Refractory Aggressive non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of lenalidomide oral monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Results from an international study (NHL-003)

e19504 Background: Patients with diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not cured with R-CHOP or high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue have a dismal prognosis. A recent phase II trial (NHL-002) of lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) demonstrated a 19% overall response rate (ORR) with a 7-month median duration of response (DR) in the subset of patients with DLBCL. A supporting international phase II trial (NHL-003) of single-agent lenalidomide was initiated for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL that had received at least one prior treatment and had measurable disease. Herein, we report the data from the DLBCL patients enrolled in this trial. Methods: Patients received 25 mg oral lenalidomide once daily on days 1–21 of every 28-day cycle and continued therapy until disease progression or toxicity. The 1999 IWLRC methodology was used to assess response and progression. Results: One hundred-three DLBCL patients were enrolled and were evaluable for response assessment. The median age was 66 years (21–87) and 70 patients (68%) were male. Median time from diagnosis was 2 years (0.4–18.6), patients had received a median of 3 prior treatment regimens (1–10) and 46 of the patients (45%) had received a prior stem cell transplant (DLBCL-stem cell). Response rates are shown in the Table . Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurring in more than 5% of patients were neutropenia (34%), thrombocytopenia (18%), asthenia (9%), anemia (8%), leucopenia (7%), back pain (6%) and dyspnea (6%). Conclusions: This international study demonstrates that lenalidomide is active in heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL and has manageable side effects. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

A phase II trial of gemcitabine, ifosfamide, dexamethasone, and oxaliplatin (GIDOX) for patients with refractory or relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

8559 Background: Gemcitabine combined with cisplatin has been known as an effective regimen for lymphoma treatment in salvage setting. However, this regimen has the modest response with severe nephrotoxcity and neurotoxicity, especially to heavily treated patients. We investigated the response rate and toxicity of gemcitabine, ifosfamide, dexamethasone, and oxaliplatin (GIDOx) for recurrent or refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), looking for the more effective and less toxic therapy. Methods: Patients with recurrent or refractory diffuse large B-cell NHL or mantle cell lymphoma, measurable disease, and more than one previous chemotherapy regimen were eligible. Treatment consisted of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) on Days 1 and 8, ifosfamide 2000 mg/m2 i.v. on Day 1, dexamethasone 40 mg orally on Days 1–4, and oxaliplatin 130mg/m2 i.v. on Day 2, every 21 days. The primary end point was a response after three cycles. Patients could then proceed to stem cell transplantation (SCT) or receive up to six treatment cycles. Results: Twenty-seven eligible patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. The median age of the patients was 54 years (range, 18–75 years) and most had diffuse large-cell lymphoma. After 3 cycles, there were 4 complete responses (CR; 15%) and 10 partial responses (PR; 37%). There was an overall response rate (RR) of 52%. The RR after completion of all protocol chemotherapy including SCT was 44% (10 CR, 2 PR). In total 88 cycles of GIDOx, grade 3 and 4 neutropenia occurred in 33% and 16% of cycles, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 14% and 16% of cycles, respectively. Tow patients (2%) experienced febrile neutropenia. Seven patients (26%) proceeded to SCT. Conclusions: GIDOx is an active salvage regimen in aggressive B-cell NHL and can be administered with acceptable toxicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Treatment strategies for relapsed and refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) are a clinically heterogeneous group of lymphomas with disparate responses to standard chemotherapy regimens. Aggressive NHL includes diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), among others. Significant advances have been made in the last decade in the initial treatment of DLBCL and MCL, but the treatment of relapsed or refractory disease remains difficult. The addition of rituximab to the treatment of DLBCL and MCL has improved clinical outcomes and is now a critical component of initial therapy and treatment of relapsed disease. The PTCLs, not having a similar agent to significantly change the treatment approach to these diseases, remain a difficult therapeutic problem. This review examines recent advances in the treatment of relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL and discusses novel approaches currently under investigation.

