Vorinostat (SAHA), Cladribine, and Rituximab in Previously Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Updated Results From a Phase I/II Trial

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 3675-3675 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen E Spurgeon ◽  
Kamal Sharma ◽  
David F. Claxton ◽  
Christopher W. Ehmann ◽  
Carla Gallagher ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3675 Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remains incurable and little consensus exists on the best standard initial therapy. However, improved understanding of disease biology has the potential to lead to novel treatment approaches including new perspectives on older drugs. For example, epigenetic modifications including altered DNA methylation and histone acetylation previously identified in MCL has provided the rationale for using the combination of a hypomethylating agent and a histone deactylase inhibitor. Here we show that agents with differing mechanisms have significant activity in previously untreated MCL. In addition to its cytotoxic effects in lymphoid malignancies, cladribine has hypomethylating properties. Vorinostat (SAHA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) FDA approved in cutaneous T cell lymphoma with modest single agent activity in MCL. Preclinically, the combination of these agents has been shown to activate silenced genes. Since cladribine inhibits DNA methylation via a unique mechanism, it could also potentially inhibit histone methylation. We previously reported initial results of our Phase I/II trial combining SAHA, cladribine, and rituximab (SCR) for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) [Spurgeon et al, ASH, 2012]. Here we present the updated results from the Phase II portion of the trial in the untreated MCL cohort including response rate, overall and progression free survival, and correlative studies. Methods: The achieved phase II starting dose was vorinostat 400 mg po (days 1–14) combined with cladribine 5mg/m2 IV (days 1–5), and Rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV (weekly × 4 for cycle 1 and 1x/month) every 28 days for up to 6 cycles. Response evaluation occurs after 2 cycles and at the completion of therapy. Responding patients are eligible to receive maintenance rituximab. Phase II eligibility includes relapsed NHL as well as previously untreated MCL. The primary outcome is response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Scientific correlatives include analysis of CD20 expression, histone acetylation, gene microarray, qRT-PCR and HELP methylation analysis. To evaluate the possible effects of SAHA metabolism on toxicity and response, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B17 (UGT2B17) genotyping is also performed. This study continues to enroll patients. Results: 28 previously untreated MCL patients have been enrolled on the phase II portion of the study. 7 have not yet completed the planned 6 cycles; however, 26 patients have completed ≥ 2 cycles and are evaluable for response. The majority of responding patients have received maintenance rituximab. The overall response rate (ORR) is 100% (26/26) with 69% (18/26) achieving CR. Of those patients not attaining CR, 2 had blastic MCL and died, 3 have not yet completed active treatment, and 1 withdrew consent after two cycles. At a median follow up of 14.7 months (.07 – 25 months) 4 patients have relapsed and 3 have died. Of the relapsing patients, two had blastic MCL. None of the patients achieving a CR has relapsed. The estimated PFS curve (shown in the Kaplan-Meier curve below) did not reach the 0.5 level and therefore, median PFS could not be estimated. Toxicities were defined using CTCAE 4 and primarily include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, anorexia, and dehydration. We found that cladribine hypomethylates DNA in vivo (8/8 pts) and inhibits histone methylation in vitro. There were no upregulated genes common to untreated leukemic MCL patients; however, a number of changes in gene expression were observed. For example, upregulated genes after treatment included DUSP2 (3 patients), FOXO3 (2 patients), NOXA1 (2 patients), CEBPb (2 patients) and p53 (3 patients). Conclusions: The SCR regimen has significant activity and shows epigenetic activity in previously untreated MCL. Initial follow up results are promising, especially in patients without blastic MCL who continue with maintenance rituximab. The SCR regimen should be studied further in NHL. Disclosures: Spurgeon: Merck : Research Funding. Off Label Use: vorinostat: off label use mantle cell lymphoma. Epner:Merck: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4474-4474
Author(s):  
Michael Herold ◽  
