Can Rituximab Improve the Outcome of Patients with Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma?
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2015 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Acta Haematologica |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000381327 |
| Field | Oncology and hematology |
| Keywords | Chemotherapy; Hodgkin's lymphoma; Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma; Rituximab |
| Description | Background: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare subtype of Hodgkin's lymphoma showing strong CD20 expression. The role of rituximab in treating NLPHL still needs clarification. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 23 patients with NLPHL treated with rituximab alone or in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as part of their first-or second-line treatment. Results: The median follow-up of the whole group was 67 months, and all patients remained alive. Twenty-two patients achieved complete remission after rituximab-based therapy, and one of them relapsed 32 months after treatment. One patient treated with rituximab alone achieved partial remission and progressed 22 months after treatment. Conclusion: The prognosis of NLPHL is excellent. Rituximab combined with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy appears to prevent disease progression/relapse. |