Pixantrone maleate for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Pixantrone (BBR-2778) is a novel aza-anthracenedione anthracycline derivative developed by Cell Therapeutics Incorporated, WA, USA. Pixantrone is similar in structure to the anthracenedione mitoxantrone but lacks the 5, 8-dihydroxy substitution groups implicated in mitoxantrone-induced cardiotoxicity. The PIX301 phase III single-agent trial of pixantrone for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma randomized patients to receive either pixantrone or another single agent of the investigators' choice. The rate of confirmed and unconfirmed remissions in patients treated with pixantrone was significantly higher than in those receiving other agents, as was the overall response rate and progression-free survival. There is evidence that pixantrone is well tolerated when substituted for anthracyclines in combination regimens for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with comparable rates of complete remission. Pixantrone has also been used for the treatment of indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and the combination of pixantrone and rituximab has been shown to be superior to rituximab alone in relapsed or refractory disease in the phase III PIX302 study. On the basis of these data, the United States Food and Drug Administration is considering pixantrone for use in adult patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive and indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on a fast-track basis.

Clofarabine in relapsed lymphoma: what is the optimal dose?

I read with interest the recent article by Blum et al. [1] investigating single agent clofarabine in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The study reported o...

Phase I Dose-Escalation Trial of BI 2536, a Polo-Like Kinase 1 Inhibitor, in Relapsed and Refractory Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Background: BI 2536 is a highly potent, selective inhibitor of Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a key regulator of mitotic progression. BI 2536 has demonstrated favorable tolerability and antitumor activity in Phase I trials in patients with solid tumors. Antitumor activity of BI 2536 was also shown in preclinical non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) models. We determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), overall safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy of BI 2536 given as an intravenous infusion once every 3 weeks in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL of T- or B-cell origin.Methods: Sequential cohorts of 3–6 patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL received 1-hour infusions of BI 2536 following a toxicity-guided Phase 1 doseescalation design. Patients relapsed after peripheral stem cell transplantation and transplantation-naive patients were entered into different strata and the respective MTD determined independently. A single administration was given every 21 days. Patients with clinical benefit were eligible for further treatment courses after recovery from toxicity after a 3-week observation period. A total of 41 patients were entered into the trial: 24 patients in the transplant-naive (non-tr) stratum; and 17 patients in the transplant-failure (tr) stratum. Patients were treated at dose levels from 50 to 200 mg.Results: The safety profile was similar in both strata with the MTD determined independently at 175 mg for both non-tr and tr patients. Neutropenia (tot: 33%; CTCAE Grade (gr)3/4: 21%), anemia (tot: 29%; gr3: 4%), thrombocytopenia (tot: 29%; gr3/4: 17%), fatigue (tot: 25%; gr3: 4%) and nausea (tot=gr1/2: 25%) were the most frequent adverse events in non-tr; and thrombocytopenia (tot: 59%; gr3/4: 41%), anemia (tot=gr1/2: 41%), fatigue (tot=gr1/2: 41%) and neutropenia (tot: 41%; gr3/4: 21%) were most frequent in tr patients. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) consisted of reversible thrombocytopenia (six patients) and neutropenia (three patients). No relevant non-specific toxicity was observed. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed dose proportionality of Cmax and AUC0–∞ with a high clearance (~1,400 mL/min) and a high volume of distribution (>1,000 L). Patients were treated for up to 6 courses without evidence of cumulative toxicity. Three complete responses (CRs) and one partial response were observed. Stable disease as best response was noted in three (18%) of tr patients and nine (38%) of non-tr patients. All responders had relapsed after prior peripheral stem cell transplants and were treated at doses of 150–200 mg. Three of the four responders had a peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) NHL; one CR was observed in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The overall response rate (ORR) in the tr stratum was 23.5%; in the aggregate of both tr and non-tr, the ORR amounted to 9.7%. With three out of five patients responding, an ORR of 60% was observed in the T-cell subset. However, the responses were of short duration.Conclusion: BI 2536 has a favorable safety and PK profile in patients with NHL. Safety profile and PK properties are comparable to data obtained in solid tumor patient populations. Encouraging, albeit transient, anti-lymphoma efficacy was observed in patients suffering from PTCL after autologous stem-cell transplantation.

