Cluster of Differentiation 20 Expression and Rituximab Use Do Not Improve Outcome of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 26-27
Author(s):  
Khadega A Abuelgasim ◽  
Raed Al Shammari ◽  
Saeed Alshieban ◽  
Bader Alahmari ◽  
Mohsen Alzahrani ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20) is expressed in Reed Sternberg (RS) cells of 11-35% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) cases with very controversial prognostic significance. Rituximab is not considered part of standard therapy in cHL but has shown promising responses in the relapsed setting. Early metabolic response has emerged as a robust prognostic tool for early and advanced stage cHL. This analysis reports the prognostic significance of CD20 expression and the therapeutic effect of rituximab in 310 previously untreated cHL patients. Methods: After due approval, all newly diagnosed cHL cases were retrospectively identified. CD20 immunehistochemical (IHC) stain was applied to all cases and considered positive when 10% of the RS cells showed expression. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were computed using Kaplan-Meir method with log ranks test. Multivariate analyses for PFS were computed using Cox regression modeling incorporating variables with a p value ≤ 0.15 from the univariable model in addition to CD20 expression and rituximab use. Results: A: General characteristics Among 310 patients, 171 (55%) were males, the median age was 27 (14-89) years. Stage of disease was advanced (including early unfavorable) in 278 (90%), 214 (70%) had constitutional symptoms and 58 (19%) had bulky disease. The most common subtype was cHL-nodular sclerosis (NS) at 185 (60%). CD20 was positive in 66 (22%) of the cases. Majority of patients received ABVD 234 (76%) and out of the 66 patients with CD20 expression, 27 (41 %) received rituximab with front line chemotherapy. B: Characteristics and outcome based on CD20 expression Stratified by CD20 expression, there was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, stage at presentation, presence of constitutional symptoms or bulky disease between CD20+ and CD20- cases. NS subtype was more common among CD20- cases (p = 0.0001). More patients were able to achieve interim complete metabolic response (CMR) among CD20+ compared to CD20- at 85% vs. 69%, respectively (p = 0.032); this is further detailed in table I. After a median follow up of 51.3 (1.3-213) months, the 3-year PFS was 75.1% for CD20+ and 70% for CD20- (p = 0.36); this is further illustrated in figure I. C: Impact of rituximab therapy on CD20 positive cHL Stratifying CD20+ cases by rituximab therapy, there was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, stage at presentation, presence of constitutional symptoms or bulky disease. First line chemotherapy used was comparable; however more patients received involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) in the no rituximab group (p = 0.05). The addition of rituximab to chemotherapy did not affect the result of interim PET/CT (p = 0.84). Among the CD20+ cases, 27 (41 %) received rituximab with their first line chemotherapy. After a median follow up of 42.6 (1.3-188) months for CD20+ and 55.2 (2.2-213) months for the CD20- group, the 3-year PFS was 75.1% for CD20+ and 70% for CD20-; the 3-year OS was 89.2% for CD20+and 92.8% for CD20- (p = 0.36). After a median follow up of 36 (6.8-116) months for rituximab group and 55.8 (1.3-188) months for the no rituximab group, the 3-year PFS was 72.6% and 67.8% (p = 0.23) while the 3-year OS was 92.6% and 86.6% (p = 0.47)), respectively. This is further illustrated in figure I. On multivariate analysis the presence of constitutional symptoms and interim PET/CT positivity was significantly associated with worse outcome at HR 3.2 (1.14-9.01; p = 0.028) and 4.3 (2.27-8.1; p < 0.0001) respectively. Conclusions: We observed that neither CD20 expression nor nor rituximab use has improved the outcome of cHL patients. The presence of constitutional symptoms and interim PET/CT positivity were associated with worse outcome. A large prospective study is needed to confirm these findings. ptoms and interim PET/CT positivity are associated with worse outcome. A large prospective study is needed to confirm these findings. Figure Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Author(s):  
Christos Sachpekidis ◽  
Annette Kopp-Schneider ◽  
Leyun Pan ◽  
Dimitrios Papamichail ◽  
