OnCo

OEPA (vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, doxorubicin)

Checked 2026-09-09

Induction for children and adolescents with Hodgkin lymphoma in the European EuroNet-PHL protocols; OPPA (procarbazine instead of etoposide) was the earlier version used in girls

Also called OEPA, OPPA.

One cycle

every 28 days × 2 · about 8 weeks in total
1781415212228Vincristine: 1.5 mg/m² (maximum 2 mg), IntravenousVincristineEtoposide: 125 mg/m², IntravenousEtoposidePrednisone: 60 mg/m² once daily, OralPrednisoneDoxorubicin: 40 mg/m², IntravenousDoxorubicin
28-day cycle × 2 (about 8 weeks)IntravenousOral Daily oral course

Components

DrugDoseRouteDays
Vincristine
Vinca alkaloid (microtubule inhibitor)
1.5 mg/m² (maximum 2 mg)IVD1, 8, 15
Etoposide
Topoisomerase II inhibitor (podophyllotoxin derivative)
125 mg/m²IVD1-5
Prednisone
Glucocorticoid
60 mg/m² once dailyOralD1-15
Doxorubicin
Cytotoxic chemotherapy (anthracycline)
40 mg/m²IVD1, 15
Cycles
2
28-day cycle
Emetogenicity
Moderate (30-90%)
G-CSF
Not routine

Notes

  • Etoposide replaced procarbazine to protect boys' fertility without loss of cure; the EuroNet-PHL-C1 and C2 trials then adopted OEPA for all children.
  • Followed by COPDAC cycles for intermediate and advanced stages, with PET-guided radiotherapy.

Used in

Source

Mauz-Körholz (GPOH-HD-2002), JCO 2010: procarbazine-free OEPA-COPDAC in boys and OPPA-COPP in girls

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