Lenalidomide Monotherapy in Relapsed or Refractory Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The major cause of death in aggressive lymphoma is relapse or nonresponse to initial therapy. Lenalidomide has activity in a variety of hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We report the results of a phase II, single-arm, multicenter trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide oral monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL. Patients were treated with oral lenalidomide 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21, every 28 days, for 52 weeks, until disease progression or intolerance. The primary end point was response; secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Forty-nine patients with a median age of 65 years received lenalidomide in this study. The most common histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (53%), and patients had received a median of four prior treatment regimens for NHL. An objective response rate of 35% was observed in 49 treated patients, including a 12% rate of complete response/unconfirmed complete response. Responses were observed in each aggressive histologic subtype tested (diffuse large B-cell, follicular center grade 3, mantle cell, and transformed lymphomas). Of patients with stable disease or partial response at first assessment, 25% improved with continued treatment. Estimated median duration of response was 6.2 months, and median PFS was 4.0 months. The most common grade 4 adverse events were neutropenia (8.2%) and thrombocytopenia (8.2%); the most common grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (24.5%), leukopenia (14.3%), and thrombocytopenia (12.2%). Oral lenalidomide monotherapy is active in relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL, with manageable side effects.

Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma with Two Ifosfamide-Based Regimens, IMVP and ICE

We report the outcomes of 45 patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treated with a combination of ifosfamide, carboplatinum and etoposide (ICE) and 28 patients treated with a combination of ifosfamide, methotrexate and etoposide (IMVP) during two 5-year periods. The response rate (RR) to ICE was 47%, 2-year overall survival (OS) 31% and 2-year event-free survival (EFS) 22%. These results were similar to those obtained with IMVP (RR 39%, 2-year OS 23%, 2-year EFS 13%; p=0.355 for RR, 0.275 for OS, 0.668 for EFS). Higher IPI scores and refractoriness to treatment were negative prognostic factors, immunophenotype (B vs. T) had no influence on prognosis. Changing from IMVP to ICE does not substantially improve the outcome of patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL. Patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B-NHL do not have a superior out-come in comparison to those with T-NHL if treated with chemotherapy alone.

Lenalidomide offers effective treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Lenalidomide offers effective treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Equitoxicity of bolus and infusional etoposide: results of a multicenter randomised trial of the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Study Group (DSHNHL) in elderly patients with refractory or relapsing aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma using the CEMP regimen (cisplatinum, etoposide, mitoxantrone and prednisone)

To compare toxicity of etoposide bolus with continuous infusion and to assess the efficacy of the CEMP (cisplatinum, etoposide, mitoxantrone, prednisone) regimen, 47 patients with refractory or relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma older than 60 years (n=43) or not qualifying for high-dose chemotherapy (n=4) received five four-weekly CEMP cycles. Patients were randomised to start with bolus or continuous-infusion etoposide and then received bolus and infusional etoposide in an alternating fashion. The primary objective was the comparison of differences in the course of leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia between the two application schedules. CEMP was well tolerated with little organ and moderate haematotoxicity. There was no difference in toxicity between bolus and continuous-infusion etoposide. Complete remission rate was 44% in patients relapsing >or=1 year, 27% in patients relapsing within the first year after achieving complete remission and 5% in primary refractory patients. Median event-free and overall survivals for all patients were 3 and 10 months, respectively. The observed equitoxicity and the more challenging logistics of a 60-h infusion make bolus injection the preferred application of etoposide. As the CEMP regimen is well tolerated and efficacious in elderly patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for whom more aggressive therapies are not feasible, a three-weekly modification of CEMP should be tested in combination with rituximab.

Second Cancers after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) for Relapsed/Refractory Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL).