Uwe Haberkorn ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose In an attempt to identify biomarkers that can reliably predict long-term outcomes to immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma, we investigated the prognostic role of [18F]FDG PET/CT, performed at baseline and early during the course of anti-PD-1 treatment. Methods Twenty-five patients with stage IV melanoma, scheduled for treatment with PD-1 inhibitors, were enrolled in the study (pembrolizumab, n = 8 patients; nivolumab, n = 4 patients; nivolumab/ipilimumab, 13 patients). [18F]FDG PET/CT was performed before the start of treatment (baseline PET/CT) and after the initial two cycles of PD-1 blockade administration (interim PET/CT). Seventeen patients underwent also a third PET/CT scan after administration of four cycles of treatment. Evaluation of patients’ response by means of PET/CT was performed after application of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 1999 criteria and the PET Response Evaluation Criteria for IMmunoTherapy (PERCIMT). Response to treatment was classified into 4 categories: complete metabolic response (CMR), partial metabolic response (PMR), stable metabolic disease (SMD), and progressive metabolic disease (PMD). Patients were further grouped into two groups: those demonstrating metabolic benefit (MB), including patients with SMD, PMR, and CMR, and those demonstrating no MB (no-MB), including patients with PMD. Moreover, patterns of [18F]FDG uptake suggestive of radiologic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were documented. Progression-free survival (PFS) was measured from the date of interim PET/CT until disease progression or death from any cause. Results Median follow-up from interim PET/CT was 24.2 months (19.3–41.7 months). According to the EORTC criteria, 14 patients showed MB (1 CMR, 6 PMR, and 7 SMD), while 11 patients showed no-MB (PMD). Respectively, the application of the PERCIMT criteria revealed that 19 patients had MB (1 CMR, 6 PMR, and 12 SMD), and 6 of them had no-MB (PMD). With regard to PFS, no significant difference was observed between patients with MB and no-MB on interim PET/CT according to the EORTC criteria (p = 0.088). In contrary, according to the PERCIMT criteria, patients demonstrating MB had a significantly longer PFS than those showing no-MB (p = 0.045). The emergence of radiologic irAEs (n = 11 patients) was not associated with a significant survival benefit. Regarding the sub-cohort undergoing also a third PET/CT, 14/17 patients (82%) showed concordant responses and 3/17 (18%) had a mismatch of response assessment between interim and late PET/CT. Conclusion PET/CT-based response of metastatic melanoma to PD-1 blockade after application of the recently proposed PERCIMT criteria is significantly correlated with PFS. This highlights the potential ability of [18F]FDG PET/CT for early stratification of response to anti-PD-1 agents, a finding with possible significant clinical and financial implications. Further studies including larger numbers of patients are necessary to validate these results.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 341-341
Author(s):  
Patrizia Giannatempo ◽  
Alessandra Alessi ◽  
Rosalba Miceli ◽  
Daniele Raggi ◽  
Elena Farè ◽  
...  

341 Background: A risk-adapted treatment for TCC may guide new trial designs for early-recognized unresponsive patients (pts). We aimed to prospectively identify early fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT as a predictor of response and outcome. Methods: Pts with newly-diagnosed advanced/metastatic TCC receiving first-line chemotherapy underwent CT and FDG-PET/CT at baseline, a restaging with PET/CT after 2 cycles only (PET2), and a CT (± FDG-PET/CT) at the end of treatment and during follow up. The endpoints were PET2 metabolic response, RECIST response, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariable (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) Cox models were fitted. Prespecified variables were presence of visceral metastases, nodal or soft tissue disease, and PET2 response. Results: In the time-frame 05/2010-10/2012, 31 pts with ECOG-PS 0 received a modified MVAC regimen according to Institutional protocol, every 3 weeks. After 2 cycles of MVAC, 6 patients (19.3%) had a complete (CR) and 17 (54.8%) a partial metabolic response (PR) (74% total responders; 95% CI, 55.4-88.1%), 4 had stable disease (SD), 4 progressed. Metabolic response (CR + PR) was associated with final CT response (p=0.007 at Fisher exact test). Metabolic CR was followed by a RECIST CR in all but one cases and metabolic progression at PET2 corresponded to a RECIST PD in all four patients and they all switched to second line chemotherapy. Median follow up was 18 months (IQR: 10-47). Those with metabolic response had a median (95% CI) PFS of 8 (7-11) months compared to 3 (2-5) months of patients without response (p=0.024). PET2 responders had a significant benefit in 8-month PFS (p<0.001) and 15-month OS (p=0.016 at Klein test). A significant association was observed between PET2 response and longer PFS in both UVA and MVA (p=0.027 and p=0.023, respectively). Results are limited by small numbers. Conclusions: PET2 response might confer an independent prognostic impact on PFS and OS. Results warrant a validation series, a comparison with the impact of early RECIST response as well as a detailed cost-efficacy analysis prior to devise a new strategy of first-line treatment.


