Optimizing premedications in the prevention of bendamustine infusion-related reactions

Bendamustine is indicated for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and rituximab refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Clinical trials have reported a 25% incidence of infusion-related reactions (IRRs) in patients receiving bendamustine. While these reactions are well documented, there is no consensus on the optimal premedication regimen for the prevention of these adverse effects. At our center, we utilize a regimen of ondansetron 16 mg orally and dexamethasone 10 mg IV push prior to each infusion of bendamustine. This report describes our experience with our current premedication regimen with regard to IRRs and the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN).

We retrospectively analyzed 73 consecutive patients receiving bendamustine infusions at our institute from June 2008 to June 2010 to determine the incidence of IRRs and FN. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of IRRs. Secondary objectives included incidence of FN and hospital admission rate.

A total of 478 infusions of bendamustine were administered to 73 consecutive patients. The median patient age was 69 years. IRRs affected 19% of our population, and 10.9% experienced FN. Notably, all IRRs were attributed to rituximab infusions and no patients experienced an IRR when receiving bendamustine alone. This compares favorably to the initial reported IRRs of 25% with bendamustine alone.

Based on our experience with bendamustine, ondansetron and dexamethasone provide a safe and effective prevention of IRRs associated with bendamustine. By avoiding the use of other premedications, the likelihood of additional complications or adverse affects can be minimized.