ASCT results in long-term disease free survival for approximately 40–50% of patients (pts) with relapsed−/− refractory aggressive NHL who respond to second-line chemotherapy. The incidence of second cancers (SC) in long-term survivors and risk factors in this pt population has not been well studied. We performed a retrospective analysis of 372 pts undergoing ASCT at our institution from May 1987 to Dec 2006 for relapsed−/− refractory aggressive NHL after primary therapy. Second-line chemotherapy was given to best response, followed by high dose therapy for pts with chemotherapy-sensitive disease. Intensive therapy was melphalan 180mg/m2 + etoposide 60mg/kg in 86%; regimens including total body irradiation (TBI) 12 Gy were received in 16%. Stem cell source: autologous bone marrow (27%), peripheral blood (63%) or both (10%); 7% received post-ASCT involved field RT to sites of bulky disease. Estimates of SC risk were determined adjusting for competing risks. The incidence of SC was compared to the general population in Ontario from 1987 to 2002. Of 372 pts, 59% had diffuse large B cell lymphoma, 24% transformed from prior indolent NHL, 16% T cell lymphoma, 1% undefined aggressive NHL. Median age at ASCT was 50 years (range 19–70); female 44%. The majority of patients (74%) received 2 chemotherapy regimens prior to ASCT (range 1–8); all pts with de novo DLCL received CHOP or equivalent regimen as primary therapy. For first salvage therapy cytarabine/platinum combinations were used in 205 (55%) pts, miniBEAM (melphalan, etoposide, cytarabine, BCNU) in 40 (11%), gemcitabine/dexamethasone/cisplatinum in 37 (10%); CHOP or equivalent was used in 42 pts (11%). Median follow up is 4.3 years and 27/185 (15%) have been followed more than 10 years. 184 pts (49%) have experienced disease relapse and 32 (9%) have developed a SC (17 MDS/AML, 13 solid tumors, 1 chronic lymphocytic leukemia and 1 acute lymphoblastic leukemia). During the follow up period 187 (50%) patients have died (126 from relapsed lymphoma, 30 from treatment-related toxicity, 14 from second cancer, 5 unrelated medical condition, 7 unknown). The probability of SC is 5% (95% CI: 3%-8%) 3 years post-ASCT and 14% at 10 years (95%CI: 10%-20%). Age at ASCT, sex, receipt of TBI, number of chemotherapy regimens, prior RT, graft source and lymphoma subtype were not associated with development of a second malignancy. Use of miniBEAM as part of salvage therapy was significantly associated with the development of a second cancer (p=0.001). The incidence of malignancy in survivors of ASCT is 32 per 1180 person years of follow-up. When compared to the general population (AML and solid tumors only) the relative risk (RR) for developing AML or a solid tumor is 13.5 (p<0.0001, 95% CI 5.4–27.8) and 2.4 (p=0.0013, 95% CI 1.3–4.0) respectively. The risk of developing a SC in pts treated with ASCT for relapsed aggressive NHL is substantially higher compared to the general population. Second cancers appear to develop both in the early and late post ASCT period and contribute to late mortality. Our observation of an unexpected increased risk of SC in ASCT patients receiving prior miniBEAM salvage suggests that the contribution of other salvage regimens to late adverse effects after ASCT warrants further investigation.

Maintaining the dose intensity of ICE chemotherapy with a thrombopoietic agent, PEG-rHuMGDF, may confer a survival advantage in relapsed and refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Introduction: HDT/ASCT is standard for relapsed and refractory DLCL patients responding to second-line chemotherapy. We incorporated a thrombopoietic agent into the ICE chemotherapy program to potentially: decrease platelet associated toxicities, augment stem cell collection and maintain dose intensity.Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I/II trial examines PEG-rHuMGDF versus placebo with ICE chemotherapy. Phase I compared three cohorts and defined a clinically effective dose (CED). Phase II evaluated the CED versus placebo. Outcome measures included safety, hematological end-points, stem cell collection and the impact of dose-intensity on outcome.Results: Forty-one patients with primary refractory (16) or relapsed DLCL (25) were treated; Response rates for evaluable patients are: 75% (12/16) for placebo and 82% (18/22) for PEG-rHuMGDF. PEG-rHuMGDF treated patients had significantly less grade IV thrombocytopenia, higher median platelet nadirs, and less platelet transfusion per cycle. ICE dose intensity was improved with PEG-rHuMGDF versus placebo: 75 versus 42% (P = 0.008). At 8.5 years median follow-up, overall and event-free survival are 47 and 31%, respectively. Patients treated on PEG-rHuMGDF versus placebo had improved survival (59 versus 31%, P = 0.06).Conclusion: PEG-rHuMGDF ameliorated thrombocytopenia, improved platelet recovery, and maintained ICE dose intensity. Potential survival advantages conferred by maintaining dose intensity require validation with newer thrombopoietic agents.

