Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (CD30+/Ki-1+). Analysis of 35 cases followed at GISL centres

Between January 1988 and June 1992, 35 patients with primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)CD30+ were referred to one of the institutions participating in GISL (Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio dei Linformi). 16 patients were treated with ProMACE-CytaBOM, two with MACOP-B, one with CHOP and one with LSA2-L2. As of November 1990, all newly diagnosed patients were treated with MOPP/EBV/CAD hybrid. 27 (77%) cases of ALCL CD30+ and 8 (23%) cases of Hodgkin's-related (HR) lymphoma CD30+ were diagnosed. Extranodal disease was present in 22 cases (63%), and 8 patients (23%) had primary bone marrow involvement. Twenty-three complete remissions (CR) (66%), six partial remissions (PR) (17%) and six no remissions (NR) (17%) were achieved with induction therapy. Results achieved with ProMACE-CytaBOM and MOPP/EBV/CAD hybrid were comparable. The overall response rate (CR+PR) was 85% for patients with classic ALCL CD30+ and 87% for those with HR lymphoma CD30+. The 3 year estimated overall survival rate was 66% and the 3 year relapse free survival rate was 65% for the entire group. The only significant favourable prognostic factor was the achievement of CR with initial therapy. Our findings suggest that ALCL (CD30+/Ki-1+) has a clinical outcome similar to aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The use of an anthracycline-containing regimen will provide a change of cure in approximately 65% of cases.