Antje Haas ◽  
Stephanie Srock ◽  
Sabine Neser ◽  
Kathrin H. Al Ali ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Rituximab plus chemotherapy has been proved to be the standard in treating advanced follicular lymphoma. However in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) the results are still controversial. Methods: In a prospective randomised trial (OSHO#39) we compared the efficacy and toxicity of MCP chemotherapy(mitoxantrone 8 mg/m2 d 1+2, chlormabucil 3x3 mg/m2 d 1–5 and prednisolone 25 mg/m2 d q 4 weeks)versus MCP plus rituximab (375 mg/m2 d -1) in advanced indolent lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Here we present the results of the MCL subgroup (n=90) among the 358 randomised patients (FL, MCL, LPL). Study endpoints included overall and complete response rate (RR + CR), progression free survival (PFS), event free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicities. Results: with a median follow-up of 43 months for the MCL subgroup we can provide relatively mature data. Concerning toxicities there was no striking difference between the treatment groups. The treatment results for the MCL patients are as follows: Conclusions: Concerning all end-points R-MCP is not superior to MCP chemotherapy alone in advanced mantle cell lymphoma. Immunochemotherapy is obviously not the solution for this poor prognosis lymphoma entity. Results R-MCP n=44 MCP n=46 p-value Response Rate 70,5% 63% .5074 Complete Responses 31,8% 15,2% .0822 PFS median 20,5 months 19 months .2482 PFS 42 months 31% 14% EFS median 19 months 14 months .1369 EFS 42 months 27% 11,5% OS median 56 months 50 months .4862 OS 42 months 60% 61%


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1163-1163
Author(s):  
Sam O. Wanko ◽  
Jon P. Gocherman ◽  
Joseph O. Moore ◽  
Carlos Decastro ◽  
Robert Prosnitz ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) typically has a poor outcome with overall survival of only 3–4 years. Higher treatment response and event-free survival has been demonstrated with aggressive high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell support, though long term cure rates remain unclear(Dreger P. Hematol J. 2000;vol.2). Modest response rates have also been reported with the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) rituximab and ALEMTUZUMAB (Foran, JM. JCO 2000; vol. 2. Faderl S. Blood 2003; vol. 9). We therefore combined dose-dense therapy with MoAbs to explore response rate and event free survival (EFS) in mantle cell lymphoma. The strength of this trial design is ability to follow all patients from induction chemotherapy through high dose therapy and transplant in order to gauge clinical outcome on all enrolled patients, not just the subpopulation who is able to proceed to high dose therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Induction therapy consisted of 1 cycle of high dose cytarabine (3gm/m2 IV over 1 hour Q12H for 8 doses), mitoxantrone (10mg/m2 daily for 3 days), and ALEMTUZUMAB 30mg IV 3 times a week for 6 weeks with growth factor support. All responding patients were mobilized with cyclophosphamide 4gm/m2 and G-CSF 10 mcg/kg/day and/or bone marrow harvest. The transplant preparative regimen was carmustine 15mg/kg over 2 hours day -6, etoposide 60mg/kg over 4 hours day -4, and cyclophosphamide 100mg/kg over 2 hours day -2 followed by autologous reinfusion on day zero. Consolidation was given with rituximab 375mg/m2 weekly for 4 doses at 6 weeks and 6 months post transplant. RESULT: 9 patients with advanced disease (7 stage IV, 1 stage III, 1 stage IIA) and median age of 60 (48 – 65 years) have been accrued and treated since February 2003. Four were newly diagnosed and 5 had relapsed/refractory disease. Seventy eight percent (7/9) had complete response and 22% (2/9) had partial response (PR) following induction therapy. One patient had severe infection after induction and was unable to proceed to transplant. Another had constitutional decline preventing further therapy and each died within 4 months of withdrawal from the protocol. Both had relapse/refractory disease at accrual. The remaining 7 patients proceeded to the transplant phase. With a median follow-up of 7 months (range 3–16 months), all 7 patients remain in CR for 1 –16 months. Significant induction therapy toxicity included neutropenia in all 9 patients with average duration of 10.7 days, non-disseminated CMV reactivation in 44% of patients, one overwhelming fungal infection, and one patient with delay in engraftment. Figure Figure CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data show a high induction and transplant phase completion rate, manageable toxicity, and excellent overall response rate in this group of elderly patients with advanced disease. Larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up is needed to confirm these promising results.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3597-3597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J Hosein ◽  
