A 10-year update of CHOP-Bleo in the treatment of diffuse large-cell lymphoma

Long-term follow-up results of two studies using cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone plus bleomycin (CHOP-Bleo) for the treatment of diffuse large-cell lymphoma are presented. Twenty-eight patients were treated with conventional-dose CHOP-Bleo and 36 patients with maximally tolerated doses of CHOP-Bleo. The maximal duration of follow-up was 10.5 years. The minimum follow-up was 5.7 years. Seventy-five percent of the conventional-dose group achieved a complete remission (CR) with a 10-year actuarial survival of 53% and a corresponding relapse-free survival (RFS) of 69% for CRs. Eighty-one percent of the high-dose group achieved CR, and the 10-year actuarial survival for all patients and RFS for CRs were 48% and 63%, respectively. The combined actuarial survival and RFS for both groups were 51% and 66%, respectively, at 10 years. For 11 patients with stage III disease, 91% achieved CR, 52% survived at 10 years, and the RFS was 67% for CRs. Seventy-five percent of 44 patients with stage IV disease achieved CR, 50% survived at 10 years, and the RFS was 67% for CRs. Three of the 16 relapses occurred late, between 30 to 65 months after initiation of therapy. Neuropathy occurred in 14 patients (22%). Five patients (8%) died of complications related to treatment. Five (8%) had clinically apparent, but nonfatal cardiopulmonary complications. The CHOP-Bleo regimen is an effective treatment for diffuse large-cell lymphoma, and is moderately well tolerated. The use of high-dose CHOP-Bleo for induction therapy did not result in any advantage after long-term follow-up.