Clinical trials with BCNU (NSC 409962) in malignant lymphomas by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group

From the review of these five programs conducted by the ECOG over the past 10 years several conclusions can be drawn. First, EST 1472 confirmed the activity of BCNU in lymphocytic lymphomas. It appears to be as active as cyclophosphamide when both agents are combined with prednisone. Second, toxicity, which is predominantly hematologic, is more severe with the four drug combination of BCVP than with CVP. Third, BCVP appears to delay relapses during its administration in the lymphocytic lymphomas. Fourth, in Hodgkin's disease, BCVPP appears to be equal to MOPP in the induction phase with less gastrointestinal and central nervous system toxicity. Hopefully, current studies will clarify, to an even greater extent, the place of BCNU in the treatment of patients with malignant lymphoma.