Daniel Morgensztern ◽  
Francine Coleman ◽  
Gail Walker ◽  
Maricer Escalon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an unfavorable subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) of only 1.5 and 3–4 years respectively. Although high-dose therapy and an autotransplant may prolong OS, it does not result in a long-term disease free survival. Therefore, there is a need for novel therapeutic approaches for this entity. Methods: We conducted a single-arm phase II study in subjects with newly-diagnosed MCL to assess efficacy and safety of a novel intensive regimen R-MACLO-IVAM-T, a modification of a protocol designed by Magrath et al (JCO1996;14:925). The study size of 22 patients was based on precision of a two-sided 95% confidence interval for the 18-month progression free survival rate. Eligible subjects had a confirmed diagnosis of MCL using WHO criteria, age 18–75 years, ECOG PS ≤ 2, adequate organ function and no history of HIV or prior cancer. Lymphoma extent at presentation was assessed by standard staging procedures as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. Prior to initiating thalidomide maintenance, subjects were enrolled in the STEPS® program. Cycle 1 consisted of R-MACLO: rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV on day 1, doxorubicin 45 mg/m2 IV on day 1, cyclophosphamide 800 mg/m2 IV on day 1 and 200 mg/m2/day on days 2–5, vincristine 1.5 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 capped to 2mg, methotrexate 1.2 g/m2 IV on day 10 over 1 hour followed by 5.52 g/m2 IV over 23 hours followed by leucovorin 36 hours later. G-CSF was begun on day 13. When the ANC was >1.5×109/L, cycle 2 with R-IVAM was begun: rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV day 1, cytarabine 2 g/m2 IV every 12 hours on days 1 and 2, etoposide, 60 mg/m2 on days 1–5 and ifosfamide 1.5 g/m2 on days 1–5 with mesna. Fourteen days after ANC recovery from cycle 2, cycles 3 and 4 were given in identical fashion to 1 and 2. Four weeks after ANC recovery from cycle 4, subjects were re-staged and responses were assessed by standard criteria. Subjects achieving CR at the end of therapy received thalidomide 200 mg/day until MCL relapse or intolerable toxicity. Results: Accrual started in 4/2004 and ended in 3/2008 when the planned 22 subjects were enrolled. All subjects were evaluable for toxicity and 21 were evaluable for response. Median age was 56.5 years (range 39–73). All subjects had at least stage 3 disease with bone marrow involvement in 19 and gastrointestinal involvement in 10. Distribution according to IPI: 0–1 factor, 3; 2 factors, 8; 3 factors, 8; and 4 factors, 3. Twenty subjects had diffuse variant and 2 had blastic variant. Nineteen subjects completed all 4 cycles of therapy; treatment was stopped in 2 subjects after 2 and 3 cycles respectively, and one subject died during the first cycle. Of the 21 subjects completing 2 cycles of therapy, 20 achieved CR and one PR. Two subjects relapsed at 9 and 33 months respectively, while 19 remain relapse free after median follow-up of 25 months (range 5–51). With a total follow-up of 545 months, the estimated relapse rate is 4.4 per 100 patients per year. There were two deaths: 1 from sepsis on cycle 1 day 8 and the other in CR at 38 months from non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed 19 months after MCL. Common severe toxicities were grade 3–4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia in 33%, 19% and 17% of R-MACLO cycles and in 50%, 88% and 68% of R-IVAM cycles respectively. There were 14 bacteremias in 82 cycles, 12 of which were after R-IVAM therapy. Six episodes of reversible grade 1–2 renal toxicity occurred after methotrexate. The thalidomide maintenance dose was reduced in 6 subjects due to grade 3–4 neutropenia and reduced or stopped in 8 subjects because of grade 3–4 peripheral neuropathy. Patients remain under follow-up for relapse and survival. Conclusions: R-MACLO-IVAM-T results in a high overall response rate of 100% (95% CR and 5% PR) and a low relapse rate. At a median follow-up of 25 months, median PFS and OS were not reached. The 2-year actuarial PFS of 94% compares favorably with previously reported 2-year actuarial PFS of 40% and 67% for CHOP-like regimens without and with upfront bone marrow transplantation (Blood2005;105: 2677). The contribution of thalidomide maintenance to this outcome requires additional study. A multicenter clinical trial is suggested.


