BV-CHP

Say it: B-V C-H-P

Brentuximab vedotin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone

BV-CHP is a clinic treatment for T-cell lymphomas with the CD30 marker that adds brentuximab vedotin to chemotherapy in place of vincristine.

Also called: A+CHP, A-CHP, brentuximab CHP, Adcetris CHP, BV CHP, ECHELON-2 regimen

What it is

This plan is based on CHOP, a standard lymphoma chemotherapy. Vincristine is removed and replaced by brentuximab vedotin, an antibody that delivers chemotherapy straight to cells with the CD30 marker. The goal is cure or long lasting remission. In a large study, BV-CHP helped people with these lymphomas live longer than CHOP.

Often used for

• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma whose cells carry the CD30 marker
• Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)

BV-CHP with growth factor

A shot such as pegfilgrastim is usually given after each cycle to lower the risk of fever and infection.

Stem cell transplant after BV-CHP

Some people in remission go on to high dose chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant to lower the chance of return.

The medicines in this plan

Brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris)

An antibody joined to chemotherapy that targets CD30 on lymphoma cells. Given through a vein over about 30 minutes on day 1.

Cyclophosphamide

An alkylating chemotherapy. Given through a vein on day 1.

Doxorubicin

An anthracycline chemotherapy (a red medicine). Given through a vein on day 1.

Prednisone

A steroid pill taken once a day on days 1 to 5. It helps kill lymphoma cells.

How you get it

BV-CHP is given in an outpatient infusion clinic every 21 days. The treatment day takes about 3 to 4 hours, and prednisone pills are taken at home for 5 days. Most people get 6 to 8 cycles, about 4 to 6 months. Your schedule may be different.

A typical cycle

Day 1

Blood tests, then IV brentuximab vedotin, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. Prednisone pills start.

Days 1 to 5

Prednisone pills each morning at home.

Day 2

White blood cell shot, or an on body injector gives it for you.

Days 7 to 14

Blood counts are lowest. Watch for fever.

Days 15 to 21

Recovery before the next cycle. Scans are done midway and at the end.

Common side effects and what helps

• Tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet (neuropathy). Tell your team early so the plan can be adjusted.
• Low white blood cells and a higher risk of infection. Wash hands often.
• Nausea. Take nausea medicines as directed.
• Hair loss, usually complete. It grows back after treatment.
• Diarrhea or constipation. Drink fluids and tell your team if it lasts.
• Feeling very tired. Plan rest and gentle activity.
• Trouble sleeping, mood changes, more hunger and high blood sugar from prednisone. Take it in the morning with food.
• Mouth sores. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle rinses.
• Red or pink urine for a day or two from doxorubicin.

Call your care team right away if you have

• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or chills
• Numbness or weakness that makes it hard to button, write or walk
• Severe belly pain (rarely a sign of pancreas swelling)
• Shortness of breath, chest pain or a fast heartbeat
• Very high blood sugar readings, or extreme thirst and urination
• Vomiting or diarrhea that keeps you from drinking
• Pain or blood when you urinate

Good to know

• A heart test (echocardiogram or MUGA scan) is done before starting because doxorubicin can weaken the heart.
• A shot or patch to raise white blood cells is usually part of this plan.
• Nerve problems are checked at every visit, and doses may be changed or held.
• Your lymphoma must be tested for the CD30 marker to use this plan.
• Blood sugar may be checked, especially if you have diabetes, because of prednisone.
• You may get medicines to prevent infections and tumor lysis syndrome with the first cycle.

At home

• Take prednisone in the morning with food on days 1 to 5.
• Take your temperature if you feel unwell, and call for a fever.
• Drink plenty of fluids for a day or two after treatment.
• Protect numb feet: wear shoes and check for cuts.
• Wash hands often and avoid people who are sick.

Questions to ask

• Does my lymphoma have the CD30 marker?
• How many cycles will I get?
• Will I need a stem cell transplant afterward?
• What should I do if my hands or feet start to tingle?
• How will you check my heart?

Lymphoma

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.