2008 ◽  
Vol 47 (01) ◽  
pp. 37-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Pfluger ◽  
V. Schneider ◽  
M. Hacker ◽  
N. Bröckel ◽  
D. Morhard ◽  
...  

SummaryAim: Assessment of the clinical benefit of i.v. contrast enhanced diagnostic CT (CE-CT) compared to low dose CT with 20 mAs (LD-CT) without contrast medium in combined [18F]-FDG PET/CT examinations in restaging of patients with lymphoma. Patients, methods: 45 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 35) and Hodgkin's disease (n = 10) were included into this study. PET, LD-CT and CECT were analyzed separately as well as side-by-side. Lymphoma involvement was evaluated separately for seven regions. Indeterminate diagnoses were accepted whenever there was a discrepancy between PET and CT findings. Results for combined reading were calculated by rating indeterminate diagnoses according the suggestions of either CT or PET. Each patient had a clinical follow-up evaluation for >6 months. Results: Region-based evaluation suggested a sensitivity/specificity of 66/93% for LD-CT, 87%/91% for CE-CT, 95%/96% for PET, 94%/99% for PET/LD-CT and 96%/99% for PET/CE-CT. The data for PET/CT were obtained by rating indeterminate results according to the suggestions of PET, which turned out to be superior to CT. Lymphoma staging was changed in two patients using PET/ CE-CT as compared to PET/LD-CT. Conclusion: Overall, there was no significant difference between PET/LD-CT and PET/CE-CT. However, PET/CE-CT yielded a more precise lesion delineation than PET/LD-CT. This was due to the improved image quality of CE-CT and might lead to a more accurate investigation of lymphoma.


Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 971
Author(s):  
Cecilia Marini ◽  
Matteo Bauckneht ◽  
Anna Borra ◽  
Rita Lai ◽  
Maria Isabella Donegani ◽  
...  

Genome sharing between cancer and normal tissues might imply a similar susceptibility to chemotherapy toxicity. The present study aimed to investigate whether curative potential of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) is predicted by the metabolic response of normal tissues in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). METHODS: According to current guidelines, 86 patients with advanced-stage (IIB-IVB) HL, prospectively enrolled in the HD0607 trial (NCT00795613), underwent 18 F-fluorodeoyglucose PET/CT imaging at diagnosis and, at interim, after two ABVD courses, to decide regimen maintenance or its escalation. In both scans, myocardial FDG uptake was binarized according to its median value. Death and disease relapse were recorded to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) during a follow-up with median duration of 43.8 months (range 6.97–60). RESULTS: Four patients (4.6%) died, while six experienced disease relapse (7%). Complete switch-off of cancer lesions and cardiac lighting predicted a favorable outcome at Kaplan–Mayer analyses. The independent nature and additive predictive value of their risk prediction were confirmed by the multivariate Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Susceptibility of HL lesions to chemotherapy is at least partially determined by factors featuring the host who developed it.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153303382110246
Author(s):  
Seokmo Lee ◽  
Yunseon Choi ◽  
Geumju Park ◽  
Sunmi Jo ◽  
Sun Seong Lee ◽  
...  

