[Etoposide 21 therapy for malignant lymphoma]

Oral administration of etoposide 50 mg daily for 21 days was studied in 83 patients with malignant lymphoma who were not indicated for intensive treatment. Dose escalation to 75 mg was allowed for previously untreated cases and those with body surface over 1.5 m2. The majority of patients were: median age 69, outpatient, previously treated, with clinical stage III, IV. Overall response rate was 52.5%, including 10 CR. Response rates for each background factor were: age > or = 65, 63.8%* < 65, 36.4%, PS 0, 56.5%, 1, 53.9%, 2 approximately 3, 25.0%, outpatient 65.9%, inpatient 24.0%. Clinical stage I, II, 57.1%; III, IV, 50.0%. Dosage 50 mg 49.3%; 75 mg 85.7%. Previously untreated, 81.8%; pretreated, 47.8%*(*p < 0.05).

moderate side effects such as loss of appetite, nausea and leukocytopenia were observed. Those were tolerable and recovery was achieved by reduction of dose or discontinuation. Intensive treatment is the most popular therapy for malignant lymphoma, however, there are certain patients not indicated for such intensive treatment. For such patients this etoposide 21 therapy can offer a new way of palliative therapy to allow them to remain at home while maintaining a high quality of life.