Rituximab plus ASHAP for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a single-centre study of 20 patients

The anti-CD20 antibody rituximab improves the results of first-line therapy in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of B cell lineage. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate its efficacy and toxicity in combination with the doxorubicine, methylprednisolone, high-dose cytarabine, cisplatin (ASHAP) protocol, an established treatment regimen for relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL. After a median of four cycles, 9 of 20 patients treated achieved a complete remission and 6 a partial remission, resulting in a total response rate of 75%. Remissions were not only seen in patients with relapsed lymphomas but also in patients with primary refractory or transformed indolent lymphomas. The outcome in cases with an international prognostic index score > or =2 was poor. Five of 15 responders received consolidating high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation. All of them are in ongoing remission. The main toxicity was myelosuppression, with neutropenias or thrombocytopenias of World Health Organization (WHO) grades III or IV developing in more than 90% of the cycles. There was one therapy-related death due to neutropenic sepsis. Non-hematologic toxicity was generally mild. At the time of analysis, six patients have died. After a median observation time of 17.5 months, the 2-year overall survival rate is 62%. ASHAP plus rituximab is an active and well-tolerated salvage protocol for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL, which compares favourably with other immuno-chemotherapy regimens, especially in patients with primary refractory or transformed indolent lymphomas.

Subcutaneous interleukin-4 (IL-4) for relapsed and resistant non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A phase II trial in the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, NCCTG 91-78-51

Interleukin-4 (IL-4), a pleiotropic cytokine, has in vitro activity against non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This phase II study was conducted to learn the efficacy and toxicity of IL-4 in patients with NHL. Patients with relapsed or refractory indolent or aggressive NHL were eligible to receive 2.5 or 5.0 mcg/kg of subcutaneous IL-4 for 28 days of a 42-day cycle. Patients with response and acceptable toxicity after two cycles were eligible to continue treatment for six cycles. The target overall response rate (ORR) was 20%. Forty-one patients were enrolled and assessable for toxicity; two were ineligible after histology review. The ORR was 13% (5/39) with one complete and four partial responses. All responders were treated with 5.0 mcg/kg; the median time to progression was 84 days, the median duration of response for responders was 8.3 months. The most common toxicities of any grade in all patients were edema (66%), malaise (56%), and elevated liver function tests (56%). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were more common at 5.0 mcg/kg, leading to a reduction in the starting dose. Although the study observed anti-tumor activity with IL-4, the ORR goal of the study was not achieved. Agents that target the IL-4 receptor can potentially benefit patients with NHL; however, alternative schedules using IL-4 in shorter duration and in combination with other agents would be required to overcome toxicities observed in this study.