Background and Aims: This study evaluated the prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with integrated computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) performed before and after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in esophageal cancer. Methods: We analyzed the prognosis of 50 non-metastatic squamous cell esophageal cancer (T1-4N0-2) patients who underwent CCRT with curative intent at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital and Haeundae Paik Hospital from 2009 to 2019. Median total radiation dose was 54 Gy (range 34-66 Gy). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between PET/CT values and prognosis. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: The median follow-up period was 9.9 months (range 1.7-85.7). Median baseline maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) was 14.2 (range 3.2-27.7). After treatment, 29 patients (58%) showed disease progression. The 3-year PFS and overall survival (OS) were 24.2% and 54.5%, respectively. PFS was significantly lower ( P = 0.015) when SUVmax of initial PET/CT exceeded 10 (n = 22). However, OS did not reach a significant difference based on maximum SUV ( P = 0.282). Small metabolic tumor volume (≤14.1) was related with good PFS ( P = 0.002) and OS ( P = 0.001). Small total lesion of glycolysis (≤107.3) also had a significant good prognostic effect on PFS ( P = 0.009) and OS ( P = 0.025). In a subgroup analysis of 18 patients with follow-up PET/CT, the patients with SUV max ≤3.5 in follow-up PET/CT showed longer PFS ( P = 0.028) than those with a maximum SUV >3.5. Conclusion: Maximum SUV of PET/CT is useful in predicting prognosis of esophageal cancer patients treated with CCRT. Efforts to find more effective treatments for patients at high risk of progression are still warranted.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Sun ◽  
Jinhua Zhao ◽  
Wenli Qiao ◽  
Taisong Wang

Objective.We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive value of interim18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy.Methods.We searched for articles published in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Scopus, and Ovid database from inception to March 2014. Articles related to interim PET/CT in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy were selected. PFS with or without OS was chosen as the endpoint to evaluate the prognostic significance of interim PET/CT.Results.Six studies with a total of 605 cases were included. The sensitivity of interim PET/CT ranged from 21.2% to 89.7%, and the pooled sensitivity was 52.4%. The specificity of interim PET/CT ranged from 37.4% to 90.7%, and the pooled specificity was 67.8%. The pooled positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 1.780 and 0.706, respectively. The explained AUC was 0.6978 and theQ*was 0.6519.Conclusions.The sensitivity and specificity of interim PET/CT in predicting the outcome of DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy were not satisfactory (52.4% and 67.8%, resp.). To improve this, some more work should be done to unify the response criteria and some more research to assess the prognostic value of interim PET/CT with semiquantitative analysis.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1720-1720
Author(s):  
Mayur Narkhede ◽  
Sadaf Qureshi ◽  
Maryam Yazdy ◽  
Roxanna Juarez ◽  
Giuseppe Esposito

Abstract Background DLBCL is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), making up about 30%-40% of NHL in the U.S. PET-CT is recommended as the most accurate imaging technique in DLBCL for staging and response assessment. Pretreatment assessment of PET-CT scan derived metrics such as TMTV has been shown to correlate with PFS and/or overall survival (OS) in DLBCL (Sasanelli 2014) We attempted to replicate this finding using EFS at 24 months as a primary endpoint and compare it with pre-treatment TMTV, TLG and cell of origin (COO). Methods 47 pts with newly diagnosed DLBCL and treated with R-CHOP at our institution between 2014 to 2018 were identified from our electronic medical record system for retrospective analysis after IRB approval. All pts had a pretreatment PET-CT scan available for TMTV measurement. All pts had a pretreatment biopsy which were reviewed along with their clinical information regarding treatment outcome and follow up. Patients were classified as to germinal center B cell (GCB) and non-GCB based on immunochemistry using the Hahn's algorithm. PET-CT scans were reviewed by two nuclear medicine physicians using synovia software, and measurements for TMTV and TLG were recorded. TMTV was calculated using a threshold of 41% of the max pixel value (based on prior studies) to draw the volume of interest (VOI) for a lesion. Pooled t-test was performed to compare TMTV, TLG and COO with EFS at 24 mos. Chi-Square test compared TMTV with COO Results Median age of pts was 58 years, with a median duration of follow up of 26 months. There were 33% with limited stage (Stage I or II) and 67% were advanced stage (Stage III or IV). The mean pretreatment TMTV and pretreatment TLG was 295cm3 and 4519 units. 