1995 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2819-2826 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Teodorovic ◽  
S Pittaluga ◽  
J C Kluin-Nelemans ◽  
J H Meerwaldt ◽  
A Hagenbeek ◽  
...  

PURPOSE Before recognizing mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) as a distinct entity, these patients were grouped into low-grade (LG) or intermediate-/high-grade categories (IGHG) according to the Working Formulation and received various therapies. This was a unique opportunity to evaluate characteristics, behavior, response to treatment, and outcome of patients with MCL from two phase III trials conducted by the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC): EORTC 20855 IGHG and EORTC 20856 LG. PATIENTS AND METHODS After histologic review, 64 diagnosed MCL patients (29 IGHG and 35 LG) were compared with other patients in their respective trials. In the IGHG group, patients received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, teniposide (VM26), prednisone, vincristine, and bleomycin (CHVmP-VB) or modified doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide (VP 16), mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (ProMACE-MOPP). In the LG group, after receiving cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) induction, patients were randomized between maintenance treatment with interferon alfa-2a (IFN) or no further treatment. RESULTS MCL patients compared with IGHG subtypes showed a similar overall survival and response rate, but shorter duration of response and progression-free survival. Comparing with LG patients, their response rate, duration of response, and progression-free survival showed no difference, while their overall survival was nearly twice shorter. MCL patients treated with CHVmP-VB had the longest survival. No treatment showed any significant improvement in terms of progression-free survival. CONCLUSION These data confirm that MCL represents a clinicopathologic entity. In terms of survival, it behaves like IGHG subtypes, while in terms of progression-free survival, it behaves like LG lymphoma. It is still not clear which first-line treatment offers patients with MCL the best chance to obtain both a complete response (CR) and a long-term survival.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 6089
Author(s):  
Giulia Bega ◽  
Jacopo Olivieri ◽  
Marcello Riva ◽  
Greta Scapinello ◽  
Rossella Paolini ◽  
...  

Background: Rituximab plus bendamustine (BR), and rituximab, bendamustine, and cytarabine (R-BAC) are well-known induction therapies in elderly patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), according to clinical guidelines. However, a direct comparison between the two regimens has never been performed. Methods: In this multicentre retrospective study, we compared the outcome of patients with newly diagnosed MCL, treated with BR or R-BAC. Primary endpoint was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). Inclusion bias was assessed using a propensity score stratified by gender, age, MCL morphology, and MIPI score. Results: After adjusting by propensity score, we identified 156 patients (53 BR, 103 R-BAC) with median age of 72 (53–90). Median follow-up was 46 months (range 12–133). R-BAC was administered in a 2-day schedule or with attenuated dose in 51% of patients. Patients treated with R-BAC achieved CR in 91% of cases, as compared with 60% for BR (p < 0.0001). The 2-year PFS was 87 ± 3% and 64 ± 7% for R-BAC and BR, respectively (p = 0.001). In terms of toxicity, R-BAC was associated with significantly more pronounced grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia than BR (50% vs. 17%). Conclusions: This study indicates that R-BAC, even when administered with judiciously attenuated doses, is associated with significantly prolonged 2-year PFS than BR in elderly patients with previously untreated MCL.


2018 ◽  
Vol 182 (3) ◽  
pp. 404-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Preetesh Jain ◽  
Jorge Romaguera ◽  
Samer A. Srour ◽  
Hun J. Lee ◽  
Frederick Hagemeister ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanneke C. Kluin-Nelemans ◽  
Eva Hoster ◽  
Olivier Hermine ◽  
Jan Walewski ◽  
Christian H. Geisler ◽  
...  

