DHAP (chemotherapy)

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DHAP
Specialty Oncology

DHAP in context of chemotherapy is an acronym for chemotherapy regimen that is used for remission induction in cases of relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. [1] It is usually given for 2-3 courses, then followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. In combination with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (Rituxan, Mabthera) it is called R-DHAP or DHAP-R.

[R]-DHAP regimen consists of:

  1. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, directed at B-cell surface antigen CD20
  2. Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid hormone
  3. High-dose Ara-C - cytarabine, an antimetabolite;
  4. Platinol (cisplatin), a platinum-based antineoplastic, also an alkylating antineoplastic agent.

Dosing regimen

DrugDoseModeDays
Rituximab 375 mg/m2IV infusionDay 0
Dexamethasone 40 mgPO qdDays 1-4
High-dose Ara-C - cytarabine 2000 mg/m2IV infusion over 2 hrsDay 2, every 12 hours
Platinol (cisplatin)100 mg/m2IV infusion over 24 hrsDay 1

References