49% were GCB subtype and 47 % non-GCB. Amongst all patients 19.2 % had an event within 24 mos. When TMTV was compared to EFS at 24 months the mean TMTV was 304 for those who had an event versus 294 without (p=0.95). TLG compared to EFS at 24 months showed a mean TLG of 3391 for those who had an event versus 4914 without (P=0.40). GCB and non-GCB had mean TMTV of 264 and 339 respectively with p =0.59. COO when compared to TLG had means of 4365 and 4933 for GCB and non-GBB respectively with p=0.79.Whereas there was no correlation between stage and COO (p=0.4296) TMTV correlated with Ann Arbor staging (p=0.0002). Conclusion This retrospective study failed to demonstrate a correlation between pre-treatment TMTV, TLG, COO and EFS at 24 months revealing the lack of prognostic significance of pretreatment PET scan derived metrics in DLBCL. Prior studies with TMTV did not evaluate EFS at 24 months as an endpoint and therefore, longer follow up might be needed to demonstrate prognostic significance of pretreatment TMTV minimizing it clinical significance. The different subtypes of DLBCL based on COO as assessed by Hahns algorithm also did not differ in their disease burden as measured by TMTV. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
Mehmet Küçükosmanoğlu ◽  
Cihan Örem

Introduction: MPI is an echocardiographic parameter that exibit the left ventricular functions globally. NT-proBNP  is an important both diagnostic and prognostic factor in heart failure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of serum NT-proBNP levels and MPI in patients with STEMI. Method: Totally 104 patients with a diagnosis of STEMI were included in the study. Patients followed for 30-days and questioned for presence of symptoms of heart failure (HF) and cardiac death. Patients were invited for outpatient control after 30-days and were divided into two groups: (HF (+) group) and (HF (-) group). Results: Totally 104 patients with STEMI were hospitalized in the coronary intensive care unit. Of those patients, 17 were female (16%), 87 were male (84%), and the mean age of the patients was 58.9±10.8 years. During the 30-day follow-up, 28 (27%) of 104 patients developed HF. The mean age, hypertension ratio and anterior STEMI rate were significantly higher in the HF (+) group compared to the HF (-) group. Ejection time (ET) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were significantly lower and MPI was significantly higher in the HF (+) group. When the values on day first and  sixth were compared, NT-ProBNP levels were decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the change in MPI values on the first and sixth days. Multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of anterior MI, first day NT-proBNP level and LVEF were independently associated with development of HF and death. Conclusion: In our study, NT-proBNP levels were found to be positively associated with MPI in patients with acute STEMI. It was concluded that the level of NT-proBNP detected especially on the 1st day was more valuable than MPI in determining HF development and prognosis after STEMI.  


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 2594-2594
Author(s):  
Andrea Gallamini ◽  
Alessandro Rambaldi ◽  
Alberto Biggi ◽  
Silvia Tavera ◽  
Caterina Patti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Early interim-PET (PET-2) is the most powerful factor able to predict treatment outcome in advanced-stage Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patients treated with ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine). The 2-y PFS of PET-2 positive patients is only 12%, but the optimal treatment for this patient subset is still unknown. For this reason in January 2006 a treatment policy was designed by GITIL (Gruppo Italiano Terapie Innovative nei Linfomi) to early intensify chemotherapy with BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) for HL patients with a PET-2 positive after 2 ABVD cycles. Patients and methods: 136 HL patients with advanced-stage or intermediate-stage with adverse prognostic factors (more than 3 nodal sites, ESR &gt; 50 mm, sub diaphragmatic presentation, bulky lesion), consecutively admitted to nine GITIL Italian centers were treated with two ABVD courses and re-evaluated with interim-PET. Twenty-one of these 136 patients proved to be PET-2 positive, and 19/21 are the object of this analysis. The mean age was 31.7 years (16–64), 10 patients were in stage II, 9 in stage III–IV. Bulky disease was present in 11, and B-symptoms in 16. Fourteen patients showed an IPS score 0–2, 5 patients a score 3–7. The median interval between the end of second ABVD course and PET-2 was 11 days (5–14). BEACOPP (4 escalated and 4 standard cycles) was followed by consolidation radiotherapy in 3 patients for bulky mediastinal tumor. PET scan were centrally reviewed by two well-experienced nuclear medicine experts, using the blood pool mediastinal structures (BPMS) as reference for the residual uptake, as elsewhere published (Gallamini, JCO 2007). Results. Upon central review, 2 interim-PET scan were classified as minimally positive in 2 patients, with a single MRU (Minimal Residual Uptake) lesion showing a SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) lower than BPMS, and therefore only 19 cases were suitable for the BEACOPP salvage treatment. After a mean follow-up of 14.3 months (7.0–30.2), 15 patients remain in continuous CR and 4 had a treatment failure because of disease