Ofatumumab retreatment and maintenance in patients with fludarabine-refractory CLL.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6584-6584
Author(s):  
Anders Österborg ◽  
Martin J. S. Dyer ◽  
Jiri Mayer ◽  
Georg Hess ◽  
Peter Hillmen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Time To Event ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Common Grade ◽  
Anti Cd20

6584 Background: In Study 406, the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody ofatumumab (ofa), given as monotherapy over 6 months, showed 47% overall response rate (ORR) in patients (pts) with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab (FA-ref), or to fludarabine with bulky (>5cm) lymphadenopathy (BF-ref). The effects of ofa retreatment (retx) and maintenance (mt) are unknown. Methods: Pts who responded to ofa and then progressed or had stable disease (SD) in Study 406, were offered retx in Study 416 (NCT00802737; GSK/Genmab) with ofa 1 x 300 mg + 7 x 2000 mg weekly followed by mt with ofa 2000 mg monthly for up to 2 years (if SD or better). Primary endpoint was ORR (1996 NCI-WG). Safety and time to event outcomes were also assessed. Results: Of 29 pts enrolled, 7 had SD and 22 had partial response (PR) and progressed in Study 406. Pts were defined per Study 406: 17 FA-ref, 11 BF-ref, 1 “other”. Pretreatment characteristics were similar between groups. Pts received a median of 12 doses (range 3-32); 86% had 8 doses, 3% received all 32 doses. 72% of pts had infusion-related adverse events (AEs), 41% at 1st infusion, mostly grade 1-2. The most common grade >3 AE occurring up to 60 days after last tx was infection (38%); the most common was pneumonia (17%). 3 pts (10%) had fatal infections, all bronchopneumonia. Clinical efficacy is shown in Table. Comparative analysis to Study 406 is ongoing. Conclusions: The response to ofatumumab (ofa) as induction retreatment and progression-free survival in this limited number of pts was similar to 1st treatment (Study 406). Ofa maintenance had some clinical benefit for pts with advanced CLL. Ofa was well-tolerated with no unexpected toxicities. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Alemtuzumab therapy in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia: comparing efficacy in a series treated intravenously and a study piloting the subcutaneous route

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (22) ◽  
pp. 5799-5802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire E. Dearden ◽  
Amit Khot ◽  
Monica Else ◽  
Mike Hamblin ◽  
Effie Grand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Rescue Therapy ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
First Line ◽  
Prolymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Median Progression Free Survival

Abstract Intravenous alemtuzumab is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL). Alemtuzumab given intravenously as first-line treatment in 32 patients resulted in an overall response rate of 91% with 81% complete responses. Studies in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia have shown subcutaneous alemtuzumab to be equally as effective as intravenous alemtuzumab. The UKCLL05 pilot study examined the efficacy and toxicity of this more convenient method of administration in 9 previously untreated patients with T-PLL. Only 3 of 9 patients (33%) responded to treatment. Furthermore, 2 of 9 patients (22%) died while on treatment. Recruitment was terminated because of these poor results. After rescue therapy with intravenous alemtuzumab and/or pentostatin, median progression-free survival and overall survival were similar to the intravenous group. Alemtuzumab delivered intravenously, but not subcutaneously, remains the treatment of choice for previously untreated T-PLL. This study is registered at www.eudract.ema.europa.eu as #2004-004636-31.

scholarly journals Efficacy of S-1 after pemetrexed in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma: a retrospective multi-institutional analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinnosuke Takemoto ◽  
Kazumasa Akagi ◽  
Sawana Ono ◽  
Hiromi Tomono ◽  
Noritaka Honda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Small Cell Lung Carcinoma ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Confidential Interval ◽  
Cell Lung Carcinoma ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Time To Treatment Failure ◽  
Nsclc Patients

