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Elderly Patients with Bulky NHL Who Achieve a PR to Chemotherapy May Benefit from Local Radiotherapy (11/17/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported that elderly patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with bulky disease who achieve a partial response (PR) after chemotherapy may benefit from local radiotherapy. The details of this study were presented at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in the first week of November.
Gemzar® Effective for Peripheral T-cell Lymphomas and Mycosis Fungoides (11/9/2009)
Researchers from Italy have reported that Gemzar® (gemcitabine) is effective single-agent therapy for previously treated patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and mycosis fungoides (MF). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Annals of Oncology on November 3, 2009.
Rituxan®-Fludara® Highly Effective for Extranodal MALT B-cell Lymphomas (11/9/2009)
Researchers from Spain have reported that Rituxan® (rituximab) and Fludara® (fludarabine) produces complete remissions in 90% of newly diagnosed patients with extranodal marginal-zone lymphomas of the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. The details of this study were published in the November 15, 2009 issue of Cancer.
Xcytrin® (Motexafin Gadolinium) May Improve Results of Zevalin® for Treatment of Refractory NHL (10/26/2009)
Researchers from the Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center have reported that the addition of Xcytrin® to Zevalin® ([90Y] ibritumomab tiuxetan) may improve treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared early online in Clinical Cancer Research.
Torisel® Active in Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (10/21/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported that Torisel® (temsirolimus) improves progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The details of this Phase III study were published in the August, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Cytarabine Improves Results of High-dose Methotrexate in Patients with Primary CNS Lymphoma (10/9/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter European-South American study have reported that the addition of high-dose cytarabine to high-dose methotrexate improves the response rate in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). The details of this study were published early online on September 20, 2009 in The Lancet.
Twenty-year Results Reported of Autologous Stem Cell Transplants for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (10/7/2009)
Researchers from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have reported that accelerated involved field fractionated radiotherapy (IFRT) followed by total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is effected therapy for previously unirradiated patients with refractory or relapsed Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). The details of this study were presented at the Joint ECCO 15 – 34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin, September 20-24, 2009.
Zevalin® Active for Treatment of Extranodal Marginal-zone Lymphoma (10/6/2009)
Researchers from Italy have reported that patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal marginal-zone lymphoma have a high response rate following treatment with Zevalin® (90Yttrium-ibritumomab tiuxetan). The details of this study were presented at the Joint ECCO 15 – 34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin, September 20-24, 2009.
Folotyn™: First Drug Approved by the U.S. FDA for Treatment of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (10/6/2009)
On September 25, 2009 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Folotyn™ (pralatrexate) for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This is the first drug specifically approved for the treatment of PTCL. The basis for this approval was the international PROPEL (Pralatrexate in patients with Relapsed OR refractory PEripheral T-cell Lymphoma) trial. An update of the PROPEL trial was presented at the Joint ECCO 16 -34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin, September 20-24, 2009.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for Recurrent and Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents (9/14/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation have reported that approximately 50% of children or adolescents with recurrent or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) can be salvaged with an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The details of this study appeared in the September 3, 2009 issue of Blood.
High Time Costs for Informal Care Givers of Cancer Patients (9/10/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have reported that the time spent by informal caregivers is significant and an important component in the overall burden of cancer care. The details of this study appeared in the September 4, 2009 issue of Cancer.
Mozobil® and Neupogen® Superior to Neupogen® Alone for Harvesting Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (9/9/2009)
Researchers involved in a Phase III randomized multicenter U.S. trial have reported that Mozobil® (plerixor, AMD3100) plus Neupogen® (filgrastim) facilitated the collection of optimal numbers of peripheral blood CD34+ cells from a higher portion of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) than Neupogen alone. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on August 31, 2009.
New Prognostic Index for Follicular Lymphoma (9/9/2009)
Researchers involved in the International Follicular Lymphoma Prognostic Factor Project have published a new international prognostic index (F2 study) for patients with follicular lymphoma in the Rituxan® (rituximab) era. The details of this new study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on August 3, 2009.
ASCO 2009: Phase I-II Results of New Bcl-2 Inhibitor, AT-101 (8/5/2009)
At the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) there were several preclinical and Phase I-II clinical presentations suggesting activity for a new inhibitor of the Bcl-2 family of proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mel-1, Bcl-W), AT-109, developed by Ascenta Therapeutics.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma (7/24/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the European Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplantation results in long-term disease-free survival in approximately 50% of patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on July 20, 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Veltuzumab Effective for CD20+ Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Refractory to Rituxan® (7/13/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter U.S. trial have reported that the humanized monoclonal antibody veltuzumab has significant activity in patients with CD20+ non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who had previously failed Rituxan® (rituximab). The details of this Phase I/II study appeared in the July 10, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Hodgkin’s Survivors at Increased Risk of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (6/26/2009)
Researchers from the Netherlands have reported that patients who have been treated with radiation therapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) have an elevated risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Formaldehyde Exposure May Increase Risk of Blood and Lymphatic Cancers (6/25/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that industrial workers who are exposed to formaldehyde may be at an increased risk of dying from blood and lymphohematopoietic malignancies, particularly myeloid leukemia but also Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Phase III Trial of Expanded Umbilical Cord Blood (StemEx®) for Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies Announced (6/17/2009)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Gamida Cell announced that the University of Pittsburgh would be participating in an international multicenter Phase III study of StemEx® for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. There are currently 15 U.S. centers and 11 centers in Europe and Israel participating in this study. This study is classified as a Phase III study but, because it is not randomized, patients will be compared to matched historical controls.
Revlimid® Active in Indolent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (6/2/2009)
Researchers from the United States and Canada have reported that oral Revlimid® (lenalidomide) produces durable and sustained responses in patients with relapsed or refractory indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study were present on May 30 at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Orlando, Florida.
Epratuzumab and Rituxan® with CHOP 21 Highly Effective in Patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (6/1/2009)
Researchers involved in a Northcentral Cancer Treatment Group trial N0489 Phase II trial have reported that combining epratuzumab and Rituxan® (rituximab) with CHOP 21 is feasible and promising for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The details of this study were presented on May 28 at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Orlando, Florida.
BiovaxID® Prolongs First Complete Remission in Patients with Follicular Lymphoma (6/1/2009)
Researchers involved in a multicenter U.S. clinical Phase III trial have reported that the patient-specific vaccine, BiovaxID®, prolongs first remission duration in patients with follicular lymphoma. The details of this study were presented on May 31 at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Orlando, Florida.
Further Evidence of Antibiotic Effectiveness for Treating Gastric MALT Lymphomas (5/28/2009)
Researchers from Switzerland have reported five- and 10-year survivals of 92% and 83%, respectively, for patients diagnosed with localized gastric marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT type by antibiotic eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The details of this study appeared in the June, 2009 issue of the Annals of Oncology.
Gemzar®/Navelbine® Effective and Well Tolerated in Children with Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin’s Disease (5/8/2009)
Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine have reported that the combination of Gemzar® (gemcitabine) and Navelbine® (vinorelbine) appears to be effective and well-tolerated for reinduction in children with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s disease (HD). The details of this study appeared in the March 20, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Trisenox®, Interferon-alfa, and Retrovir® Effective for Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (5/8/2009)
Researchers from Iran and France have reported that a regimen of Trisenox® (arsenic trioxide), interferon-alfa, and Retrovir® (zidovudine) is highly effective in patients with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (ATL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on May 1, 2009.