Dexa-BEAM as salvage therapy in patients with primary refractory aggressive Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Although aggressive NHL in relapse after remission can still be cured by second-line treatment followed by high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, the long-term prognosis of patients who fail to obtain remission after first-line therapy remains extremely poor. We retrospectively evaluated a series of 29 consecutive patients with primary refractory high-grade NHL who were treated with Dexa-BEAM (DB) as uniform salvage therapy at a single institution. Twenty-nine patients with aggressive NHL primary refractory to CHOP or CHOP-like induction therapy with a median age of 47 (range, 22 – 64) years received 1 – 2 cycles of DB and were candidates for subsequent autologous stem cell (PBSC) mobilization and transplantation (PBSCT). Follow-up of all patients was updated in March 2004. Eight of 29 patients (28%) responded to one cycle of DB (1 complete/7 partial remissions); 2 of whom are alive after PBSCT (1 autologous/1 matched unrelated donor), 1 patient died after autologous PBSCT. Reasons for failure to proceed to high-dose therapy in spite of response to DB were recurrent progressive disease (n = 2), septicemia (n = 1), and allogeneic transplant-related mortality after mobilization failure to DB (n = 2). Twenty-one patients failed to respond to DB and died of progressive disease. Overall survival was 7% after 41 months. We conclude that Dexa-BEAM salvage therapy is not effective in patients with truly primary refractory high-grade NHL. The efficiency of rituximab combined with Dexa-BEAM or novel chemotherapeutic strategies needs to be established.

Inferior Progression-Free Survival after Autotransplant for Relapsed or Refractory Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Patients > 60 Versus ≤ 60 Years of Age.

INTRODUCTION: Results of the randomized Parma trial (Philip, NEJM 1995) demonstrated an overall survival (OS) advantage for patients aged ≤ 60 years who received an autotransplant for relapsed aggressive histology non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard of care in this setting and trial results have been generalized to include patients up to age 65 years. Earlier results from our group (Gupta ASH 2003 abstract #2720) reported a treatment-related mortality (TRM) of 29% in a group of patients (pts) aged > 60 which included pts who had received bone marrow grafts and TBI-containing high dose therapy. We reviewed our results (overall [OS] and progression-free survival [PFS], TRM and non-relapse mortality (NRM) of ASCT in pts of age > 60 years (older group: OG) and compare these with patients aged ≤ 60 years (younger group: YG).METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our computerized database and charts between Jan 1st 1986 until June 30th 2006 and identified 289 pts with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL who underwent ASCT. 30 pts were aged > 60 years and 259 were age ≤ 60. All pts had disease that did not respond to or relapsed after initial anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Responses have been retrospectively assessed using International Workshop Criteria. Pts typically received 2–3 cycles of platinum-based salvage therapy to assess chemotherapy sensitivity; responding pts proceeded to PBSC mobilization and subsequent ASCT. The intensive therapy regimen consisted of high-dose VP16 60 mg/kg day -4 and melphalan 180 mg/m2 day -3 with PBSC infusion day 0. Pts with bulky disease at relapse (> 5cm) received involved field radiation post-ASCT.RESULTS: The median age at the time of transplant was 62 (range 61–66) in the OG vs. 50 (range 19–60) in the YG. Histology was similar in both groups: DLBCL and variants (OG: 63%; YG: 48%), transformed FL (OG: 10%; YG: 16%), MCL (OG: 7%; YG: 13%) (chi square 0.525). Prior chemotherapy was R-CHOP (OG: 23%; YG: 9%), CHOP or CHOP-like (OG: 69%; YG: 72%), chi-square p=0.10. There was no difference in prior radiotherapy (OG:40%;YG:38%, chi square 0.859). Advanced stage disease at relapse was seen in 56% (OG) vs. 44% (YG) (p=0.52 chi-square). Disease response [complete response (OG; 17%; YG:32%, p=0.09) and partial response rate (OG:67%, YG:68%, p=0.92)] pre-ASCT was not statistically different between groups. With a median follow-up of 41 months for OG and 81 months YG pts, the OS post-ASCT was 53% (OG) vs. 65% (YG), (p-value 0.06). Progression-free survival post-ASCT was 40% (OG) vs. 52% (YG), p-value 0.04. TRM was 7% (OG) vs. 3% (YG) (chi-square P=0.310) and NRM was 1% (OG) vs. 3% (YG) (chi square P=0.942).CONCLUSIONS: While the OS between the OG and YG was not significantly different, PFS was inferior in the older pts. This difference was not expected based on available prognostic factors pre-ASCT although full IPI data is not available in all cases. This may suggest other factors related to tumour biology in patients age > 60 may be responsible for inferior PFS. TRM, NRM and OS were not statistically different and this may in part be due to small numbers in the OG. Well-designed prospective trials should address the role of salvage chemotherapy and ASCT in patients with aggressive NHL above the age of 60.

