Abstract |
From January 1988 to December 1991, 55 elderly patients (14 pretreated and 41 previously untreated) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) entered a prospective study to evaluate the feasibility of a combination of mitoxantrone (7-9 mg/m2), VP 16-213 (150 mg, 2-hour infusion on day 1, and 200 mg per os on days 3 and 5) and low-dose prednisone (25 mg days 1-5) ( MVP regimen), recycling every 21-28 days. The median age was 75 (range 64-93). All but 4 pretreated patients had intermediate- or high-grade lymphomas. Complete remissions were obtained in 22 of 40 (55%) evaluable previously untreated patients, and partial remissions in 10 (2 of these obtained complete remissions after radiotherapy), for an overall response rate of 80%. The median duration of response was 12 months. At 24 months the overall survival was 52% and the relapse-free survival was 31%. Of 14 pretreated patients complete remissions were obtained in 4 (29%) and partial remissions in 3. Granulocytopenia and fever were the most important side effects; two patients contracted bronchopneumonia and one of them died. Other toxicities were mild. We conclude that this combination chemotherapy is effective as first-line and salvage treatment in elderly patients with intermediate- and high-grade NHL, and that it is feasible on an outpatient basis, with manageable toxicity.
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Authors | L Salvagno, A Contu, A Bianco, L Endrizzi, G M Schintu, N Olmeo, S M Aversa, V Chiarion-Sileni, M Sorarù, M V Fiorentino |
Journal | Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
(Ann Oncol)
Vol. 3
Issue 10
Pg. 833-7
(Dec 1992)
ISSN: 0923-7534 [Print] England |
PMID | 1286045
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Etoposide
- Mitoxantrone
- Prednisone
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Etoposide
(administration & dosage)
- Female
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin
(drug therapy)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mitoxantrone
(administration & dosage)
- Prednisone
(administration & dosage)
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