Intrathecal DepoCyte® Effective for Treating Lymphomatous Meningitis (4/24/2009)
Researchers from Spain have reported that DepoCyte® (liposomal cytarabine) is effective and well tolerated and “should be considered as an agent of choice for the treatment of lymphomatous meningitis.” The details of this study appeared in the May 1, 2009 issue of Cancer.
Revlimid® Active for Treating Mantle Cell Lymphoma (4/22/2009)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that Revlimid® (lenalidomide) has significant activity in patients with refractory mantle cell lymphoma. The details of this study appeared in the May 1, 2009 issue of the British Journal of Haematology.
Further Evidence that Maintenance Rituxan® Delays Relapses in Indolent Lymphoma (3/26/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group have reported that maintenance Rituxan® (rituximab) given after standard chemotherapy significantly prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with advanced-stage indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The results of this study were published early online on March 2, 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Advances in the Treatment of Aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (2/6/2009)
A Report from the 2008 Meeting of the American Society of Hematology
Advances in the Treatment of Low-grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (2/5/2009)
Recent advances in the treatment of low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) have led to improvements in progression-free and overall survival. Research presented at the 2008 ASH meeting highlighted further progress in this area.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology 2008: Advances in Treatment of Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (2/2/2009)
At the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), there were more than 100 abstracts devoted to the treatment of lymphoma. There is increasing evidence that survival of patients with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is steadily increasing. New drugs are being developed at a reasonable rate, which creates the question of how best to incorporate all the available drugs in an optimal manner. Additionally, there appears to be significant progress in reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants for low-grade lymphomas.
New and Novel Agents for the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Report from the 2008 Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (1/26/2009)
The 2008 ASH meeting featured several reports of new agents that are showing promise in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Reduced-intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Relapsed DLBCL (1/20/2009)
Researchers from the UK have reported a 48% progression-free survival in patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) following reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The details of this Phase II study appeared in the January 20, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Reduced-intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Relapsed Lymphoma (1/20/2009)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and several U.S. medical centers have reported that reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant results in a 35% long-term disease-free survival rate in patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the British Journal of Haematology on August 28, 2008.
Romidepsin Active for Treatment of Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (12/17/2008)
Researchers involved in an international multicenter trial have reported that romidepsin is effective for the treatment of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The results of this study were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco on December 8, 2008.
Fostamatinib Disodium Effective for Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma and CLL (12/17/2008)
Researcher involved in a U.S. multicenter trial have reported that the oral inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), Fosamatinib disodium (FosD) (R788), has significant activity and is well tolerated in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results of this phase 1-2 study were reported in the Plenary Session of the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 7, 2008 in San Francisco.
Rituxan® and Intensive Chemotherapy Prolongs Remission of Mantle Cell Lymphoma (12/17/2008)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that R (rituximab)-HyperCVAD alternated with R-MA (methotrexate/cytarabine) improves failure-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma. The details of this long-term follow-up report were presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 9, 2008 in San Francisco.
Revlimid® Effective for Relapsed or Refractory Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (12/16/2008)
Researchers involved in the international Phase II trial, NHL-003, have reported data that confirms the effectiveness of Revlimid® (linalidomide) for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory mantle-cell lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. These results were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Pralatrexate Shows Promise Against Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma (12/15/2008)
Researchers involved in the PROPEL (Pralatrexate in patients with Relapsed OR refractory PEripheral T-cell Lymphoma) trial have reported that 27% of patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) experienced a complete or partial remission following treatment with the investigational drug pralatrexate. These results were presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Treanda® and Rituxan® Less Toxic than R-CHOP for Low-grade NHL (12/15/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Studygroup Indolent Lymphomas (StiL) have reported that initial treatment of patients with follicular, indolent, and mantle cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with Treanda® (bendamustine) plus Rituxan® (rituximab) is at least as effective as treatment with R (Rituxan)-CHOP chemotherapy and has fewer side effects. The details of this randomized Phase III study were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco on December 7, 2008.
Outpatient Myeloablative Zevalin® Regimen with Autologous Stem Cell Infusion Well Tolerated and Effective for NHL (11/14/2008)
Researchers from Italy have described a relatively non-toxic myeloblative regimen of high-dose Zevalin® (Yttrium-90-Ibritumomab Tiuxetan) with tandem autologous stem cell infusion that appears effective for consolidation of patients with high-risk or relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared in the November 10, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
CHOP-R, Zevalin®, and Rituxan® Maintenance Effective for Poor-risk Follicular Lymphoma (11/11/2008)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have reported that patients with symptomatic or bulky Stage II-IV follicular lymphoma (FL) have a high complete remission (CR) rate following treatment with CHOP-R, Zevalin® (90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan), and maintenance Rituxan® (rituximab). The details of this study appeared in the November 1, 2008 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
Revlimid® Active in Relapsed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (10/21/2008)
Researchers involved in a U.S./Canadian Phase II clinical trial have reported that Revlimid (lenalidomide) is active for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared in the October 20, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Survival Rates Improving in Childhood Hematologic Cancers (10/1/2008)
Researchers from Cornell University and Germany have reported that five- and 10-year survival rates in childhood hematalogic cancers have significantly improved in the United States since 1990. The details of this study were published in the September 17, 2008 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
ER-CHOP Promising for Initial Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell NHL (9/26/2008)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and the University of Wisconsin have reported that epratuzumab, Rituxan® (rituximab), CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) produces a high response rate as initial therapy for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBL). These findings were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Iodine-131-Rituximab Safe and Effective for Repeat Treatment (9/15/2008)
Researchers from Australia have reported that repeat treatment with iodine-131-rituximab is safe and effective in patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who had previously responded to iodine-131-rituximab. The details of this study appeared in the September 2008 issue of Annals of Oncology.
Genasense® plus Rituxan® Effective for Recurrent NHL (9/9/2008)
Researchers involved in a Phase II multicenter trial have reported that the combination of Genasense® (obimersen sodium) and Rituxan® (rituximab) has significant activity in patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), including those who have failed Rituxan. The details of this study were published in an early online publication in the British Journal of Haematology on September 1, 2008.
Zevalin® Confirmed Effective for Patients with Follicular Lymphoma Who Have Failed an Autologous Transplant (9/5/2008)
Researchers from France have reported that five of eight patients with follicular lymphoma who had failed an autologous stem cell transplant achieved a complete remission with standard doses of Zevalin® (Yttrium-90 ((90)Y) ibritumomab tiuxetan). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Leukemia-Lymphoma of July 15, 2008.
Second Autologous Stem Cell Transplants Feasible After Relapse of Lymphoma (9/4/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research have reported that approximately one-third of patients who receive a second autologous stem cell transplant are alive and disease-free at five years. The details of this study appeared in the August 2008 issue of Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
Zevalin® Effective for Treatment of Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma (8/27/2008)
Researchers from Germany have reported that Zevalin® (Yttrium-90 [(90)Y] ibritumomab tiuxetan) is effective therapy for patients with primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (PCBCL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Leukemia-Lymphoma on July 25, 2008.
Rituxan® Maintenance in Follicular Lymphoma Deemed Cost-effective (8/27/2008)
Researchers from the University of Kentucky have reported that the administration of Rituxan® (rituximab) maintenance to patients with follicular lymphoma in second remission is cost-effective. The details of this study appeared in the June 2008 issue of Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma.
