Carmustine in the Therapy of B-Cell Lymphomas

Abstract

Aim. To analyze the efficacy and toxicity of different highdose chemotherapy protocols for the purpose of determining the optimal conditioning regimen with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). Materials & Methods. The present review provides the analysis of some comparative retrospective studies. The evidence-based analysis proceeded in two stages consisting of a search and then primary processing of available literature. The PubMed database was searched for publications for the period 2004-2020. Results. In relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas as well as in Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the literature analysis demonstrated satisfactory efficacy of carmustine as part of BEAM conditioning. With the use of the BEAM conditioning regimen with subsequent auto-HSCT, up to 50 % of complete remissions were achieved in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and up to 70 % in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Comparative studies show that despite concerns about severe toxicity, the use of carmustine was not associated with an increase in the incidence of adverse events. Lung and liver toxicity proved to be comparable with that of being observed while using alternative programs of highdose chemotherapy and corresponded to 9 % and 6 % on LEAM and BEAM regimens, respectively. Besides, carmustine feasibility in primary diffuse large B-cell CNS lymphoma was considered and analyzed in the context of the lack of thiotepa. Conclusion. High efficacy of carmustine as part of BEAM conditioning with subsequent auto-HSCT was proved in extremely unfavorable patients with relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and Hodgkin’s lymphoma with an acceptable toxicity profile. The study of carmustine in the therapy of primary CNS lymphoma seems to be аn important area of clinical studies aimed at developing rational treatment options.