Stanford V

Stanford V

Stanford V is a chemotherapy regimen used in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that originates from white blood cells called lymphocytes. This regimen is named after Stanford University, where it was developed, and the "V" stands for "very effective." The Stanford V regimen is designed to be a shorter, more intensive treatment compared to other regimens such as ABVD or BEACOPP.

Composition

The Stanford V regimen consists of a combination of several chemotherapeutic agents administered over a 12-week period. The drugs used in the Stanford V regimen include:

• Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• Vinblastine
• Mechlorethamine (Nitrogen Mustard)
• Vincristine (Oncovin)
• Bleomycin
• Etoposide
• Prednisone

These drugs are administered in specific cycles, with the aim of maximizing the destruction of cancer cells while minimizing the side effects.

Mechanism of Action

Each drug in the Stanford V regimen works through different mechanisms to target and kill cancer cells:

• Doxorubicin intercalates DNA, disrupting replication and transcription.
• Vinblastine and Vincristine inhibit microtubule formation, preventing cell division.
• Mechlorethamine alkylates DNA, leading to cross-linking and cell death.
• Bleomycin induces DNA strand breaks.
• Etoposide inhibits topoisomerase II, preventing DNA unwinding and replication.
• Prednisone is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and can induce apoptosis in certain cancer cells.

Indications

Stanford V is primarily indicated for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly in patients with bulky or advanced-stage disease. It is often chosen for its shorter duration compared to other regimens, which can be beneficial in reducing the overall treatment burden on patients.

Efficacy

Clinical trials have demonstrated that the Stanford V regimen is effective in achieving high response rates in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, its efficacy compared to other regimens such as ABVD or BEACOPP can vary depending on the specific patient population and disease characteristics.

Side Effects

As with any chemotherapy regimen, Stanford V is associated with a range of potential side effects, including:

• Myelosuppression (decreased blood cell production)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Increased risk of infection

Patients undergoing treatment with Stanford V require careful monitoring and supportive care to manage these side effects.

Also see

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• ABVD
• BEACOPP
• Chemotherapy
• Oncology

References

• [1] DeVita, V. T., et al. (2001). "Stanford V: A New Chemotherapy Regimen for Hodgkin's Disease." Journal of Clinical Oncology.
• [2] Canellos, G. P., et al. (2002). "Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Treatment and Outcomes." The New England Journal of Medicine.