BiovaxID® Improves Disease-free Survival in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (7/28/2008)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute and Accentia BioPharmaceuticals have reported that the personalized investigative vaccine BiovaxID® (personalized anti-idiotype vaccine) significantly improves cancer-free survival among patients with follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). These results were released in a press release by Accentia BioPharmaceuticals.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (7/28/2008)
Researchers from the Royal Marsden Hospital in the United Kingdom and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the United States have published separate studies of the long-term results of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL).
Treanda® plus Rituxan® Effective for Recurrent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (7/17/2008)
Researchers from Canada and the United States have reported that the combination of Treanda® (bendamustine) plus Rituxan® (rituximab) provides effective therapy for patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that has stopped responding to prior treatment. These results appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on July 14, 2008.
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin Effective for Advanced or Refractory Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (7/11/2008)
Researchers from France have reported an overall response rate of 56% in patients with advanced or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) following treatment with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®, Caelyx®). The details of this study appeared in the June 2008 issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Maintenance Rituxan® Is Safe for Follicular Lymphoma (7/8/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the International IIIb MAXIMA trial have reported that continued treatment for up to two years with Rituxan® (rituximab) is a safe therapeutic approach for the treatment of follicular lymphoma. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago June 2-May 30.
Second Tumors Common in Patients with Gastric MALT Lymphoma (7/2/2008)
Researchers from Germany have reported that patients with gastric mucosal associated tissue (MALT) lymphoma have high incidence of second tumors. The results of this 10-year study were reported at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Tricyclic Antidepressants May Increase the Incidence of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (7/2/2008)
Researchers from Denmark reported that patients who are long-term takers of tricyclic antidepressant medications have a 53% increased incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). These data were also published in the July issue of Epidemiology.
Do Reduced-intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Have Curative Potential for Relapsed Follicular Lymphoma? (6/30/2008)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants (SCT) resulted in an 83% progression-free survival with a 60-month follow-up in patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL). The details of this study were published in the June 15, 2008 issue of Blood.
Gemcitabine, Rituximab, Oxaliplatin, and Pegfilgrastim Active for Relapsed NHL (6/27/2008)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the combination of gemcitabine, rituximab, oxaliplatin, and pegfilgrastim compares favorably with other salvage regimens for relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and is less toxic. The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Patients with Lymphoma and CLL Are at Increased Risk of Lung Cancer (6/20/2008)
Researchers from Wayne State University have reported that patients with Hodgkins lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have a 30-300% increased risk of developing lung cancer compared with controls without these diseases. The details of this study were reported at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, May 30-June 2.
Results of Treating NHL Patients over the Age of 80 Reported at ASCO (6/12/2008)
Two studies presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, May 30-June 2, suggest that aggressive therapy can be administered successfully to patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who are 80 years of age or older.
Smoking and Heavy Alcohol Consumption Reduce Survival in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (5/28/2008)
Researchers from Italy have reported that patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who smoke tobacco products and/or drink large quantities of alcohol have a reduced chance of survival. These results were recently published in the April 1, 3008 issue of the International Journal of Cancer.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants May Be Best Option for T-Cell Lymphoma (4/18/2008)
Researchers from France affiliated with the Societe Francaise de Greffe de Moelle et de Therapies Cellulaire have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplants are effective therapy for patients with NK/T–cell lymphomas. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on April 7, 2008.
Statins May Reduce Effectiveness of Rituxan® in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (4/3/2008)
Researchers from Poland have reported that statins may reduce the effectiveness of Rituxan® (rituximab) in treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study were published online in PLoS Med (the Public Library of Science journal) on March 25, 2008.
PET Improves Staging of Early-stage Follicular Lymphoma (4/1/2008)
Researchers from Australia have reported that fluorodioxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) results in significant upstaging of patients with apparent early-stage follicular lymphoma. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics on March 4, 2008.
Fludara®, Novantrone®, Zevalin® Effective First-line Therapy for Follicular Lymphoma (3/26/2008)
Researchers from Italy have reported that six cycles of Fludara® (fludarabine) and Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) followed by Zevalin® (yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan) resulted in complete remission (CR) in 55 of 57 patients with newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma. The details of this Phase II study appeared in an early online publication in Lancet Oncology on March 13, 2008.
CHOP plus Zevalin® Tolerable and Effective for Elderly with Untreated DLBCL (3/13/2008)
Researchers from Italy have reported a 95% complete response rate for elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) followed by Zevalin® (90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan). The details of this Phase II study appeared in an early online publication in the Annals of Oncology on February 25, 2008.
NHL Patients Older than 65 Years of Age Benefit from Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (3/11/2008)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported a 61% three-year survival following autologous stem cell transplantation in patients over 65 years of age with relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Annals of Oncology on February 13, 2008.
Eliminating Infection at Diagnosis of Slow-growing NHL May Be Important Treatment Step (2/27/2008)
Researchers from four U.S. medical centers have reported that infections are common in patients with advanced-stage indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). They add that responses have occurred with infection eradication alone. The results of this study were published in the February, 2008 issue of the Annals of Oncology.
High-dose Methotrexate Provides Long-term Results in Central Nervous System Lymphoma (2/19/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the NABITT trial have reported that high-dose methotrexate can provide long-term responses among patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). These results were published in the January 2008 issue of Neurology.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants May Be Best Option for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas (2/19/2008)
Two recent reviews suggest that allogeneic stem cell transplants may be curative for a significant fraction of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) such as mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome.
Zevalin® Consolidation Prolongs Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Advanced Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) (1/29/2008)
Researchers affiliated with International Randomized Phase 3 First-Line Indolent Trial (FIT) have reported that Zevalin (90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan) consolidation prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) and improved the complete remission (CR) rate in patients with advanced follicular lymphoma who achieved a partial or complete response (PR, CR) to first-line chemotherapy. The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December in Atlanta, Georgia.
Statin Use Associated with a Lower Risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) (1/29/2008)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that the use of statins may reduce the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), especially diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology Meeting in December in Atlanta, Georgia.
Further Data Shows R-CHOP Improves Survival in Elderly Patients with NHL (1/22/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group have reported that the addition of Rituxan® (rituximab) to CHOP (R-CHOP) improves survival compared with CHOP alone in the treatment of elderly patients with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), according to an early online publication in Lancet Oncology. These data were also presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (first item of related news).
Treatment of Hepatitis C Reduces Incidence of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (1/17/2008)
Researchers from Japan have reported that viral elimination in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients reduces the incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared in the December, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Medicine.
Bexxar® Plus BEAM and Autologous Stem Cells for Relapsed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) Very Effective (12/10/2007)
Researchers from the City of Hope, University of California at San Diego and Rush Medical Center have reported that Bexxar® (yttrium-90) and high-dose BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan) followed by the infusion of autologous stem cells is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with recurrent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on November 19, 2007 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
PEG-rHuMGDF May Improve Survival of Patients with Refractory Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) (12/5/2007)
Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer center have reported that the administration of PEG-rHuMGDF (pegylated recombinant human megakaryocyte Growth and Development Factor) may improve the survival of patients with refractory diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL) treated with ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide) chemotherapy. The details of this study were reported in the November, 2007 issue of Annals of Oncology.
Increasing Body Mass Associated with Increasing Cancer Incidence and Mortality (11/19/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the UK Million Women Study have reported that increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of 10 specific types of cancer out of 17 evaluated. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on November 6, 2007 in the British Medical Journal.