Abstract Background: This study was designed to evaluate the treatment effect of S-1 following PEM-containing treatment. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with advanced (c-stage III or IV, UICC 7th) or recurrent NSCLC who received S-1 monotherapy following the failure of previous PEM-containing chemotherapy at 6 hospitals in Japan. Primary endpoint: Overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoint: Disease control rate (DCR), time to treatment failure (TTF), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 53 NSCLC patients met the criteria. Forty-six patients had adenocarcinoma (88.7%) and no patients had squamous cell carcinoma. Thirty-one patients (58.5%) received the standard S-1 regimen and 18 patients (34.0%) received the modified S-1 regimen. ORR was 1.9% (95% confidential interval (CI): 0.00-10.1%). Median TTF, PFS, and OS were 65 days, 84 days, and 385 days, respectively. Conclusion: Although there were several limitations in this study, the ORR of S-1 after PEM in patients with non-SQ NSCLC was low compared to the historical control. It might be one of the choices to avoid S-1 treatment in PEM-treated patients who need tumor shrinkage.

Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone is more effective than dexamethasone alone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma regardless of prior thalidomide exposure

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (12) ◽  
pp. 4445-4451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Wang ◽  
Meletios A. Dimopoulos ◽  
Christine Chen ◽  
M. Teresa Cibeira ◽  
Michel Attal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Time To Progression ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Refractory Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Previously Treated ◽  
Survival Studies

AbstractThis analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide + dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) previously treated with thalidomide. Of 704 patients, 39% were thalidomide exposed. Thalidomide-exposed patients had more prior lines of therapy and longer duration of myeloma than thalidomide-naive patients. Lenalidomide + dexamethasone led to higher overall response rate (ORR), longer time to progression (TTP), and progression-free survival (PFS) versus placebo + dexamethasone despite prior thalidomide exposure. Among lenalidomide + dexamethasone-treated patients, ORR was higher in thalidomide-naive versus thalidomide-exposed patients (P = .04), with longer median TTP (P = .04) and PFS (P = .02). Likewise for dexamethasone alone-treated patients (P = .03 for ORR, P = .03 for TTP, P = .06 for PFS). Prior thalidomide did not affect survival in lenalidomide + dexamethasone-treated patients (36.1 vs 33.3 months, P > .05). Thalidomide-naive and thalidomide-exposed patients had similar toxicities. Lenalidomide + dexamethasone resulted in higher rates of venous thromboembolism, myelosuppression, and infections versus placebo + dexamethasone, independent of prior thalidomide exposure. Lenalido-mide + dexamethasone was superior to placebo + dexamethasone, independent of prior thalidomide exposure. Although prior thalidomide may have contributed to inferior TTP and PFS compared with thalidomide-naive patients, these parameters remained superior compared with placebo + dexamethasone; similar benefits compared with placebo + dexamethasone were not evident for thalidomide-exposed patients in terms of overall survival. Studies were registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov under NCT00056160 and NCT00424047.

Efficacy of bevacizumab and temozolomide therapy in locally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic malignant solitary fibrous tumour: A population-based analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1301-1304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário L de Lemos ◽  
Isabell Kang ◽  
Kimberly Schaff
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Solitary Fibrous Tumour ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Overall Response

Background Patients with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic solitary fibrous tumour are often treated with bevacizumab and temozolomide based on the clinical efficacy reported in a case series of 14 patients. Given the rarity of solitary fibrous tumour, large trials are not feasible. We report the efficacy of this regimen based on a population-based analysis. Methods This was a population-based retrospective, multi-centre analysis using patient data from a provincial cancer registry and treatment database. Cases from June 2006 through October 2016 were identified for patients receiving bevacizumab and temozolomide for locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic solitary fibrous tumour or hemangiopericytoma, which is sometimes used to describe tumours arising from the meninges. The primary outcome was overall response rate. Secondary outcomes included time to response, progression free survival and overall survival estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results Fourteen patients were identified: median age 59 (range 44–70), male 78.6%. Diagnoses were solitary fibrous tumour in 10 (71.4%) and hemangiopericytoma in four (28.6%), with metastatic disease in 10 (72.7%) patients. The most common primary sites were meninges in four (28.6%) and pelvis in three (21.4%) patients. The median follow-up was 15.5 months, with median treatment of four months. Overall response rate was 21.4% (no complete response, 3 partial response), with median time to response of four months. Median progression free survival, six-month progression free survival and overall survival were 17 months, 65.0%, and 45 months, respectively. Conclusions Efficacy of bevacizumab and temozolomide in solitary fibrous tumour appeared to be similar to that previously reported. Our findings confirmed that bevacizumab and temozolomide is an effective and tolerated treatment for this patient population.

Biweekly Raltitrexed in Combination with Irinotecan (RIR) as Second-Line Therapy for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Non-Randomized, Open-Label Phase II Trial.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ke Cheng ◽  
Yu-Wen Zhou ◽  
Ye Chen ◽  
Zhi-Ping Li ◽  
Meng Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Second Line Therapy ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Common Grade ◽  
Open Label Phase ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Background Irinotecan-based doublet chemotherapy strategy was standard second-line backbone treatment for patients with oxaliplatin‑refractory metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC). The aim of this study was to evaluate tolerability and efficacy of raltitrexed combined with irinotecan biweekly administered as the second-line therapy for mCRC patients.Methods The study was a single-center, non-randomized, open-label phase II trial. Patients with mCRC after failure with first-line treatment of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine or its derivatives were enrolled. Irinotecan (180 mg/m2) and raltitrexed (2.5 mg/m2) were given intravenously on day 1. Cycles were repeated every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival, and the secondary endpoints included overall response rate, disease control rate, overall survival and treatment related adverse events. Results Between December 2012 and October 2016, 35 patients were enrolled. 33 and 35 patients were assessed for response and safety, respectively. The overall response rate (ORR) was 8.6 %, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 71.4%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.5 months (95% CI 3.8–5.2). The median overall survival was 12.0 months (95% CI 8.5–15.5). Four patients received conversion therapy to no evidence of disease (NED), and 2 patients were still alive with beyond 24 months survival. The most common grade 3/4 hematological adverse events were leukopenia (8.6%), neutropenia (5.7%). The most common grade 3/4 nonhematological adverse events were anorexia (14.3%), vomiting (14.3%), nausea (11.4%) and fatigue (8.6%). Two patients discontinued the protocol treatment because of treatment-related gastrointestinal adverse events. No one died from treatment-related events. The incidence and severity of toxicity was irrelevant to UGT1A1 status.Conclusions The combination of irinotecan with raltitrexed is an active, convenient and acceptable toxic regimen for second-line treatment for mCRC patients, which needs further study as a chemotherapy backbone to be combined with targeted agents in mCRC.Trial registration No. ChiCTR-ONC-12002767. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at 29 Octorber 2012, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

scholarly journals Phase II Study of Lenvatinib in Patients With Progressive, Recurrent or Metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (18) ◽  
pp. 1529-1537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vatche Tchekmedyian ◽  
Eric J. Sherman ◽  
Lara Dunn ◽  
Crystal Tran ◽  
Shrujal Baxi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Overall Response ◽  
End Point ◽  
Adenoid Cystic

PURPOSE Recurrent or metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma (R/M ACC) is a malignant neoplasm of predominantly salivary gland origin for which effective therapies are lacking. We conducted a phase II trial evaluating the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor lenvatinib in patients with R/M ACC. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study was conducted with a two-stage minimax design. Patients with histologically confirmed R/M ACC of any primary site with radiographic and/or symptomatic progression were eligible. Any prior therapy was allowed except previous lenvatinib. Patients received lenvatinib 24 mg orally per day. The primary end point was overall response rate. Secondary end points were progression-free survival and safety. An exploratory analysis of how MYB expression and genomic alterations relate to outcomes was conducted. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were enrolled; 32 were evaluable for the primary end point. Five patients (15.6%) had a confirmed partial response, 24 patients (75%) had stable disease, two patients (6.3%) discontinued treatment as a result of toxicity before the first scan, and one patient (3.1%) had progression of disease as best response. Median progression-free survival time was 17.5 months (95% CI, 7.2 months to not reached), although only eight progression events were observed. Patients otherwise were removed for toxicity (n = 5), as a result of withdrawal of consent (n = 9), or at the treating physician’s discretion (n = 6). Twenty-three patients required at least one dose modification, and 18 of 32 patients discontinued lenvatinib for drug-related issues. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were hypertension (n = 9; 28.1%) and oral pain (n = 3; 9.4%). Three grade 4 adverse events were observed (myocardial infarction, n = 1; posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, n = 1; and intracranial hemorrhage, n = 1). CONCLUSION This trial met the prespecified overall response rate primary end point, demonstrating antitumor activity with lenvatinib in R/M ACC patients. Toxicity was comparable to previous studies, requiring monitoring and management.

