Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a rituximab-containing preparative regimen for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

7112 Background: We investigated the safety and outcome after adding Rituximab to our standard high-dose chemotherapy conditioning regimen with BEAM in patients receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: Between November 2002 and May 2006, 25 consecutive patients with relapsed high-risk NHL (diffuse large B cell = 15, transformed follicular =10) were enrolled. The high-dose chemotherapy regimen consisted of BEAM with rituximab administered at 375 mg/m2 IV on days −6, +14, +21 and +28. Rituximab associated delayed neutropenia was defined as ANC of < 500 occurring at least 4 weeks after the last dose of rituximab. B cell and T cell reconstitution data was measured using phenotypic analysis for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD56, CD19 and CD20. Results: The median age was 55 years (range 22–69 years). The disease status at transplant included advanced disease (≥CR-2) in 15 while 10 had primary refractory disease. The previous initial and or salvage chemotherapy included Rituximab in all 25 patients. A median of 4.47 ×10 6/kg CD 34 + cells were infused resulting in neutrophil and platelet engraftment at 11 (10–23) and 21 (14–56) days respectively. The median time to T cell reconstitution (CD3 >1,000/uL) was 32 days, B cell recovery was delayed beyond 1 year with median of 72 CD19+ve cells/uL at 1 year. 24 (96%) patients achieved complete remission after transplant and 1 had a partial response. There was no transplant related mortality. Nine patients relapsed at a median of 4 months (2–23 months). 6 patients died at a median of 15 months from transplant (relapsed lymphoma =4 and secondary MDS=2). At a median follow-up of 24 months, the disease free survival and overall survival is 52% and 75% respectively. Rituximab associated delayed neutropenia occurred in 3 (12%) patients at a median of 39 (31–64) days from the last dose of rituximab and resolved at a median of 14 days (7–38) with or without filgrastim support. There were no infectious complications associated with neutropenia or delayed B cell recovery. Conclusion: Incorporation of rituximab into a high dose chemotherapy conditioning regimen is safe. Delayed B cell reconstitution and Rituximab associated delayed neutropenia are common but not associated with significant infectious complications. No significant financial relationships to disclose.