METHODS	Among 223 patients aged 15-60 years with aggressive , advanced stage NHL , 106 patients were randomized to VACOP-B ( etoposide , doxorubicin , cyclophosphamide , vincristine , prednisone , bleomycin ) for 12 weeks ( plus HDS/HDT in case of persistent disease ) ( arm A ) , and 117 patients to VACOP-B for 8 weeks plus upfront HDS/HDT ( arm B ) .\