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Randomized study to evaluate the use of high-dose therapy as part of primary treatment for "aggressive" lymphoma
Ulrich Kaiser1, Irmgard Uebelacker, Ulrich Abel
1Department of Hematology, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Germany. pd.dr.u.kaiser@bernward-khs.de
Purpose:
This trial of the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group compares the use of high-dose therapy (HDT) as part of primary treatment with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) plus etoposide followed by involved-field (IF) radiotherapy in a randomized, multicenter, phase III study.
Patients And Methods:
Three hundred twelve patients with "aggressive" non-Hodgkin's lymphoma aged
Results:
Among 158 patients randomized to arm B, 103 (65%) received HDT. The complete remission rate at the end of treatment was 62.9% in arm A and 69.9% in arm B. With a median observation time of 45.5 months, overall survival for all 312 patients was 63% after 3 years (63% for arm A, 62% for arm B; P =.68). Event-free survival was 49% for arm A versus 59% for arm B (P =.22). Relapse in arm B was associated with a significantly worse survival rate than relapse in arm A (P <.05). Relapse after HDT occurred early (median interval, 3 months). Six patients developed secondary neoplasia, three in arm A and three in arm B.
Conclusion:
Results of the randomized trial comparing CHOP-like chemotherapy with early HDT do not support the use of HDT with carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan following shortened standard chemotherapy.