with the two protocols: 35 patients out of 40 experienced a remission of more than 50% (among them 8 experienced a complete remission). These results are better than previous one obtained with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone only. It is concluded that this type of treatment is well tolerated, quickly efficient and useful before treating patients with radiotherapy or long-term chemotherapy.