Decision letter for "Clinical characteristics and outcomes of relapsed follicular lymphoma after autologous stem cell transplantation in the rituximab era"

Abstract Introduction: autologous stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative or may augment the time to progression in Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients. The immunotherapy with rituximab may help control the minimal residual disease after high dose chemotherapy. Twenty percent (20%) of Multiple Myeloma patients express the CD20+ protein and can be target for immunotherapy. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of rituximab after autologous stem cell transplantation for Multiple Myeloma. Patients and Methods: eight patients (4 male) with a median age of 53 (range 43–59) years diagnosed with MM. All of them had received at least one previous regimen were enrolled in the protocol study. All patients signed the consent form. Patients in relapse received a salvage regimen with C-VAD n=2 (cyclofosfamide 4 g/m2 e vincristine 0.4 mg/d (d 1–4), doxorrubicin 0.9 mg/m2 (d1-4) e dexametasone 40 mg (d1-4; 9-12; 17–22) or cyclofosfamide (1OO mg/kg, n=7) followed by stem cell harvesting. The preparative regimen was Busulfan 12 mg/kg and cyclofosfamide 120 mg/kg or Melphalan 200mg/m2. Rituximab at a dose of 375mg/m2 weekly x 4 was given every 6 months for 2 years after SCT. The clinical characteristics of the patients are shown on Table 1. Results: the median time to ANC and platelets engraftment was 11 (range 8–12) and 26 (range 17–35) days. Patients have been in CR at a median time of 11 months follow-up. Minor Rituximab-associated toxicities were seen:rigor, fever and short of breath that were controlled with acetaminophen and diphenidramine. Conclusion: the Rituximab given after autologous stem cell transplantation is safe in Multiple Myeloma patients and may prolong time to disease progression. A randomized study is required to evaluate the role of rituximab after ASCT. Table 1 - Clinical Characteristics of Patients Patients Age/gender Status Pre- BMT Status Post- BMT Salvage Tx Prep. regimen ANC/Platelets X1000 MM3/ml Follow-up (months) FRC 57/M PR PR C-VAD BU+MEL 12/28 EXPIRED MB 52/F CR1 CR1 C-VAD BU+MEL 12/60 EXPIRED AM 52/F PR PR C-VAD BU+MEL 9/26 EXPIRED IM 54/M PR CR Cyx2 BU+MEL 12/21 ALIVE GAD 50/F PR CR Cyx2 BU+MEL 12/35 ALIVE SCM 59/M CR CR Cyx2 BU+MEL 10/17 ALIVE MAD 63/F CR CR C-VAD MELPHALAN 12/25 ALIVE JFC 51/M CR CR C-VAD BU+MEL 12/18 ALIVE

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Sequential R-CHOP and R-FM Chemotherapy Followed By Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Results In High Rates Of Long Term Remission In Advanced Follicular Lymphoma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.5543.5543 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 5543-5543

Author(s):

Enrico Derenzini ◽

Vittorio Stefoni ◽

Beatrice Casadei ◽

Cinzia Pellegrini ◽

Alessandro Broccoli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Follicular Lymphoma ◽

Cell Transplantation ◽

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Sequential Treatment ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

First Line ◽

First Relapse

Abstract Introduction Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a potentially curative treatment option for relapsed Follicular Lymphoma (FL) patients, but to date available data do not support the use of ASCT as first line consolidation, given the lack of overall survival (OS) advantage compared to standard therapy. R-CHOP (Rituximab-Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Prednisone) and R-FM (Rituximab, Fludarabine, Mitoxantrone), have comparable efficacy and are widely used as first and second line combinations. The best way to sequence the available therapies in FL is still undefined. Here we show the long term results of a phase II trial of sequential chemotherapy alternating CHOP and FM plus Rituximab followed by ASCT in patients with stage III-IV and/or bulky FL either at disease onset or first relapse, conducted in our Institution from 2002 to 2008. Methods Patients at diagnosis or first relapse were treated in sequence with R-CHOP for 4 cycles, Endoxan 7g/m2 followed by hematopoietic stem cell harvest, R-FM for 4 cycles and ASCT. The ASCT conditioning schedule was BEAM (BCNU, ARA-C, Etoposide, Melphalan) in all cases. Results 24 patients were enrolled, 12 pts were male. Median age was 44 years. One patient did not undergo ASCT for insufficient left ventricular ejection fraction and was excluded from the analysis. 13 patients were treated upfront whereas 10 patients at first relapse. After a median follow-up of 10 years, progression free survival (PFS) and OS in the whole study cohort were respectively 65% and 87%, with a complete response (CR) rate after the completion of sequential treatment of 100%. PFS and OS for patients treated at disease relapse were 60 and 70% (4 relapses, 3 deaths). Remarkably PFS and OS for the 13 patients treated upfront was 70% and 100% (4 relapses). To date no secondary malignancies were observed. Conclusions Sequential treatment alternating standard R-CHOP and R-FM followed by ASCT results in impressive long term PFS and OS rates, both in first line and at relapse. These data represent the proof of principle of a sequential therapy containing alternating alkylating agents and purine analogs followed by ASCT in FL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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