etoposide + prednisone + doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide + altretamine

The combination of etoposide, prednisone, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide, and altretamine (Hexalen) is a multi-agent cytotoxic chemotherapy regimen historically utilized for the treatment of aggressive or refractory malignancies, such as advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC), persistent ovarian cancer, and certain non-Hodgkin lymphomas. This intensive protocol, sometimes referred to as CAEHP, leverages the synergistic effects of multiple drug classes: etoposide and doxorubicin act as topoisomerase II inhibitors that prevent DNA re-ligation; doxorubicin further functions as a DNA intercalator; cyclophosphamide and altretamine serve as alkylating agents that form covalent cross-links with DNA to arrest replication; and prednisone acts as a synthetic glucocorticoid to provide lympholytic effects and manage treatment-related inflammation. While many modern oncology practices have shifted toward platinum-based combinations or targeted therapies, this regimen remains a documented salvage or palliative strategy for resistant disease where multi-pathway DNA damage is required.

Other names

CAEHP regimenEPAC-HH-EPACetoposide + prednisone + Adriamycin + cyclophosphamide + Hexalen