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 disease. It is usually given for 2-3 courses, then followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant. In combination with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody Rituximab (Rituxan, Mabthera) it is called R-DHAP or DHAP-R.

[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 agent with an alkylating mechanism;