DHAP (chemotherapy)

DHAP in context of chemotherapy is an acronym for chemotherapy regimen that is used for remission induction in cases of relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.[1] It is usually given for 2-3 courses, then followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. In combination with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (Rituxan, Mabthera) it is called R-DHAP or DHAP-R.

DHAP
Specialty	oncology

[R]-DHAP regimen consists of:

1. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody, directed at B-cell surface antigen CD20
2. (D)examethasone, a glucocorticoid hormone
3. (H)igh-dose (A)ra-C - cytarabine, an antimetabolite;
4. (P)latinol (cisplatin), a platinum-based antineoplastic, also an alkylating antineoplastic agent.

Dosing regimen

Drug	Dose	Mode	Days
(R)ituximab	375 mg/m^2	IV infusion	Day 0
(D)examethasone	40 mg	PO qd	Days 1-4
(H)igh-dose Ara-C - cytarabine	2000 mg/m^2	IV infusion over 2 hrs	Day 2, every 12 hours
(P)latinol (cisplatin)	100 mg/m^2	IV infusion over 24 hrs	Day 1

References

1. Effective salvage therapy for lymphoma with cisplatin in combination with high-dose Ara-C and dexamethasone (DHAP)