R-CHOP + R-HAD

R-CHOP + R-HAD is a combination chemotherapy regimen used primarily in the treatment of aggressive B-cell lymphomas, particularly mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This regimen involves alternating cycles of two multi-drug combinations: **R-CHOP** consists of: - Rituximab (a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B cells) - Cyclophosphamide (an alkylating agent) - Doxorubicin (also known as hydroxydaunorubicin; an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates DNA) - Vincristine (a vinca alkaloid that inhibits microtubule formation) - Prednisolone or prednisone (a corticosteroid) **R-HAD** typically refers to: - Rituximab - High-dose cytarabine (Ara-C; an antimetabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis) - Dexamethasone or another corticosteroid The rationale for this approach is to combine the standard immunochemotherapy backbone of R-CHOP with high-dose cytarabine-containing regimens, which have shown improved outcomes in younger and fit patients with mantle cell lymphoma. The drugs act through multiple mechanisms including direct cytotoxicity to rapidly dividing cells, immune-mediated destruction via anti-CD20 targeting, and inhibition of mitosis. This regimen is often followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in eligible patients. It is not a single pharmaceutical product but rather a protocolized sequence of drug administrations.

Other names

R-CHOP plus R-HADR-CHOP alternating with R-HAD