PURPOSE In an update of the randomized, open-label, phase III European Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) Elderly trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00209209 ), published in 2012, we aimed to confirm results on long-term outcome focusing on efficacy and safety of long-term use of rituximab maintenance. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five hundred sixty patients with newly diagnosed MCL underwent a first random assignment between rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and rituximab, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide (R-FC) induction, followed by a second random assignment in 316 responders between rituximab and interferon alfa maintenance, to be continued until progression. We compared progression-free survival from the second randomization and overall survival (OS) from the first or second randomizations. RESULTS After a median follow-up time of 7.6 years, the previously described difference in OS between the induction arms persisted (median, 6.4 years after R-CHOP [n = 280] v 3.9 years after R-FC [n = 280]; P = .0054). Patients responding to R-CHOP had median progression-free survival and OS times of 5.4 and 9.8 years, respectively, when randomly assigned to rituximab (n = 87), compared with 1.9 years ( P < .001) and 7.1 years ( P = .0026), respectively, when randomly assigned to interferon alfa (n = 97). In 58% and 32% of patients treated with R-CHOP, rituximab maintenance was still ongoing 2 and 5 years from start of maintenance, respectively. After R-FC, rituximab maintenance was associated with an unexpectedly high cumulative incidence of death in remission (22% at 5 years). Toxicity of rituximab maintenance was low after R-CHOP (grade 3-4 leukopenia or infection < 5%) but more prominent in patients on rituximab maintenance after R-FC, in whom grade 3-4 leukopenia (up to 40%) and infections were frequent (up to 15%). CONCLUSION The excellent results of R-CHOP followed by rituximab maintenance until progression for older patients with MCL persisted in a mature follow-up. Prolongation of rituximab maintenance beyond 2 years is effective and safe.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1390-1390
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Capote ◽  
M. J. Pascual ◽  
E. Gonzalez-Barca ◽  
J. M. Bergua ◽  
A. Jimenez ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a CD20+ malignancy comprising up 5% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, and has a poor prognosis under standard chemotherapy. The HyperCVAD-M/A regimen (fractionated high-dose cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone alternated with methotraxate and cytarabine) has yielded encouraging results when combined with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in MCL, with 5-year failure-free survival of 54% and overall survival 72%. In an effort to improve these results further, we have combined rituximab in vivo purging and post-transplant consolidation with HyperCVAD-M/A plus ASCT. Methods: Patients aged <65 years with previously untreated or relapsed MCL were treated with four courses of HyperCVAD-M/A followed by four once-weekly doses of rituximab 375mg/m2 as purging prior to stem cell mobilization and harvesting, high-dose chemotherapy (ICT-CY or BEAM), stem cell reinfusion and four further doses of rituximab immunotherapy post-transplant. Results: Of the 34 patients enrolled so far, 15 (12 male, 3 female; 12 previously untreated) have been transplanted. The median age was 52 years (range 47–63 years). After the final post-ASCT immunotherapy all 15 patients were in clinical complete remission. With a median follow-up of 30 months from diagnosis (range 7–52 months), 14 patients remain alive with 13 in first complete remission. One patient died 15 months post-ASCT without evidence of disease recurrence. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 4-year overall and event-free survival are 93.3% and 86.6% respectively. Conclusions: This approach seems safe and feasible and produces durable remissions; longer follow-up of a more patients will be required to assess the effect of the procedure on survival.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 4625-4625
Author(s):  
Zhixiang Shen ◽  
Junmin Li ◽  
Aihua Wang ◽  
Yu Chen

