Skip Navigation
Mortar_and_pestel

Regimen Information

For CHOP, including Side Effects

CHOP

For the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

How CHOP chemotherapy is given and possible side effects.

CHOP for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

A chemotherapy regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin hydrochloride (doxorubicin hydrochloride), vincristine and prednisone used to treat both indolent and aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

CHOP is the acronym for a chemotherapy regimen used in the treatment of non-hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Drugs in the CHOP combination:

C

= Cyclophosphamide

H

= Doxorubicin Hydrochloride (Hydroxydaunomycin)

O

= Vincristine Sulfate (Oncovin)

P

= Prednisone

Chemotherapy is often given as a combination of drugs. Combinations usually work better than single drugs because different drugs kill cancer cells in different ways.

MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF CHOP

  • Infection

  • Anemia

  • Nausea & Vomiting

  • Constipation

For more information, see the 'Expert Resources' tab below.

Community Responses

Often, the most helpful information regarding treatment side effects comes not from clinical brochures, but rather from other patients like you. We've collected the most helpful community resources to help you prepare for the side effects and coping tips for your chemotherapy regimen.

What side effects did you experience while on this medication?

The following have been voted the 3 most helpful responses to this question.

Hi, I'm Elinor R G.

Had 6 treatments 3 weeks apart for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, type B, third stage. Experienced bone pain, fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, loss of appetite and weight loss (23 lbs) low blood count, and numbness in fingertips. In remission. Had good PET scan in November. Having port removed.

  • Tue Nov 17, 2020
Hi, I'm Elinor R G.

Had 6 treatments 3 weeks apart for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, type B, third stage. Experienced bone pain, fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, loss of appetite and weight loss (23 lbs) low blood count, and numbness in fingertips. In remission. Had good PET scan in November. Having port removed.

  • Tue Nov 17, 2020
Hi, I'm LYNDA H R.

Had 3 treatments of CHOP, 3 weeks apart. Experienced loss of appetite (lost 30 lbs), change in taste (metallic), complete hair loss (missed my eyelashes the most!), numbness & tingling in finger tips, debilitating fatigue and shortness of breath (low hemoglobin). Now in complete remission! (Diagnosed Stage 1 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in April, 2018).

  • Wed Mar 13, 2019
Hi, I'm Rosemary B G.

I lost my appetite. There were certain foods I craved (Chinese Food, Cheese Cake , and Lemon Flavored Water). My husband would fix me Milk Shakes. I lost about 30 pounds.
I had to also deal with consipation. My hair fell out after the 2nd treatment.
My last 2 Pet Scan have been normal. My white blood is not back to normal but it is going up slowly. Still have the Port.
I was diagnosed in February 2017.

  • Sun Jun 10, 2018
Hi, I'm LYNDA H R.

Had 3 treatments of CHOP, 3 weeks apart. Experienced loss of appetite (lost 30 lbs), change in taste (metallic), complete hair loss (missed my eyelashes the most!), numbness & tingling in finger tips, debilitating fatigue and shortness of breath (low hemoglobin). Now in complete remission! (Diagnosed Stage 1 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in April, 2018).

  • Wed Mar 13, 2019
Hi, I'm Elinor R G.

Had 6 treatments 3 weeks apart for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, type B, third stage. Experienced bone pain, fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, loss of appetite and weight loss (23 lbs) low blood count, and numbness in fingertips. In remission. Had good PET scan in November. Having port removed.

  • Tue Nov 17, 2020
Hi, I'm Elinor R G.

Had 6 treatments 3 weeks apart for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, type B, third stage. Experienced bone pain, fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, loss of appetite and weight loss (23 lbs) low blood count, and numbness in fingertips. In remission. Had good PET scan in November. Having port removed.

  • Tue Nov 17, 2020

This discussion needs your voice!

What were the specific side effects that you experienced while taking this medication? How did you manage them?

What coping tips would you give to new patients on this regimen?

Hi, I'm Ronald B H.

Call your Doctor as soon as you seem symptomatic, they seem to have something for everything, and they work.

  • Mon Dec 8, 2014

This discussion needs your voice!

What do you wish you had known before taking this medication? What information would you like to pass on to patients who are beginning this medication?

Treatment Overview

This chemotherapy regimen is commonly used to treat:

Other chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma:

See Expert Resources

The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National Cancer Institute and other experts.