Chemotherapy Plus Radiation Recommended as Standard of Care in Early Hodgkin’s (11/15/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the EORTC-GELA H8 Trial have reported that chemotherapy plus involved-field radiation should become the standard of care for early-stage Hodgkin’s disease. The details of this study appeared in the November 8, 2007 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation with Reduced Intensity Regimen Effective (11/14/2007)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have reported that adults with hematological diseases have a three year survival of almost 50% following umbilical cord blood transplantation after a reduced intensity treatment regimen. The details of this study appeared in the October 15, 2007 issue of Blood.
MGCD0103 Receives Orphan Drug Status (8/31/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug status to Pharmion and MethylGene’s agent MGCD0103.
Single Treatment with Bexxar® Provides Long-Term Disease Control for Follicular Lymphoma (8/22/2007)
Researchers from the University of Michigan have reported that a single one-week treatment with Bexxar (tositumomab and iodine I 131 tositumomab) induced complete remissions (CR) in 75% of patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma with a progression-free survival of 64% of those achieving a CR. This follow-up data was presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the original report was published in the February 3, 2005 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Rituxan®, Gemzar® and Ellence® Effective Salvage Therapy for NHL (7/25/2007)
Researchers from France have reported that a regimen of Rituxan, Gemzar and Ellence is effective salvage therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in the Annals of Oncology on May 11, 2007.
Addition of Mozobil™ to Neupogen® Improves Stem Cell Collection in Lymphoma Patients (7/20/2007)
At a press conference on July 19, 2007, the Genzyme Corporation announced that the addition of Mozobil (AMD3100, plerixafor) to Neupogen (G-CSF) significantly improves the harvest of CD34+ cells in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Lower than Expected Use of Zevalin® and Bexxar® Reported (7/17/2007)
Alex Berenson reported in the July 14, 2007 issue of the New York Times that “market forces” are restricting the use of both Zevalin (Y90 ibitumomab tiuretan) and Bexxar (I131 tositumomab) for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This same observation was made by Ken Graber in an article in the April 4, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation after a Reduced-Intensity Treatment Regimen: An Effective Strategy (7/12/2007)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have reported a survival rate of almost 50% in adult patients with hematologic disease treated with umbilical cord blood transplantation following a regimen of Fludara® (fludarabine) and 200 cGy of total body irradiation (TBI). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on June 13, 2007 in Blood.
Every-2 Week Aranesp® Effective for Anemia of Cancer (7/6/2007)
Researchers involved in a multi-center trial have reported that every-2-week Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) significantly improves hemoglobin levels and decreases transfusion requirements in patients with anemia of cancer. The details of this study appeared in the June, 2007 issue of the Oncologist. The preliminary results of this study were also presented at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) symposium in Geneva, Switzerland in June of 2005 (see related news).
High-Dose Bexxar® with Stem Cell Support Effective in Elderly B-Cell NHL (4/17/2007)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington have reported that high-dose Bexxar (131I-tositumomab) with autologous stem cell infusion is effective therapy for elderly relapsed and refractory patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared in the April 10, 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Ninety Minute Infusion of Rituxan® Well Tolerated (4/16/2007)
Researchers from Canada have reported that a 90 minute infusion of Rituxan (rituximab) is safe with resultant decrease in time and resource utilization. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on January 23, 2007.
Total Lymphoid Irradiation and Stem Cell Transplantion Very Effective for Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (4/5/2007)
Researchers from Northwestern University have reported that 63% patients with refractory or relapsed Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) become long-term disease-free survivors following a regimen of total lymphoid irradiation (TLI), chemotherapy and autologous stem cell infusion. The details of this study appeared in the April 2007, issue of the Annals of Oncology.
No Benefit of Radiation in Addition to CHOP Chemotherapy in Stage I-II NHL (3/13/2007)
Researchers from France have reported that the addition of radiation therapy to chemotherapy does not appear to improve outcomes among elderly patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have stage I-II disease with no adverse risk factors on the International Prognostic Index (IPI). The details of this randomized phase III trial were published in the March 1, 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for T-Cell Lymphomas (2/21/2007)
Two studies published in the Annals of Oncology suggest that autologous stem cell transplantation plays a major role in the treatment of patients with T-cell lymphomas.
Patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at Risk for Heart Attack Later in Life (2/16/2007)
Researchers from the United Kingdom have reported that patients treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) are at an increased risk for death from myocardial infarction for 25 years after diagnosis.
Active Immunotherapy with FavId® and Leukine® May Be Effective after Rituxan® Treatment for Follicular Lymphoma (1/25/2007)
Researchers involved in a multicenter trial have reported significant activity for the vaccine FavId (Id,KLH) plus Leukine (sargramostim, GM-CSF) in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) who responded to single agent Rituxan (rituximab). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
High-Dose Sequential Chemotherapy with Rituxan® is Superior to CHOP-R for Poor Risk Follicular Lymphoma (1/11/2007)
Researchers from Italy have reported that high-dose sequential therapy with Rituxan results in a higher CR rate and better EFS and PFS when compared to CHOP-R for the treatment of patients with poor risk follicular lymphoma (FL). The details of this multicenter randomized trial were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Six Cycles of Rituxan®-CHOP14 Confirmed as Standard of Care for Elderly with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (1/11/2007)
Researchers from Germany have reported that 6 cycles of Rituxan (rituximab) (R) CHOP14 is superior to 6 or 8 cycles of CHOP14 or 8 cycles of R-CHOP14 for treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The details of this randomized trial were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Low Incidence of Neutropenic Complications Among NHL and HL Patients Treated with Neulasta® in Community Setting (1/3/2007)
Researchers involved in a prospective community-based study have reported a low incidence of neutropenic complications and dose reductions or delays in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) or Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) when Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) was given after cycle one of chemotherapy with CHOP or ABVD. The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December.
Fludara®-Novantrone® Induction and Zevalin® Consolidation Results in 100% CR Rate in Follicular Lymphoma (12/19/2006)
Researchers from Italy have reported a 100% complete response (CR) rate to induction therapy with oral Fludara (fludarabine) and Novantrone (mitoxantrone) (FM) followed by Zevalin in patients who achieve at least a PR or CR (100%). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).
Zevalin® Can Safely Be Given With High Dose BEAM with Autologous Stem Cell Support (12/18/2006)
Two studies presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology demonstrated that Zevalin (yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan) could be combined with a standard high dose regimen (BEAM) in poor risk non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and may be less toxic than total body irradiation (TBI)-based regimens.
Velcade® Approved for Mantle Cell Lymphoma (12/11/2006)
Millennium Pharmaceutical’s agent Velcade (bortezomib) was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma among patients who have received prior therapy.
Rituxan® and Leukine® Promising for Low-Grade Lymphomas (12/8/2006)
Dr. Jean-Francois Rossi from Montpellier, France, has reported that the combination of Rituxan (rituximab) and Leukine (Sargramostim, GM-CSF) has significant activity in patient with low-grade lymphoma.
Interleukin 12 Active in Mycosis Fungoides (11/7/2006)
Researchers involved in a multicenter U.S. trial have reported that interleukin-12 (IL-12) produces partial response rate of 43% in patients with previously treated mycosis fungoides.