Abstract Purpose: Rituximab combined with chemotherapy has been recommended as first-line or second-line standard regimen in most subtypes of B-cell lymphoma in China by the 2004 National Comprehensive Cancer Network lymphoma therapy guideline. We have conducted a multicenter trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in combination with standard chemotherapy (CHOP) in patients with previously untreated or relapsed indolent and aggressive NHL. Methods: Patients received 4–8 cycles of rituximab plus CHOP every 21 days. For each cycle, rituximab (375mg/m2) was given on day 1 and CHOP started on day 3. CHOP consisted of cyclophosphamide 750mg/m2, doxorubicin 50mg/m2, and vincristine 1.4mg/m2 (maximum 2mg/dose) given intravenously on day 3, and oral prednisone 100mg on days 3–7. Results: A total of 221 patients were enrolled on the trial, 128 males and 93 females with a mean age of 49 years (range 10–83 years). The main lymphoma subtypes were small lymphocytic (15 patients, 7%), follicular (27 patients, 12%), and diffuse large B-cell (160 patients, 72%). In total, 56 patients had indolent NHL and 165 aggressive NHL. The overall response rate for all patients was 86% with 57% complete responses. In patients with indolent NHL the overall and complete response rates were 95% and 55% respectively. After a median 12 months follow up, progression-free survival in patients with indolent NHL was 88%±5% at 1 year and 83%±6% at 2 years. In the 160 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the overall response rate was 88% with 61% complete responses, and after a mean follow-up of 6 months, predicted 1-year and 2-year progression-free survival were 88%±5% and 83%±7% respectively. Infusion-related adverse events occurred in 4% of patients, associated with the first infusion of rituximab. Subanalyses according to subtype, stage, IPI and other factors will be presented. Conclusion: Rituximab plus chemotherapy is an effective, well-tolerated treatment that achieves high response rates and long progression-free survival in both indolent and aggressive NHL.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3050-3050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Merli ◽  
Stefano Luminari ◽  
Fiorella Ilariucci ◽  
Caterina Stelitano ◽  
Mario Petrini ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND. Rituximab plus HyperCVAD alternating with High Dose Methotrexate and Cytarabine (R-HCVAD) has been tested in patients with newly diagnosed Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) with promising results (Romaguera et al. JCO 2005). In 2005 the Gruppo Italiano Studio Linfomi (GISL) started a phase II multicenter study investigating clinical activity and toxicity of R-HCVAD in a similar group of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS. To be included in the trial patients must have histologically confirmed diagnosis of MCL, be younger than 70 years, have adequate organ function. Chemotherapy consisted of rituximab plus fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicine, and dexamethasone(considered one cycle) alternating every 21 days with rituximab plus high dose methotrexate-cytarabine (considered one cycle) for a total of eight cycles per the MD Anderson protocol. Patients with baseline PCR positivity for t(11;14) on bone marrow (BM) had to perform PCR assessment of BM at evaluation of response and during follow-up. Only patients achieving partial response (PR) were to be addressed to HDC followed by ASCT. RESULTS. Thirty-two patients were enrolled. There were 23 males and 9 females; median age was 54 yrs (29 to 66), 80% were in stage IV, 50% and 71% had Gastrointestinal (GI) and BM involvement, respectively; PCR for t(11;14) was positive on BM in 51% of cases. Seven patients did not complete treatment due to toxicity; of these, two patients died (one with septic shock at cycle 1, one with pulmonary aspergillosis at cycle 4), one patient had thrombosis of central line extended to right atrium at cycle 1, one had grade IV skin reaction at cycle 3, one had a severe pneumonia at cycle 1, two had persistent grade IV hematological toxicity after cycle 1 and 5, respectively. All patients had grade III–IV hematological toxicity. Response was assessed in 17 patients with 16 CR and 1 PR. PCR for t(11;14) negativity on BM was achieved in 4/9 patients after cycle 4 and in 8/9 after cycle 8. After a median follow-up of 24 months 1 patient progressed at 6 months and 1 patient relapsed after 26 months of follow-up. Two-year Failure Free Survival (FFS) was 75% (IC95% 53 to 87) and 2 year Disease Free Survival was 93%(IC95% 59–99). CONCLUSIONS. Though longer follow-up is needed R-HCVAD regimen used in our multicenter setting confirmed high efficacy in terms of response (both clinical and molecular) and FFS. However the regimen was associated to a severe toxicity profile that caused treatment discontinuation in several patients and that may limit its use in the clinical setting.


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