Canada. Sigma-tau Pharmaceuticals Inc, Canada, has issued a ‘Dear Healthcare Professional’ letter informing them of new safety information for procarbazine hydrochloride (Matulane), one of the components of MOPP regimen (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone) used in treating Hodgkin’s disease. Literature reports reveal that lung cancer can develop as a secondary non-lymphoid malignancy in Hodgkin’s patients receiving MOPP therapy and radiation, taking into account tobacco use. Results indicate an increased risk of lung cancer in a dose dependent fashion which increases with tobacco use. Patients are advised to cease smoking before starting MOPP therapy.

Reference:

‘Dear Healthcare Professional’ letter from Sigma-tau Pharmaceuticals Inc, Canada, 18 Jul 2002.
Available from URL: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca