DA-R-EPOCH vs R-CHOP in DLBCL: How do we choose?

Clin Adv Hematol Oncol. 2021 Nov;19(11):698-709.

Abstract

The emerging molecular and prognostic characterization of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has challenged the rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) treatment paradigm in recent years, with the identification of several DLBCL subtypes associated with significantly inferior survival after standard R-CHOP therapy. Efforts to improve upon the R-CHOP backbone have included dose intensification as well as the addition of new agents; the infusional dose-adjusted rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (DA-R-EPOCH) regimen has been identified as a potential replacement for R-CHOP in high-risk DLBCL. In this review, we provide a historical perspective on the R-CHOP and DA-R-EPOCH regimens and summarize the clinical trial literature regarding the efficacy of each regimen in various risk groups of DLBCL. Further, we propose clinical management scenarios in which DA-R-EPOCH may be preferred, including some for patient populations in which the use of R-CHOP vs DA-R-EPOCH is controversial.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / adverse effects
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Doxorubicin / therapeutic use
  • Etoposide / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / drug therapy
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Rituximab
  • Vincristine
  • Etoposide
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisone

Supplementary concepts

  • EPOCH protocol