Velcade® Confirmed Effective in Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (11/6/2006)
A Canadian phase II study has confirmed that Velcade (bortezomib) is an active agent for the treatment of previously untreated and previously treated patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
More Radiotherapy Is Not Better for Elderly Patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (11/3/2006)
Researchers from Germany involved in the multicenter HD8 study have reported that elderly patients with early stage unfavorable Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) have a poorer outcome following extended field radiotherapy compared to involved field radiotherapy due to excessive toxicity.
Velcade® Effective in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (10/26/2006)
A U.S. multicenter trial has determined that Velcade® (bortezomib) is an effective treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Zolinza™ Effective for Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (10/18/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that oral Zolinza (vorinostat) is effective in the treatment of refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).
FDA Approves Zolinza™ for Treatment of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (10/12/2006)
On October 6, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zolinza (vorinostat) for the treatment of the cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients with progressive, persistent, or recurrent disease following two systemic therapies.
Occupational Solvents May Increase Risk of Lymphoma (10/5/2006)
Researchers from Italy have reported that occupational exposure to solvents such as benzene, xylene, and toluene may increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL).
Rituxan® Approved for Two New Indications (10/3/2006)
Genentech and Biogen Idec’s agent Rituxan (rituximab) has received approval for two new indications by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Promising Results of Idiotype Vaccine for Follicular Lymphoma Reported (9/27/2006)
Spanish researchers have reported that prolonged administration of an idiotype vaccine prolongs second remission of patients with follicular lymphoma.
High-Dose Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Can Produce Long-Term Survival in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (8/23/2006)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have reported that autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation can result in 5-year survivals of 4-50% in patients with mantle cell lymphoma.
Patients 80 Years or Older With NHL Benefit From Chemotherapy (8/15/2006)
Researchers from Israel have reported that a high response rate can be achieved in patients with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma who are 80 years of age or older.
Rituxan®-Based Therapy Effective for Splenic Marginal and Marginal Zone Lymphoma (6/29/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Institute for Cancer Research in London have reported that Rituxan (rituximab)-based regimens are superior to chemotherapy alone regimens for treatment of patients with splenic marginal zone lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma.
Fruits and Vegetables May Drastically Decrease Risk of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (6/27/2006)
Researchers from Italy have reported that a high intake of fruits and vegetables may significantly decrease the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this study appeared in the June 1, 2006, issue of the International Journal of Cancer .
CHOP-R Followed by Zevalin®/Rituxan® Promising for Previously Untreated Follicular NHL (6/21/2006)
Results from a phase II trial reported that CHOP-R followed by Zevalin (90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan) and Rituxan (rituximab) provides high complete response rates and encouraging progression-free survival as initial treatment of follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Short Course of Rituxan®/Chemotherapy Plus Maintenance Rituxan® Provides High Progression-Free Survival as Initial Treatment of Diffuse B-Cell NHL Among Patients Ineligible for Standard R-CHOP (6/21/2006)
Results from a multi-center phase II study have indicated that just 3 courses of Rituxan (rituximab) plus CNOP or CVP followed by maintenance Rituxan provide high progression-free survival rates at 2 years when used as initial therapy for patients with diffuse B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who are elderly or have a poor performance status. These results were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Zevalin® Effective When Used as First-Line Consolidation in Advanced Mantle Cell Lymphoma (6/19/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study E1499 reported that initial consolidation with Zevalin for the treatment of stages II-IV mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) significantly improves the rate and quality of responses achieved with initial R-CHOP regimen. These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Statins May Decrease Risk of Lymphoma (6/16/2006)
Researchers from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain have reported that individuals who regularly use statins may have a decreased risk of developing lymphoma. The details of this study appeared in the May 2006 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.
Maintenance Rituxan® Provides Benefit in Relapsed NHL (6/9/2006)
Results from a prospective phase III clinical trial indicate that maintenance therapy with Rituxan (rituximab) following induction fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/mitoxantrone/Rituxan (R-FCM) results in significantly increased duration of response as well as a trend toward improved survival among patients with relapsed or refractory follicular or mantle cell lymphoma.
Low Incidence of Neutropenic Complications Among Patients Treated with Neulasta® in Community Setting (6/6/2006)
According to the final results of a large prospective study presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, providing Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) to patients undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy results in a low occurrence of neutropenic complications and a low occurrence of chemotherapy dose or schedule alterations related to neutropenia.
Zevalin® Used in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for Chemo-Refractory, Aggressive NHL (6/5/2006)
Researchers from Israel recently reported that the use of Zevalin (Yttrium 90 Ibritumomab Tiuxetan) used in conjunction with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation provides an effective treatment option for patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in first or subsequent relapse. These results were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Agricultural Pesticide Use Associated with Risk of t(14;18)-Positive NHL (5/16/2006)
Researchers from Northwestern University, the University of Nebraska and the National Cancer Institute have reported that agricultural exposure to insecticides, herbicides and fumigants were associated with an increased incidence of t(14;18)-positive but not t(14;18)-negative non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants Tolerated by Elderly Patients with NHL or Multiple Myeloma (5/3/2006)
Two recent articles published in Bone Marrow Transplantation suggest that advanced age alone should not be a limiting factor for treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) or multiple myeloma with autologous stem cell transplantation.
Rituxan® Improves Outcomes of Young Patients with Good-Prognosis Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas (5/1/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the MabThera International Trial (MInT) Group have reported that Rituxan (rituximab) added to six cycles of CHOP-21 (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, oncovin, and prednisone) or other CHOP-like regimens improves event-free and overall survival in young patients with good-prognosis diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The details of this international randomized trial appeared in an early online publication in Lancet Oncology on April 5, 2006.
Dose-Dense R-CHOP-14 Can Be Safely Administered to NHL Patients with Support of Single Dose Neulasta® (4/25/2006)
Researchers from Italy have confirmed that single dose Neulasta (pegfilgrastrim) provides effective supportive care for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving dose-dense R-CHOP-14 (rituximab-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, oncovin and prednisone) every 14 days.
Survival Improving for Patients with Stage IV Follicular Lymphoma (4/17/2006)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that overall survival and failure-free survival of patients with stage IV follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) has significantly improved between 1972 and 2002.
Patients with NHL Treated with Anthracyclines at Long-Term Risk for Chronic Heart Failure (3/27/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) have reported that patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who receive six cycles of doxorubicin have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially of chronic heart failure. The details of this study were published in the April 1, 2006 issue of Blood.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for Relapsed Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents (3/24/2006)
Researchers from Germany have reported that 75% of pediatric and adolescent patients with relapsed or refractory anaplastic large cell lymphoma can be salvaged with an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The details of this study appeared in the April 2006 issue of the British Journal of Haematology.
RQ-PCR Positivity Predicts Relapse of Mantle Cell Lymphoma after Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (3/9/2006)
Researchers from Germany have reported that the results of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) were predictive of outcome for patients receiving autologous stem cell transplants for mantle cell lymphoma.
Treanda™ (Bendamustine) Has Significant Activity for Treatment of NHL (1/26/2006)
Two recent studies presented at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in December 2005 suggest high activity of intravenous Treanda for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Velcade® Being Evaluated in Patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (1/24/2006)
Two presentations at the December 2005 meeting of the American Society of Hematology suggests significant activity for Velcade (bortezomib) in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Long-Term Results of BiovaxID™ Vaccine for Follicular Lymphoma Reported (1/17/2006)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Accentia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have reported 9-year follow-up results of a phase II study in patients with follicular lymphoma who received BiovaxID after achieving a complete clinical remission. They also reported the status of an ongoing phase III randomized trial.
