MACOP-B is an acronym that represents a commonly used combination chemotherapy regimen in cancer treatment.
MACOP-B consists of the following drugs:
- Methotrexate
- ARA-C (Cytarabine)
- Cyclophosphamide
- Oncovin (vincristine)
- Prednisone
- Bleomycin
A Typical MACOP-B Regimen
(regimens should be tailored to the individual)
Cycle length: 1 week
Number of cycles: 12
- Weeks 1,3,5,7,9,11
- Day 1 of every odd-numbered week: Doxorubicin (IV push), cyclophosphamide (IV)
- Weeks 2,4,6,8,10,12
- Day 1 of weeks 2,6,10: Methotrexate (IV infusion) and leucovorin rescue
- Day 1 of every even-numbered week: Vincristine (IV push)
- Day 1 of weeks 4,8,12: Bleomycin (IV push)
- Days 1-69: Prednisone (oral)
- Days 70-84: Prednisone (oral) tapered down
- Vomit potential?
- Weeks 1,3,5,7,9,11: Moderately high
- Weeks 2,6,10: Moderately high
- Weeks 4,8,12: None
What it's effective for
The MACOP-B chemotherapy regimen has long been used in the treatment of mediastinal B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, ones that are typically in advanced stages and considered aggressive.
Side effects
Side effects associated with MACOP-B include varying grades of leukopenia, mucositis, infections and anemia. Additionally, since this regimen includes bleomycin, pulmonary toxicity and other lung problems are not uncommon. More on chemotherapy side effects.
Sources
- Boyiadzis, Michael M. et al. Hematology-Oncology Therapy. 2007. New York: McGraw Hill, Medical Publishing Division.
Significant studies relating to MACOP-B
