Methotrexate, cyclophosphamide and vincristine (MEV regimen) for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Five courses of combination chemotherapy with methotrexate, cyclophosphamide and vincristine (MEV regimen) were given on an outpatient basis to sixteen previously untreated patients with lymphocytic lymphoma (L.L.) and to fourteen previously untreated patients with histiocytic lymphoma (H.L.) Clinical and haematological tolerance was such that the interval between each course was never prolonged, nor was drug dosage reduced (vincristine excepted). Of the 16 cases with L.L., there were 9 complete remissions, 5 of them being continuously unmaintained complete remissions for 5 to 24 months. Of the 14 cases with H.L., there were 13 complete remissions, 7 being continuously unmaintained complete remissions for 10 to 34 months. It is suggested that the combination of cell-cycle phase-specific drugs with an alkylating agent may prove to be more than additive in effect in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The very high remission rate in H.L. warrants further investigation.