ABVD
Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine
ABVD is the standard treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma. Four drugs are given on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle.
28 days
Cycle length
6 cycles
Typical course
6
Side effects tracked
Common Side Effects
Nausea
days 1–3 after each infusion
Tip: Anti-nausea medications are typically very effective for ABVD. Take as prescribed starting the morning of infusion.
Fatigue
cumulative, often worse in later cycles
Tip: Rest is important. Many patients maintain near-normal activity in early cycles but may need more rest by cycles 4–6.
Hair loss
weeks 2–3 of first cycle
Tip: Expected with ABVD. Temporary — hair usually returns 3–6 months after treatment ends.
Lung toxicity (bleomycin)
cumulative risk
Tip: Report any new shortness of breath or cough immediately. Bleomycin can cause lung damage — your team monitors this closely.
Mouth sores
days 5–12
Tip: Rinse with salt water. Use soft toothbrush. Avoid spicy or acidic foods.
Low blood counts
days 10–18
Tip: Fever during this window requires immediate medical attention.
Critical Days in the Cycle
Day 1 — Infusion Day 1 & Day 15
Watch for
- •Reaction to bleomycin or dacarbazine
- •Infusion site pain
When to call:
Any unusual symptoms during infusion — tell nursing staff immediately.
Day 10 — Nadir
Watch for
- •Fever
- •Chills
- •Shortness of breath
When to call:
Fever ≥100.4°F during nadir — go to the ER immediately, do not wait for a callback. Any new breathing difficulty — call immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is shortness of breath so important to report with ABVD?
Bleomycin (the "B" in ABVD) can cause pulmonary toxicity — lung damage — in some patients. Even mild new shortness of breath or a new cough should be reported to your oncology team promptly. They monitor lung function throughout treatment.
Is ABVD curative for Hodgkin lymphoma?
ABVD has a high cure rate for Hodgkin lymphoma — over 80% for early-stage disease. This is one of the most treatable cancers with modern chemotherapy.
When should I call the oncology team?
For fever ≥100.4°F during nadir — go to the ER immediately, do not wait for a callback. Call the team for: any new shortness of breath or cough (report same day), severe vomiting, or unusual bruising/bleeding.
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