Prolonged treatment with rituximab in patients with follicular lymphoma significantly increases event-free survival and response duration compared with the standard weekly × 4 schedule

摘要: The potential benefits of extended rituximab treatment have been investigated in a randomized trial comparing the standard schedule with prolonged 202 patients newly diagnosed or refractory/relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL). All received (rituximab 375 mg/m(2) weekly x 4). In 185 evaluable patients, overall response rate was 67% chemotherapy-naive and 46% pretreated cases (P <.01). Patients responding stable disease at week 12 (n = 151) were to no further administration (375 every 2 months for 4 times). At median follow-up 35 months, event-free survival (EFS) versus 23 arm =.02), difference being particularly notable (19 vs 36 months; P =.009) induction (16 =.004). number t(14;18)-positive cells peripheral blood =.0035) bone marrow =.0052) baseline predictive clinical response. Circulating normal B lymphocytes immunoglobulin M (IgM) plasma levels decreased significantly longer time after treatment, but incidence adverse events not increased. FL, additional doses 8-week intervals improves EFS.