Rituxan® Improves Survival in Patients with Follicular Lymphoma (12/30/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the E1496 Phase III Trial from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and the Cancer and Leukemia Group B have reported that the addition Rituxan (rituximab) to CVP improves survival of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). The results of this randomized trial were presented at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December of 2005.
CVP Plus Rituxan® Provides Long-Term Benefits in Patients with Follicular Lymphoma (12/29/2005)
A multi-center randomized international trial determined that the addition of Rituxan® (rituximab) to CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone) improves response rate and time to disease progression, but does not improve survival of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). The results of this clinical trial were published in the February 15, 2005 issue of Blood. Study results were updated at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December of 2005.
Six Cycles of Bi-Weekly R-CHOP Standard for Elderly with Diffuse Large B-Cell NHL (12/19/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Study Group (DSHNHL) have reported that 6-cycles of Rituxan® (rituximab) and CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) given every 14 days should be standard of care for elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Rituxan® Is Effective for “Purging” of Stem Cell Grafts for B-Cell NHL (12/15/2005)
Researchers from Case Western Reserve and Cancer Center have reported that in-vivo purging with Rituxan® (rituximab) is effective as or more effective than ex-vivo purging of peripheral blood stem cell grafts in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation. Ex-vivo purging was also associated with a significant loss of stem cells as measured by the number of CD34+ cells.
Rituxan® Plus CHOP Improves Outcomes of Patients with Follicular Lymphoma (11/22/2005)
Researchers from Germany have reported that adding Rituxan (rituximab) to CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) improves outcomes of patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma (FL).
Reduced Radiation Dose May Be Effective for Early Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (10/31/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the German Hodgkin Study Group Trial HD10 have reported that patients with early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma treated with 20 Gy or 30 Gy of involved field radiation and 2 or 4 cycles of ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) had equivalent disease-free and overall survivals.
Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Responding or Stable Disease After Salvage Chemotherapy of NHL (10/21/2005)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants result in prolonged event-free (EFS) and overall survivals (OS) in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have failed chemotherapy.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Survival with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (10/10/2005)
Researchers from the Northern California Cancer Center and Stanford University have concluded that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells is associated with better survival among young patients and worse survival among older patients.
Zevalin® May Substitute for Total Body Irradiation When Combined with High-Dose Etoposide and Cyclophosphamide for Treatment of NHL (10/6/2005)
Researchers from the City of Hope National Medical Center have reported that Zevalin (yttrium-90-ibritumomab tiuxetan) in combination with high-dose etoposide and cyclophosphamide was effective therapy for patients with relapsed or poor-risk non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Chemotherapy and Rituxan® Followed by Autologous Stem Cell Transplant May Improve Survival of Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (10/5/2005)
French researchers have reported that the addition of Rituxan® (rituximab) to induction chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation improved overall survival of patients with mantle cell lymphoma without added toxicity.
Antibiotics Effective in Treatment of MALT Lymphoma (9/27/2005)
Researchers from Taiwan have reported that treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection with antibiotics is effective against early-stage, low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the stomach as well as high-grade transformed tumors.
High-Dose Sequential Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantion May Improve Outcomes of Aggressive Relapsed NHL (9/8/2005)
Researchers from Germany have reported that sequential chemotherapy followed by an autologous stem cell transplant results in a two-year disease-free survival of 25% in patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) but only 9% in patients with primary refractory disease.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas (9/6/2005)
Researchers from the City of Hope National Medical Center have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplantation was curative in six of eight refractory patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (Sezary syndrome or mycoses fungoides).
Survival of Patients with Follicular Lymphoma is Improving (8/16/2005)
Researchers from the University of Iowa have concluded that the survival of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) has improved over the past 25 years.
Eloxatin® Active in Patients with Refractory Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (8/4/2005)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that single agent Eloxatin (oxaliplatin) is an active agent for the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have failed multiple therapies.
PET Scan More Accurate Predictor of Outcome in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (7/29/2005)
A multicenter trial has reported that PET scans in addition to the International Workshop Criteria (IWC) are more accurate than IWC criteria alone in assessing response in aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine and Methotrexate Regimen Followed by Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for Refractory Lymphomas (7/26/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that a regimen consisting of hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, high-dose cytarabine and methotrexate followed by autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation results in long-term survival in 50% of patients with aggressive, refractory or recurrent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Radiation Therapy Does Not Improve Survival of Limited-Stage Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (7/22/2005)
Researchers affiliated with National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group have reported that patients with limited-stage, IA-IIA, Hodgkin’s lymphoma do not benefit from radiation therapy in addition to chemotherapy.
New Regimen Effective for Relapsed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (7/18/2005)
Researchers from Italy have developed a new treatment regimen consisting of lomustine, ifosfamide, bleomycin, vincristine and cisplatin (CIBO-P) that produces complete responses in 50% of patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Italian Study Links Tobacco Use and Hepatitis C to Development of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (7/6/2005)
Italian researchers have reported that smoking and hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases the incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Two Studies Show Zevalin® Effective in Elderly Patients with Relapsed Lymphoma (6/30/2005)
Researchers from Europe and the United States have reported that Zevalin (Yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan) alone or combined with high-dose carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan (BEAM) is effective therapy for older patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Intralesional Rituxan® Effective for Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma (6/30/2005)
Researchers from Austria have reported complete responses in 6 of 7 patients with cutaneous B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) treated with intra-lesional injection of Rituxan (rituximab).
Zevalin® Effective in Patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Who Have Failed Autologous Transplant (6/27/2005)
Results recently presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) suggest that Zevalin (yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan) can be given safely and is reasonably effective for patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have failed an autologous stem cell transplant.
Combination Therapy of Rituxan® and Epratuzumab Promising for Relapsed NHL (6/22/2005)
The combination of Rituxan (rituximab) and epratuzumab is reported to be well tolerated and effective in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Long Term Results Document Benefit of Rituxan® with CHOP in Elderly NHL (6/21/2005)
Researchers from France have concluded that CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, Oncovin® and prednisone (CHOP) with Rituxan (rituximab) (R-CHOP) results in significant survival benefit at 5 years of follow-up compared to CHOP alone for treatment of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
More Intensive Therapy Improves Outcomes of Patients with Aggressive NHL (6/9/2005)
Researchers from Belgium and the Netherlands have reported that more intensive therapy prior to high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation improves outcomes of patients with poor-risk aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Transplants Effective for Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (6/3/2005)
Researchers from the UK have reported that approximately 40% of patients with refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) can be successfully salvaged with a reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant from a related or unrelated donor.
Rituxan® Maintenance Prolongs Response Duration in Low Grade Lymphoma (6/1/2005)
German researchers have reported that Rituxan (rituximab) maintenance prolongs response duration in patients with relapsed follicular and mantle cell lymphomas receiving induction chemotherapy with or without Rituxan.
Rituxan® Overcomes Adverse Risk Factors of Follicular Lymphoma (5/31/2005)
An international randomized trial comparing CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone) to Rituxan (rituximab) CVP (R-CVP) for advanced follicular lymphoma has concluded that the addition of Rituxan overcomes known adverse prognostic factors.
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Refractory CLL and Follicular Lymphoma (4/22/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplantation using a reduced intensity regimen of thiotepa, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide results in high rate of complete clinical and molecular remissions in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and follicular lymphoma.
