Lomustine, etoposide, methotrexate and prednisone (LEMP) therapy for relapsed and refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Twenty-two patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were treated with a regimen aimed at administering 6-9 cycles at 6-weekly intervals of oral lomustine (CCNU) 50 mg/m2 on day 2, i.v. etoposide 50 mg/m2 d 1 and 8, methotrexate 30 mg/m2 d 1 and 8, prednisone 60 mg/m2 d 1-10 (LEMP). The patients had a median age of 65 years (range 34-81) at diagnosis and comprised 14 males and 8 females. Eighteen patients had had prior chemotherapy (5 patients received more than two combinations). Seven had also received prior radiotherapy. Five patients achieved a complete remission (CR) with a median duration of 18 months (range 4-37). Twelve patients achieved a partial remission with a median survival of 8 months (range 2-45). Responses were seen in 6/6 nodular small cleaved cell, 1/1 diffuse small cleaved cell, 0/2 nodular mixed small and large cell, 3/4 diffuse mixed small and large cell, 7/9 diffuse large cell. One patient with diffuse large cell histology was treated initially with LEMP, achieving and maintaining CR for 18 months. Five patients did not respond to LEMP. This regimen was well tolerated requiring only 2 injections every 6 wk, there was minimal toxicity, no alopecia or cardiotoxicity, and little myelosuppression. There were no treatment-related deaths. This regimen has a useful role in inducing partial or complete remission in patients who have relapsed or progressed following previous intensive chemotherapy. It may also be used as first-line therapy in patients who may not tolerate more intensive regimens. These results are encouraging and warrant further investigation.