OnCo

Hyper-CVAD

Checked 2026-09-09

Adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor if Philadelphia-positive), Burkitt lymphoma and younger patients with mantle cell lymphoma

Also called hyperCVAD, Hyper-CVAD/MA.

One cycle

every 21 days × 8 · about 24 weeks in total
178141521Cyclophosphamide (course A): 300 mg/m² every 12 hours for 6 doses, with mesna, IntravenousCyclophosphamide (cours…Vincristine (course A): 2 mg, IntravenousVincristine (course A)Doxorubicin (course A): 50 mg/m², IntravenousDoxorubicin (course A)Dexamethasone (course A): 40 mg daily, OralDexamethasone (course A)Methotrexate (course B): 1,000 mg/m² with leucovorin rescue, IntravenousMethotrexate (course B)Cytarabine (course B): 3,000 mg/m² every 12 hours for 4 doses, IntravenousCytarabine (course B)
21-day cycle × 8 (alternating A and B courses) (about 24 weeks)IntravenousOral Continuous infusion Daily oral course

Components

DrugDoseRouteDays
Cyclophosphamide (course A)
Alkylating agent (oxazaphosphorine prodrug)
300 mg/m² every 12 hours for 6 doses, with mesnaIVD1-3
Vincristine (course A)
Vinca alkaloid (microtubule inhibitor)
2 mgIVD4, 11
Doxorubicin (course A)
Cytotoxic chemotherapy (anthracycline)
50 mg/m²IVD4
40 mg dailyOralD1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14
Methotrexate (course B)
Antifolate (DHFR inhibitor)
1,000 mg/m² with leucovorin rescueIVD1 (24 h infusion)
Cytarabine (course B)
Pyrimidine nucleoside analogue (antimetabolite)
3,000 mg/m² every 12 hours for 4 dosesIVD2, 3
Cycles
8 (alternating A and B courses)
21-day cycle
Emetogenicity
High (>90%)
G-CSF
Built into the protocol

Notes

  • Courses A (hyper-CVAD) and B (high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine) alternate; intrathecal prophylaxis is given with each course.
  • Cytarabine dose is reduced for age over 60 or renal impairment.

Used in

Source

Kantarjian, JCO 2000: hyper-CVAD in adult ALL

Reference doses for a typical adult from the cited protocol or label. Doses are adjusted for renal and hepatic function, age, performance status and prior toxicity, and institutional protocols vary. Verify against the current label and your local protocol before treating. Not medical advice.

Other regimens for these cancers