ABVD is a combination chemotherapy regimen that was developed in the early 1970's as an alternative to MOPP. ABVD is now one of the most common chemotherapy regimens for treating Hodgkin's Disease.
Drug Names
- Adriamycin (generic name: Doxorubicin; brand names: Adriamycin PFS, Adriamycin RDF, Rubex)
- Bleomycin (brand name: Bienoxane
- Viznblastine (brand names: Velban, Velsar, and Velbe)
- Dacarbazine (brand names: DTIC, DTIC-Dome)
Drug Administration
The ABDV regiment is usually administered in four-week cycles. The four drugs are administered intravenously on days 1 and 15 of each cycle, with the remaining days left for patient recovery. Dosing differs based on a person’s body mass.
Call 1-877-399-5078 any time to discuss treatment options if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Lymphoma.
Adriamycin side effects
Adriamycin can cause many side effects, including nausea, alopecia (hair loss), and neutropenia (depletion of white blood cells). It can also cause heart problems, such as arrhythmias, in some patients.
Bleomycin side effects
Bleomycin can cause a fever, rash, alopecia, and Raynaud’s phenomenon (a discoloration of the fingers and/or toes). However, the most serious side effect is the occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis, which impairs the lungs.
Vinblastine side effects
Vinblastine can cause neutropenia, ulcers, blisters, and nausea.
Dacarbazine side effects
Dacarbazine causes severe nausea in some patients, as well as neutropenia, headaches, fatigue, and diarrhea.
Other Side Effects and Common Medications
Chemotherapy can cause frequent urination because of the high amount of fluid entering the body intravenously during treatment. Catheters might be used to allow for stronger doses in some patients. Extra fluids should be consumed during treatment to help prevent kidney damage.
Treatment can also cause constipation; if this occurs, your doctor should prescribe a laxative.
Anti-nausea medicines, such as Zofran or Kytril are usually given during chemotherapy treatments to help with side effects. Pain relievers may also be prescribed.
All chemotherapy agents can cause birth defects in babies conceived or carried during treatment. There is also a risk of infertility. You may want to discuss your options, such as sperm banking or egg harvesting, with your medical team prior to starting treatment.
More Information
Call 1-877-399-5078 Anytime To Discuss Treatment Options
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Lymphoma, please call toll-free 1-877-399-5078 for treatment options.
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Lymphoma Treatment Resources
- The Zevalin radioimmunotherapy regimen is now approved for certain types of NHL.
- Pharmatech Oncology assists lymphoma patients in identifying clinical studies. Follow this link to identify a conveniently located cancer treatment center and begin the process of enrollment.
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For more information on Adult Hodgkin's Disease, please see the following pages:
