Mustargen Oncovin Procarbazine Prednisone

MOPP is a combination chemotherapy regimen used to treat Hodgkin's disease. The acronym is derived from the component drugs of the regimen:

• Mustargen (also known as mechlorethamine, mustine, nitrogen mustard, or MSD)
• Oncovin (also known as Vincristine or VCR)
• Procarbazine (also known as Matulane or Natulan)
• Prednisone (also known as Deltasone or Orasone)

The treatment is usually administered in four week cycles, often for six cycles. MSD and VCR are administered intravenously, while procarbazine and prednisone are pills taken orally.

History

MOPP was the first combination chemotherapy brought in that achieved a high success rate. It was developed at the National Cancer Institute in the 1960s by a team that included Vincent DeVita, Jr..

Although no longer the most effective combination, MOPP is still used after relapse or where the patient has certain allergies or lung or heart problems which prevents the use of another regimen.

Side effects

MOPP has been known to cause alopecia (hair loss) and skin sensitivity (especially to sunlight). Nausea, vomiting, and stomachache are common, as are chills, constipation, and frequent urination. Permanent sterility may also result.

References

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