Second-line rituximab-bendamustine versus rituximab-gemcitabine-oxaliplatin in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the real world

Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research, 2019

Aim

Despite long-term responses to first-line immunochemotherapy, many patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have relapsed/refractory disease. Second-line treatment options are available. However, a large proportion of patients are ineligible for transplantation/intensive therapy. 

Patients & methods

This observational study of 702 patients in the USA, who used second-line therapies for relapsed/refractory DLBCL, evaluated treatment patterns and overall survival (OS). The study focused on the OS outcome of patients receiving second-line rituximab-bendamustine or rituximab-gemcitabine-oxaliplatin. 

Results & conclusion

Rituximab-bendamustine and rituximab-gemcitabine-oxaliplatin were received by 4.6 and 1.4% of patients, respectively (N = 42/702). Median and 1-year OS rates were similar between regimens. Many of the 200 different treatment regimens observed in second line were modified versions of National Comprehensive Cancer Network regimens.

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Authors

Ionescu-Ittu R, Shang A, Velde NV, Guerin A, Lin Y, Shi L, Shi S, Qayum N