relapse (1) or progression (3). For the responding patients the mean duration of CR was 13.0 months (6.5–30.2). The IPS score for progressing patients was 2, 3, and 4; for the relapsing-one, 0. At time of this analysis, l8 patients are still alive and 1 died during BEACOPP treatment for disease progression. The 1-year second treatment failure-free survival (1-y 2TFFS) was 94.7 % (95% C.I. 84.7–100). The 1 y OS survival was 93.3 (95%C.I. 80.7–100). In univariate analysis the only clinical factor related to treatment failure was the presence of extra-nodal disease. (Log-rank=6.8 p=0.009). Conclusions. BEACOPP-escalated regimen was able to induce durable CR in most (15/19) HL patients with a positive interim-PET. These results, although requiring a longer follow-up and a higher number of patients, seem to suggest that the very-poor prognosis of PET-2 positive, ABVD-treated HL patients can be substantially improved by early chemotherapy intensification; escalated-BEACOPP is likely to represent a good treatment choice for this very poor prognosis patient subset.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 1772-1772
Author(s):  
Santiago Pavlovsky ◽  
Astrid Pavlovsky ◽  
Isolda Fernandez ◽  
Miguel Pavlovsky ◽  
Virginia Prates ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1772 Background: Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is the most curable type of Lymphoma with an overall survival at 5 years of 80%. ABVD can be considered as gold standard for first line treatment for all stages of HL. Dividing patients (pts.) in different prognostic groups has aimed to reduce chemo and radio toxicity in those patients with good prognosis. A negative PET-CT, either early during treatment of ABVD or after completion of it, has shown to be a powerful prognostic tool (Hutchings: Blood 2006; Gallamini: Haematologica 2006). Our cooperative group has an experience with 584 patients with HL in early or advanced stage treated with 3 or 6 cycles of ABVD plus involved field radiotherapy with a complete remission (CR) of 91% and an event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 60 months of 79% and 95%.(S Pavlovsky, Clin Lymp My & Leuk, 2010). Aims: Test the efficacy of treatment to all stages of HL adjusted to PET-CT results after 3 cycles of ABVD. Evaluate the outcome of pts. who have a negative PET-CT after 3 cycles of ABVD and receive no further treatment. Intensify therapy only in pts. who have persistent hyper metabolic lesions in PET-CT after 3 cycles of ABVD. Method: Since October 2005, 198 newly diagnosed pts. with HL have been included in a prospective multicenter trial. Initially all patients received 3 cycles of ABVD. After the third cycle, pts. were evaluated with a PET-CT. Those pts. who achieved CR with a negative PET-CT, received no further treatment. Those with more than 50% of anatomic reduction of initial masses but persistent hyper metabolic lesions by PET-TC after 3 ABVD were considered in partial remission (PR) and completed 6 cycles of ABVD and radiotherapy (RT) on PET-CT positive areas. Those patients with less than PR after 3 cycles of ABVD received ESHAP and if CR, high doses of chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). All patients were re-evaluated at the end of treatment. The median follow up is of 30 months (3-62). Results: One hundred and seventy three patients completed three cycles of ABVD followed by a PET-CT. The median age at diagnosis was 29 years. One hundred and thirty-six (79%) had localized stage (I-II) at diagnosis and 37 (21%) presented with advanced stage (III-IV). Of 155 pts. 77 (50%) pts had IPS 0–1, 66 (43%) had IPS 2–3 and 12 (8%) had IPS 4–5. Twenty six (17%) pts. had bulky disease at diagnosis. One hundred and thirty-seven (79%) pts. achieved CR with negative PET-CT after 3 cycles of ABVD. Thirty-six (21%) were PET-CT positive, of them 32 pts achieved PR and completed a total of 6 cycles of ABVD plus RT in hyper metabolic lesions. Twenty five achieved CR (72%), 5 persisted with PR and 2 died of progressive disease. Four pts showed progressive disease (PD) after 3 ABVD and received ESHAP and ASCT, 2 achieved and remained in CR, 1 is in PR and 1 died of progressive disease. Of 173 pts who completed treatment with ABVD × 3 cycles, ABVD × 6 cycles plus RT on PET-TC positive areas or ESHAP plus ASCT, 164 pts (95%) achieved CR. Of these 164 pts., 14 pts (8%) relapsed. The EFS and OS at 36 months is 83% and 97% respectively. Patients with early negative PET-TC have an event-free survival of 87% compared to 62% (P=0,001) for pts with early positive PET CT. The OS at 36 months was 100% versus 86% respectively (<0.001). Conclusion: Treating patients with ABVD, evaluating response after 3 cycles with PET-CT, and adapting further therapy, leads to a high rate of CR avoiding more aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Three courses of ABVD without RT are adequate in patients with early CR defined by negative PET-CT. In early positive PET-CT it is possible to intensify therapy improving the otherwise bad prognosis; more aggressive treatment might also be suitable. These results need to be confirmed by a larger group of patients and a longer follow-up. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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