5-year survey of methotrexate, cyclophosphamide (Endoxan), and vincristine (MEV) therapy for advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

5 courses of a combination chemotherapy regimen with methotrexate, cyclophosphamide (Endoxan), and vincristine were given to 64 patients, 37 with lymphocytic lymphoma (LL) and 27 with histiocytic lymphoma (HL). 18 of the 37 patients with LL (48%) achieved a complete remission (CR); 12 of these 18 patients have been in CR for 20-58 mth. Among the complete responders only 2 died. 22 of the 27 patients with HL (81%) achieved CR and 12 of these patients are still in CR. 10 of the complete responders have been relapse-free for 24-70 mth and 5 have been relapse-free for >60 mth. Clinical and hematologic tolerance was such that the interval between each course had to be prolonged in only 3 of the 64 patients and, with the exception of vincristine, the dosages were not reduced.