scholarly journals Melflufen and Dexamethasone in Heavily Pretreated Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma

2020 ◽  
pp. JCO.20.02259
Author(s):  
Paul G. Richardson ◽  
Albert Oriol ◽  
Alessandra Larocca ◽  
Joan Bladé ◽  
Michele Cavo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Duration Of Response ◽  
Heavily Pretreated ◽  
Grade 3

PURPOSE Melphalan flufenamide (melflufen) is a first-in-class peptide-drug conjugate that targets aminopeptidases and rapidly and selectively releases alkylating agents into tumor cells. The phase II HORIZON trial evaluated the efficacy of melflufen plus dexamethasone in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), a population with an important unmet medical need. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with RRMM refractory to pomalidomide and/or an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody received melflufen 40 mg intravenously on day 1 of each 28-day cycle plus once weekly oral dexamethasone at a dose of 40 mg (20 mg in patients older than 75 years). The primary end point was overall response rate (partial response or better) assessed by the investigator and confirmed by independent review. Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. The primary analysis is complete with long-term follow-up ongoing. RESULTS Of 157 patients (median age 65 years; median five prior lines of therapy) enrolled and treated, 119 patients (76%) had triple-class–refractory disease, 55 (35%) had extramedullary disease, and 92 (59%) were refractory to previous alkylator therapy. The overall response rate was 29% in the all-treated population, with 26% in the triple-class–refractory population. In the all-treated population, median duration of response was 5.5 months, median progression-free survival was 4.2 months, and median overall survival was 11.6 months at a median follow-up of 14 months. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 96% of patients, most commonly neutropenia (79%), thrombocytopenia (76%), and anemia (43%). Pneumonia (10%) was the most common grade 3/4 nonhematologic event. Thrombocytopenia and bleeding (both grade 3/4 but fully reversible) occurred concomitantly in four patients. GI events, reported in 97 patients (62%), were predominantly grade 1/2 (93%); none were grade 4. CONCLUSION Melflufen plus dexamethasone showed clinically meaningful efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM, including those with triple-class–refractory and extramedullary disease.

Venetoclax for Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia With 17p Deletion: Results From the Full Population of a Phase II Pivotal Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (19) ◽  
pp. 1973-1980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Stilgenbauer ◽  
Barbara Eichhorst ◽  
Johannes Schetelig ◽  
Peter Hillmen ◽  
John F. Seymour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Complete Remission ◽  
Median Time ◽  
Objective Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Free Survival

Purpose Venetoclax is an orally bioavailable B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor. US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approval for patients with 17p deleted relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia [del(17p) CLL] was based on results from 107 patients. An additional 51 patients were enrolled in a safety expansion cohort. Extended analysis of all enrolled patients, including the effect of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity on outcome, is now reported. Patients and Methods Overall, 158 patients with relapsed/refractory or previously untreated (n = 5) del(17p) CLL received venetoclax 400 mg per day after an initial dose ramp up. Responses were based on 2008 International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia criteria, with monthly physical exams and blood counts. Computed tomography scan was mandatory at week 36, after which assessment made was by clinical evaluation. Marrow biopsy was performed when complete remission was suspected. MRD was assessed by flow cytometry. Results Patients had a median of two prior therapies (range, zero to 10 therapies), 71% had TP53 mutation, and 48% had nodes that were ≥ 5 cm. Median time on venetoclax was 23.1 months (range, 0 to 44.2 months) and median time on study was 26.6 months (range, 0 to 44.2 months). For all patients, investigator-assessed objective response rate was 77% (122 of 158 patients; 20% complete remission) and estimated progression-free survival at 24 months was 54% (95% CI, 45% to 62%). For 16 patients who received prior kinase inhibitors, objective response rate was 63% (10 of 16 patients) and 24-month progression-free survival estimate was 50% (95% CI, 25% to 71%). By intent-to-treat analysis, 48 (30%) of 158 patients achieved MRD below the cutoff of 10−4 in blood. Common grade 3 and 4 adverse events were hematologic and managed with supportive care and/or dose adjustments. Conclusion Venetoclax achieves durable responses and was well tolerated in patients with del(17p) CLL. A high rate of blood MRD < 10−4 was achieved in this high-risk population.

