ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
aggressive lymphoma
;
chemotherapy
;
prognostic factors
;
randomised trial
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background: The long-term survival of patients with advanced stage aggressive lymphoma has not improved significantly during the last twenty years. In a randomised trial, the efficacy of MACOP-B, a six-drug weekly chemotherapy regimen, was compared to CHOP, the current standard regimen, in terms of overall and failure-free survival, toxicity and health related quality of life. Patients and methods: Four hundred five patients with aggressive lymphoma, stage II–IV, age 18–67, were randomised to receive either 12 weeks of MACOP-B or 8 courses of CHOP over 24 weeks. Special emphasis was put in the definition of Ann Arbor stage in extranodal disease. A subset of 95 patients also entered a quality of life study, based on the EORTC QLQ-C30. Results: Thirty-one patients were ineligible. Among the remaining 374 patients, the median age was 52 years. According to the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index, 37% were ‘high-intermediate’ or ‘high-risk’ patients. No difference could be demonstrated, either in overall survival (60% at five years in the MACOP-B group and 59% in the CHOP group) or in failure-free survival (47% at five years with MACOP-B and 44% with CHOP). In terms of quality of life, physical function and global quality of life were more impaired in patients receiving MACOP-B, who also exhibited more non-haematological toxicity. Conclusion: No superiority of MACOP-B compared to CHOP could be demonstrated. CHOP remains the treatment of choice in low-risk patients. At present, intensified or experimental treatment should be reserved for high-risk disease.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008392528248
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