ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
low-dose continuous chemotherapy
;
lymphoma
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background:Although lymphoid malignancies are generallychemosensitive, relapse is common. The use of high-dose therapy can makesubsequent cytotoxic therapy intolerable. There is a need to develop regimenswith low acute toxicity which are suitable for use in patients post-high dosetherapy and following the failure of standard protocols. Patients and methods:Twenty-six patients with lymphomas, fifteenof whom had received high-dose therapy, were treated with a novel regimenconsisting of low-dose lomustine, chlorambucil, daily subcutaneous bleomycin,vincristine and methotrexate with dexamethasone on an eight-week cycle(LBCMVD-56). A median of three cycles was given. Results:The overall response rate at 12 weeks was 67%(21% complete remission (CR)) with a median overall survival of 13months. A symptomatic response was seen in 72%. Previous high-dosetherapy did not compromise the response rate. Toxicity was acceptable withgrade 3–4 haematological toxicity seen in 27% of cycles,gastrointestinal toxicity seen in 11% and pulmonary toxicity seen in8%. Thirty-one percent of patients required hospitalisation at somepoint during this treatment most commonly for neutropenic sepsis. Conclusions:LBCMVD-56 is an inexpensive, outpatient-based regimenwith low acute toxicity and a high response rate in this heavily pre-treatedgroup of patients.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008355417445
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