Diffuse large cell lymphoma. Prognostic factors with treatment
Straus, D.J.; Wong, G.; Yahalom, J.; Varsos, G.; Gulati, S.; Clarkson, B.
Leukemia 5(Suppl): 32-37
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0887-6924 PMID: 1890863 Document Number: 376257
Five successive chemotherapy protocols for stages II, III and IV diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL) have resulted in identical overall survivals. Between 35% to 45% of patients survived. In a multivariate analysis employing the Weibull model 3 factors were associated with shortened survival: bulky mediastinal and/or retroperitoneal disease, elevated serum LDH and advanced age. In young patients with bulky mediastinal and/or retroperitoneal disease and high serum LDH, autologous bone marrow transplantation following high dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) as part of the initial treatment have produced more promising results. In a randomized trial, a significantly longer disease-free survival was found for patients with stages I or IE diffuse lymphomas with RT followed by adjuvant chemotherapy than with RT alone.