Survival Benefits of Patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Treated with Rituximab Combined with Chemotherapy.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 4625-4625
Author(s):  
Zhixiang Shen ◽  
Junmin Li ◽  
Aihua Wang ◽  
Yu Chen
Keyword(s):  
B Cell ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Overall Response ◽  
Large B Cell

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.

Phase II Study of Rituximab in Newly Diagnosed Stage IA Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL): A Report From the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG)

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2711-2711
Author(s):  
Dennis A. Eichenauer ◽  
Michael Fuchs ◽  
Annette Pluetschow ◽  
Beate Klimm ◽  
Teresa Halbsguth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Overall Response Rate ◽  
Phase Ii Trial ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Stage Ia ◽  
Cd20 Antibody ◽  
Anti Cd20

Abstract Abstract 2711 Background: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) accounting for about 5% of cases. The clinical course is usually more indolent than in classical HL (cHL) resulting in an excellent long-term prognosis. This is particularly true for patients diagnosed with early-stage NLPHL representing the majority of cases. However, current standard treatment consisting of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT) is associated with an increased risk of late toxicity. Thus, there is a need for novel treatment strategies. Since CD20 is consistently expressed on the malignant lymphocyte-predominant (LP) cells, anti-CD20 antibody treatment appears to be a promising option. After impressive response rates were reported in relapsed NLPHL patients, the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) initiated a trial to evaluate the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab in newly diagnosed stage IA NLPHL without clinical risk factors. Methods: Between June 2006 and October 2007, 29 patients from 23 sites were enrolled in this multicenter phase II trial. Study entry was restricted to adult patients (age 18 to 75) with biopsy-proven stage IA NLPHL without clinical risk factors. Treatment consisted of four weekly infusions of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m2. Efficacy endpoints included remission status as assessed by computed tomography (CT) four weeks after completion of treatment, overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at two years; feasibility endpoints were acute treatment-related toxicities, adverse events, dose reductions and therapy delays. Results: Twenty-eight patients were eligible for the final analysis of this phase II trial; 71.4% of patients were male, 72% had supradiaphragmatic disease and the median age was 40 years. Treatment was conducted in the outpatient setting in the majority of cases. Rituximab was well tolerated; no grade III/IV toxicities were observed. Transfusions of erythrocytes or platelets were not required. At final restaging four weeks after the last rituximab application, 24 patients (85.7%) were in CR/CRu and four patients (14.3%) had partial remission (PR). Thus, overall response rate (ORR) was 100%. After a median follow-up of 43 months, all patients were still alive. Progression-free survival rate estimates at two, three and four years were 85.3%, 81.4% and 77.1%, respectively. Seven patients (25%) have relapsed and two patients developed secondary solid tumors. All patients with NLPHL relapse were successfully salvaged. Conclusions: The results of the present trial confirm the previously reported excellent response of NLPHL patients to rituximab. However, with a relapse rate of 25% at a median observation time of 43 months, rituximab does not seem to be as effective as RT alone or combined-modality strategies in stage IA NLPHL patients. Nonetheless, anti-CD20 antibodies have a favorable toxicity profile and may be offered to selected patients who are at particular risk for long-term side effects such as secondary malignancies. In addition, the combination of anti-CD20 antibodies and chemotherapy may also improve efficacy and decrease toxicity of NLPHL treatment in early unfavorable, advanced or relapsed disease. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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