Long Remissions Following Psoralen Plus UV-A Therapy for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (4/15/2005)
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have reported prolonged durable remissions in one-third of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who achieved a complete response to psoralen plus UV irradiation A (PUVA). The details of this report appeared in the March 2005 issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants Improve Progression-Free Survival in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (4/1/2005)
European researchers concluded that patients with mantle cell lymphoma in first CR or PR who received autologous stem cell transplantation as consolidation therapy had better progression-free survivals than patients receiving interferon maintenance. The details of this randomized trial appeared in the April 1, 2005 issue of Blood.
No Survival Benefit from Early Autologous Transplants for Follicular Lymphoma (3/31/2005)
Researchers from France have reported that up-front autologous transplants do not improve survival in patients with advanced follicular lymphoma. The details of this randomized trial appeared in an early online publication on February 1, 2005 in Blood.
Rituxan® Improves Response but Not Survival of Patients with Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma (3/31/2005)
A German randomized trial has shown that the addition of Rituxan® to CHOP for initial treatment of mantle cell lymphoma improves response and time to treatment failure but does not improve survival. The details of this report appeared in the March 20, 2005 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Intensive Chemotherapy Better Than Chemo-Radiotherapy for Localized Lymphoma (3/30/2005)
Researchers from France have reported that intensive chemotherapy with ACVBP was superior to CHOP plus radiation therapy for localized aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The details of this report appeared in the March 24, 2005 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Sun Exposure Does Not Increase Risk of Developing Lymphoma (2/15/2005)
Researchers from Sweden and Denmark have reported that ultraviolet (UV) exposure does not increase the incidence of malignant lymphomas, but instead is associated with a lower incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Added Rituxan® Improves Initial Treatment of Follicular Lymphoma with CVP (2/14/2005)
A multi-center randomized international trial has determined that the addition of Rituxan® (rituximab) to CVP improves the response rate and time to disease progression, but does not improve survival. The results of this clinical trial were published in the February 15, 2005 issue of Blood.
Bexxar® Following Progression After Rituxan® in B-cell Lymphomas (2/10/2005)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Stanford University have recently reported that treatment with Bexxar® (131-I tositumomab) after progression with Rituxan® (rituximab) is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with B-cell lymphomas. Overall, Bexxar® appeared to be most active in patients with grades I or II follicular lymphoma.
Prolonged Schedule of Rituxan® Does Not Improve Responses Over Standard Schedule in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (2/9/2005)
Researchers from Switzerland have recently reported that a prolonged schedule of Rituxan® (rituximab) does not significantly improve response outcomes compared to the standard schedule in patients with mantle cell lymphoma.
Single Treatment with Bexxar® Produces Sustained Remissions in Follicular Lymphoma (2/9/2005)
Researchers from the University of Michigan have reported that “a single one-week treatment with Bexxar® (tositumomab and iodine I 131 tositumomab) induced complete remissions lasting more than five years in most patients who had previously untreated follicular lymphoma.”
Velcade® Offers Treatment Option in Refractory NHL (2/3/2005)
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Velcade® (bortezomib) demonstrates promising activity in refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), particularly mantle cell lymphoma.
FDA Approves Expanded Use of Bexxar® for Treatment of NHL (2/1/2005)
On January 3, 2005, GlaxoSmithKline announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “approved a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for expanded use of the Bexxar® Therapeutic Regimen (tositumomab and I-131 tositumomab).” The press release stated that “the expanded indication will make Bexxar® an earlier option for patients with relapsed low-grade or follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”
Bexxar® plus BEAM Effective for Relapsed NHL (1/27/2005)
Researchers from the University of Nebraska have reported that the addition of iodine-131 tositumomab (Bexxar®) to a regimen of high-dose carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan (BEAM) is a well-tolerated and effective therapy for patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Neulasta® Allows for More Effective Chemotherapy in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (1/6/2005)
Researchers from Europe have reported that a single dose of Neulasta® is as effective as Neupogen® in supporting patients given a dose-dense chemotherapy regimen for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The results of this study were presented at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego Decemberf 4-7.
Pixantrone, A New Anthracycline with Possibly Less Cardiotoxicity (1/6/2005)
Researchers from France, Germany and Cell Therapeutics have reported that pixantrone produces a high response rate without a decrease in cardiac function in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) previously treated with anthracyclines. This phase II study was reported at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego December 4-7.
Rituximab Improves Outcomes of Intermediate Grade NHL after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (12/6/2004)
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have reported that the pre-transplant administration of rituximab (Rituxin®) improves outcomes of patients with intermediate grade non-Hodgkin’s lympnoma (NHL) undergoing autologous stem cell transplants. The details of this report appeared in the November 15, 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Gene Expression Predicts Survival in Follicular Lymphoma (12/3/2004)
A multi-center study led by the National Cancer Institute has determined that “the length of survival among patients with follicular lymphoma correlates with the molecular features of nonmalignant immune cells present in the tumor at diagnosis.” The details of this report appeared in the November 18, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Auto-Transplants Better than CHOP-Interferon for Low-Grade Lymphoma (11/8/2004)
German researchers concluded that autologous stem cell transplantation resulted in better progression-free survival than CHOP with interferon maintenance for initial treatment of patients with follicular, small lymphocytic and mantle cell lymphoma. The details of this randomized trial appeared in the November 1, 2004 issue of Blood.
Further Evidence that Rituxan® Improves Outcomes of Autologous Transplants for NHL (10/19/2004)
Researchers from Germany have reported that post-transplant Rituxan® (rituximab) increases molecular remissions in patients with follicular and mantle cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). This report appeared in the November 1, 2004 issue of Annals of Oncology.
Radiation Therapy may not be Necessary in Low and Intermediate-Risk Hodgkin’s Disease in Children who achieve a CR with Chemotherapy (10/15/2004)
Researchers from Germany have reported that children with Hodgkin’s disease who achieve a complete remission after chemotherapy can skip radiation therapy altogether without a negative impact on their survival. These results were presented in the plenary session at the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology annual meeting held in Atlanta, GA, Oct 2-7, 2004.
Thalidomide and Rituximab Effective for Mantle Cell Lymphoma (10/6/2004)
Researchers from Austria have reported that the combination of thalidomide and rituximab is effective for the treatment of relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma with a low toxicity profile. The details of this study appeared in the October 15, 2004 issue of Blood.
Diffuse Large Cell NHL Patients who Fail Remission Induction May Benefit from Autologous Stem Cell Transplants (9/29/2004)
Researchers from Spain have reported that 43% of patients with diffuse large cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who fail initial remission induction are alive at 5 years following an autologous stem cell transplant. This report appeared in the October 2004 issue of the Annals of Oncology.
Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue Allows Childbirth in Hodgkin’s Patient (9/27/2004)
Researchers from Belgium have reported that ovarian tissue cryopreserved before chemotherapy for stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma and re-implanted after completion of chemotherapy corrected ovarian failure with a resultant live birth. The details of this report appeared as an early online publication on September 25, 2004 in the Lancet.
Epratuzumab Effective in Recurrent, Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (9/8/2004)
According to a recent article published in the August 2004 issue of Clinical Cancer Research, the monoclonal antibody epratuzumab produces anti-cancer responses in patients with recurrent, aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) of Value in Lymphoma (8/24/2004)
Researchers from Italy have confirmed the value of PET scanning over conventional CT scans in the management of patients with Hodgkin’s disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) after initial remission therapy. The details of this comparison appeared in the August 30, 2004 issue of the British Journal of Cancer.
