The F-MACHOP regimen in the treatment of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: a single center experience in 72 patients
Infanti, L.; Silvestri, F.; Fanin, R.; Salmaso, F.; Zaja, F.; Barillari, G.; Patriarca, F.; Geromin, A.; Cerno, M.; Damiani, D.; Baccarani, M.
Haematologica 81(6): 521-528
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0390-6078 PMID: 9009439 Document Number: 456812
Background. Since July 1991 we have employed the F-MACHOP regimen for the treatment of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the response rate and the toxicity of this chemotherapy program. Patients and Methods. Seventy-two consecutive patients entered the study and were treated with the F-MACHOP regimen for 6 planned courses, given every 21 days. G- or GM-CSF were administered whenever required. Results. Sixty-six patients (92%) obtained a response: 38 (53%) a complete remission (CR) and 28 (39%) a partial remission (PR); 4 (6%) proved to be resistant and 2 (3%) died of chemotherapy related toxicity. Fifty-seven patients with a good performance status were subsequently selected to undergo autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). During chemotherapy, grade III-IV neutropenia was observed in 59% of the patients; a significant drop in hemoglobin levels was detected, with blood transfusions being required in 21% of the cases; platelet counts were unaffected. The main extrahematological toxic events were: alopecia (100% of the patients), osteoarthromyalgias (58%), grade I-II neuropathy (53%) and grade I-II hepatic toxicity (43%). Conclusions. Our study confirms the efficacy of the F-MACHOP regimen in obtaining a high rate of response (CR+PR) in most aggressive NHL cases, with an acceptable toxicity and a low rate of toxic deaths. This regimen enables the majority of patients to be selected for ASCT as consolidation therapy without significant toxicity.