R-DHAP is a chemotherapy regimen typically used as a second-line treatment for lymphoma, particularly for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) — meaning lymphoma that has come back or hasn't responded to first-line treatment like R-CHOP.
R-DHAP stands for the drugs used in the combination:
- R — Show Full Answer
R-DHAP is a chemotherapy regimen typically used as a second-line treatment for lymphoma, particularly for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) — meaning lymphoma that has come back or hasn't responded to first-line treatment like R-CHOP.
R-DHAP stands for the drugs used in the combination:
- R — Rituximab (Rituxan), an immunotherapy/monoclonal antibody
- D — Dexamethasone, a steroid
- H — High-dose cytarabine (Ara-C), a chemotherapy drug
- A — Cisplatin (also written as "Platine" in French), a chemotherapy drug
- P — Prednisone (sometimes included)
The goal of R-DHAP is often to reduce the lymphoma enough to allow a stem cell transplant to follow, which can offer a chance at longer remission.
It's important to know that R-DHAP can have significant side effects, including:
- Low blood cell counts (increasing infection risk)
- Kidney stress from cisplatin
- Fatigue and nausea
Always discuss the full risk and benefit picture with your oncologist, as treatment plans are highly individual.
August 21
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