R-EPOCH

R-EPOCH is a combination chemotherapy regimen used primarily to treat aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The regimen consists of six drugs: - Rituximab (a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B-cells) - Etoposide phosphate (a topoisomerase II inhibitor) - Prednisone (a glucocorticoid steroid) - Vincristine sulfate/Oncovin (a vinca alkaloid that inhibits microtubule formation) - Cyclophosphamide (an alkylating agent) - Doxorubicin hydrochloride/hydroxydaunorubicin (an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates DNA) Each drug in the combination attacks cancer cells through different mechanisms. Rituximab targets and marks B-cells for immune destruction. Etoposide inhibits DNA repair and replication. Prednisone induces apoptosis in lymphocytes. Vincristine disrupts mitosis by inhibiting microtubules. Cyclophosphamide crosslinks DNA to prevent cell division, and doxorubicin intercalates into DNA causing damage and cell death. R-EPOCH is often used for high-risk or aggressive lymphomas where standard regimens may be less effective. It is also being studied for other cancers such as Hodgkin lymphoma and B-cell acute leukemia[1][2][5].

Brand names

R-EPOCH

Other names

DA-R-EPOCHdose-adjusted R-EPOCH