Rituximab added to an intensified salvage chemotherapy program followed by autologous stem cell transplantation improved the outcome in relapsed and refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma

We investigated the addition of rituximab to an intensified salvage program followed by a myeloablative course with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Patients with relapsed or progressive aggressive NHL were treated with two cycles of conventional salvage chemotherapy (DHAP) followed by high-dose sequential chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate with vincristine and etoposide) and a final myeloablative course (BEAM) with ASCT. Rituximab (375 mg/m(2)) was administered at each treatment cycle. This cohort was compared with a historical control group of patients treated with the same chemotherapy but without rituximab. Patients from both groups were matched by duration of first remission and lactate dehydrogenase serum levels. Forty-five patients were treated with chemotherapy and 22 with immunochemotherapy. The overall response rates (ORR) at the final evaluation were 63% for the immunochemotherapy group and 42% for the chemotherapy group (p = 0.330). In the historical controlled analysis freedom from second failure (FF2F) at 2 years in the immunochemotherapy group was 57% and overall survival (OS) was 77%. FF2F in the chemotherapy group was 18% (p = 0.0051) and OS was 37% (p = 0.0051). In the matched-pair analysis, FF2F was 58% in the immunochemotherapy group compared to 16% in the chemotherapy group (p = 0.0517); OS was 74 vs 33%, respectively (p = 0.0424). The toxicity was tolerable and comparable in both groups. The addition of rituximab to an intensified salvage chemotherapy regimen seems to improve the prognosis. However, only prospective randomized trial can offer sufficient data of the value of rituximab in relapsed and refractory aggressive NHL.

R-GIFOX is a promising salvage regimen for recurrent or refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

R-GIFOX is a promising salvage regimen for recurrent or refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Vinorelbine, gemcitabine, procarbazine and prednisone (ViGePP) as salvage therapy in relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL): Results of a phase II study conducted by the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio dei Linfomi

Patients with aggressive NHL who fail initial treatment or subsequently relapse have a very poor outcome and less than 20–25% achieve a prolonged disease-free interval with salvage therapies. To improve the outcome of patients with refractory aggressive NHL not suitable for High Dose Therapy (HDT) and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT), the efficacy of a combination of gemcitabine, vinorelbine, procarbazine and prednisone (ViGePP) were tested. Between November 1999 and September 2002, 69 patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL were treated with ViGePP regimen, every 4 weeks up to six courses. At the end of planned chemotherapy patients could receive additional radiotherapy on residual masses or on sites of previously bulky disease. Sixty-six patients were available for evaluation of study end-points. Thirty patients were refractory to therapy and 36 patients had relapsed after remission obtained with previous therapy. At the end of therapy, complete remission (CR) rate was 23%, 3-year relapse free survival rate was 40% and 3-year overall survival rate was 25% for the whole series (29% and 20% for relapsed and refractory patients, respectively). Patients achieving CR with ViGePP had a significantly better survival as compared with the remaining ones (p = 0.0003). ViGePP as used in the present setting has demonstrated a promising activity, comparable to other conventional dose regimens. Although CR was achieved only in a minority of patients, this was durable in a significant proportion of them. This regimen should be tested in less heavily pre-treated patients and probably in combination with new active agents such Rituximab. Further developments of this combination are warranted.

Dexamethasone, High-Dose Cytarabine, and Cisplatin in Combination with Rituximab as Salvage Treatment for Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

We designed a multicenter Phase II trial to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of rituximab with the DHAP regimen (dexamethasone, high-dose cytarabine, cisplatin) in patients who relapsed after or were resistant to a CHOP-like regimen. A total of 53 patients with relapsed or resistant aggressive B-cell NHL were analyzed. The overall response rate was 62.3 percent. With a median follow-up of 24.9 months, median overall and progression-free survivals were 8.5 and 6.7 months, respectively. Immunochemotherapy with rituximab and DHAP proved to be feasible and effective in this patient population.