Comparison of clinical parameters and survival in Vietnam era (V) versus non-Vietnam era (non-V) veterans with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Abstract

e18516 Background: The incidence of NHL has been increasing in the US population. Agent Orange exposure has been implicated in the development of B cell lymphoproliferative disorders including NHL. We explored possible differences in the clinical and lab parameters and predictors of survival in V versus Non-V veterans with diagnosis of NHL at the VAHCSNJ. Methods: In an IRB-approved protocol, the records of veterans diagnosed with NHL from January 1997 to December 2011 were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and pathology data, including HIV, Hep B, Hep C titers, Vietnam Veteran status and survival. We tabulated the ECOG Performance Status (PS), International Prognosis Index (IPI)/ Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CMI), the Kaplan-Feinstein Index (KFI), the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and Vietnam status. Cox regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of survival. Results: There were 152 veterans who met the eligibility criteria; 78 V and 74 non-V; the groups did not differ by PS, stage, beta 2microglobulin (b2m), and HIV status, IPI/FLIPI. Differences in their clinical features are summarized (Table). The proportion of V vets with high grade lymphomas was greater than non V vets (p .036). Survival predictors for both the V and non-V veterans were the age, PS, hemoglobin, LDH, albumin, grade, IPI/FLIPI. However, in V veterans, b2m (p< 0.001) and stage were additional predictors of survival. Median survival for V veterans was 1454 days (95%CI 864-3377) and Non-V was 1824 days (95% CI 560-2075). Conclusions: The V veterans were younger with higher grade disease compared to the Non-V veterans. While their stage and PS were not different, survival was shorter. These should be studied further in a larger sample. [Table: see text]