Pharmacokinetic comparison of oral and intravenous etoposide in patients treated with the CHOEP-regimen for malignant lymphomas.

Background: The addition of etoposide to the CHOP protocol (CHOEP) has been shown to improve outcome in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The intravenous administration of etoposide on three consecutive days represents a logistic problem and needs resources particular in the outpatient setting. This could be avoided by using etoposide capsules on days 2 and 3.