Long-term remission in diffuse histiocytic lymphoma treated with combination sequential chemotherapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Ret B-cell lymphoma, previously termed reticulum cell sarcoma, is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Effective treatment strategies for advanced stages (III-IV) remain critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a 5-drug chemotherapy regimen in patients with Stage III or IV reticulum cell sarcoma.
• To re-evaluate treatment outcomes based on updated histopathological classifications.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen patients with Stage III or IV reticulum cell sarcoma received three cycles of a 5-drug regimen (February 1969–December 1970).
• Original biopsies were reclassified using Rappaport et al. criteria.
• Treatment response was categorized into complete remission, partial remission, or unevaluable.

Main Results:

• Overall, 9 patients achieved complete remission and 6 had partial remission.
• Reclassification revealed 8 patients with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma (DHL).
• Of the 8 DHL patients, 6 achieved complete remission, with 5 maintaining unmaintained remission for 55–65 months.

Conclusions:

• The 5-drug regimen demonstrated significant efficacy in advanced reticulum cell sarcoma, particularly for the diffuse histiocytic lymphoma subtype.
• Long-term unmaintained remission is achievable in a substantial proportion of patients with DHL.
• Updated histopathological classification is crucial for accurate prognostic assessment and treatment evaluation.