Abstract |
Bendamustine is an established treatment option in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and frequently used in Austria and Italy. Therefore, we analyzed 100 unselected, consecutive patients with CLL (treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory) receiving bendamustine in a real-life setting. Most patients were treated with bendamustine in combination with rituximab (BR). However, bendamustine monotherapy was additionally evaluated. Patients treated with BR had a significantly higher overall response rate of 76% (complete response=22%) when compared to those treated solely with bendamustine (overall response rate=50%; complete response=13%). Overall survival (OS) and progression -ree survival (PFS) were significantly lower in the bendamustine-treated group (OS=14.3 months; PFS=8.3 months) compared to the BR group (OS=42.7; PFS=22.5 months; both p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, patients with a good cytogenetic risk and those receiving BR had a significantly better OS. Grade 3/4 hematological complications were seen in 32% of the patients. Hence, bendamustine, especially in combination with rituximab, is an effective therapy with manageable toxicity for non-selected patients with CLL including those pre-treated with fludarabine and the elderly.
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Authors | Marijana Ninkovic, Michael Fiegl, Michael Mian, Patrizia Mondello, Florian Kocher, Christian Waldthaler, Irmgard Verdorfer, Michael Steurer, Günther Gastl, Andreas Pircher |
Journal | Anticancer research
(Anticancer Res)
Vol. 35
Issue 9
Pg. 5129-39
(Sep 2015)
ISSN: 1791-7530 [Electronic] Greece |
PMID | 26254418
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Rituximab
- Bendamustine Hydrochloride
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Topics |
- Antineoplastic Agents
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Bendamustine Hydrochloride
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Cohort Studies
- Disease-Free Survival
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell
(drug therapy)
- Multivariate Analysis
- Rituximab
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Treatment Outcome
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