International Prognostic Index Developed for Follicular Lymphoma (8/19/2004)
An international cooperative study has developed a prognostic index for patients with follicular lymphoma. Using 5 factors, the researchers were able to predict patients with a less than 50% 5-year survival who would be suitable candidates for more intensive therapy. This paper was published in the September 1, 2004 issue of Blood.
CHOP: The New Standard Therapy for Older Patients with NHL? (7/23/2004)
Researchers from Germany have compared CHOP14, CHOP21, CHOEP14 and CHOEP21 in older patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They concluded that the most effective and least toxic regimen was CHOP14. The details of this report appeared in the August 1 issue of Blood.
CHOEP: The New Standard Therapy for Younger Patients with NHL? (7/23/2004)
Researchers from Germany have compared CHOP14, CHOP21, CHOEP14, and CHOEP21 in patients with newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They concluded that the addition of etoposide to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP) improved disease-free but not overall survival. CHOP14 improved survival compared to CHOP21. The details of this report appeared in the August 1 issue of Blood.
Subclinical Cardiomyopathy is Frequent after Usual Dosage of Anthracyclines for Treatment of Lymphoma (5/17/2004)
Researchers from France have reported that almost one-third of patients receiving less than 550 mg/m2 had subclinical cardiomyopathy when tested after 5 years. The results of this clinical trial appeared in the May 15, 2005 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Proleukin® May Improve Treatment of NHL with Rituxan® (5/13/2004)
Researchers from the Cancer Center of the Carolinas have reported that the addition of IL-2 to rituximab (Rituxan®) therapy is safe and results in NK cell expansion that correlates with response.
1 The details of this report appeared in the April 2004 issue of
Clinical Cancer Research.
Six Gene Profile Predicts Overall Survival of Patients with Diffuse Large-B-Cell Lymphoma (5/4/2004)
Researchers from Stanford University have reported that “measurement of the expression of six genes is sufficient to predict overall survival in diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma.” The details of this report appeared in the April 29, 2004 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
IL-12 after Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Enhances Immune Recovery (4/27/2004)
Researchers from the University of Indiana reported enhanced immune reactivity in patients with lymphoid malignancies treated with autologous stem cell transplants followed by interleukin-12 (IL-12).
1 The details of this report appeared in the March 2004 issue of
Clinical Cancer Research.
Can Intensive Chemotherapy Cure Patients with Follicular Lymphoma? (4/19/2004)
Researchers from Milan have reported that intensive sequential chemotherapy can result in PCR-negative remissions that have lasted for up to 12 years in patients with follicular lymphoma. The details of this long-term observational study were published in the April 15, 2004 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
High-Dose Therapy Improves Survival in Relapsed Follicular NHL (4/8/2004)
Researchers from Europe have reported that high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell support is superior to conventional dose chemotherapy in patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). The results of this randomized trial carried out between 1993 and 1997 were presented at the 30th annual meeting of the European Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation held in March 2004.
Intensive Treatment More Effective Than CHOP for NHL (4/1/2004)
Researchers from France (Groupe Ouest-Est des Leucemies et des Autres Maladies du Sang) have reported that high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support is superior to CHOP for treatment of aggressive non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). This report was published in the March 25, 2004 issue of
The New England Journal of Medicine.
Rituxan® Results in PCR-Negative Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Harvests and Prolonged PCR Negativity after Autologous Transplantation for NHL (3/10/2004)
Researchers from France have reported that the administration of Rituxan® led to the harvesting of PCR-negative peripheral blood stem cells in 82% of patients. With a median follow-up of 3 years, all 14 patients were alive and 80% were PCR-negative. This study was published in the March 2004 issue of the
Annals of Oncology.1
FDG-PET Imaging Recommended for Routine Staging of Hodgkin's Lymphoma (2/9/2004)
Researchers from Germany have reported that 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) changed clinical stage in 20% of patients who were evaluated by conventional techniques. This report was published in the February 9, 2004 issue of the
British Journal of Cancer.
Addition of Rituxan® Chemotherapy Improves Response in Indolent NHL (12/22/2003)
Two studies presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology indicate that the addition of Rituxan® to chemotherapy improves outcomes in follicular lymphoma. The German Low Grade Lymphoma Study Group (GLSG) reported positive results with CHOP plus Rituxan® for the first-line treatment of follicular lymphoma. Furthermore, an international, multicenter, phase III trial showed that CVP chemotherapy plus Rituxan® produced superior results compared to CVP chemotherapy alone in stage III/IV follicular lymphoma.
Bexxar® Regimen Produces Durable Complete Responses in Heavily Pre-treated Patients with Follicular NHL (12/19/2003)
Researchers from the U.S. presented evidence that a Bexxar® therapeutic regimen (tositumomab and Iodine I 131 tositumomab) produced durable complete responses in heavily pre-treated patients with follicular NHL, including those that were relapsed or refractory to Rituxan® and those who had never received Rituxan®. These results were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December 2003.
Addition of Rituxan® to Fludara®-based Chemotherapy Superior to Chemotherapy Alone for Relapsed Indolent NHL (12/19/2003)
Researchers from the German Low-grade Lymphoma Study Group reported the first prospective, randomized trial to demonstrate the superiority of combined immuno-chemotherapy over chemotherapy alone in patients with relapsed follicular and mantle cell lymphoma. Both response rate and survival were significantly higher for immuno-chemotherapy treated patients. These results were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December 2003.
Rituxan® Used During Stem Cell Mobilization and Post-transplant Produces Durable Remissions in Patients with Low Grade and Mantle Cell NHL (12/17/2003)
Researchers from the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins reported that Rituxan®, when used as an in vivo purging agent and post-transplant adjuvant, is well tolerated and produces durable remissions in patients with low grade and mantle cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). These results were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December 2003.
Maintenance Rituxan® Superior to Rituxan® Retreatment for Indolent NHL (12/17/2003)
Researchers from Sarah Cannon Cancer Center and Tennessee Oncology reported that maintenance treatment with Rituxan® resulted in improved overall survival and complete response compared to retreatment; however, the primary endpoint, duration of Rituxan® benefit, was similar between both arms. These results were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December 2003.
Patients with Mantle-Cell Lymphoma Respond Well to Non-Marrow Ablative Allografts (12/16/2003)
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported an 82% progression-free survival for 18 patients with mantle cell lymphoma following a reduced conditioning regimen and an allogeneic stem transplant. The results of this clinical trial were published in the December 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Conflicting Results on Outcomes of Adding Rituxan® to CHOP for Advanced Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (12/15/2003)
In a plenary session of the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, researchers announced that the addition of Rituxan® to induction CHOP did not influence overall response rate or early (6 months) progression in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Furthermore, at this time, no statistically significant difference in overall survival has been observed. However, a retrospective analysis of outcomes in British Columbia which was presented in a subsequent oral session reported dramatic improvement in outcome for DLBCL in patients treated with Rituxan® to CHOP.
Rasburicase (Elitek") Effectively Prevents Hyperuricemia Due to Chemotherapy (12/1/2003)
French researchers have reported that the urate-oxidase enzyme Elitek™ effectively prevents hyperuricemia in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) treated with induction chemotherapy. They conclude that this is the treatment of choice for prevention of tumor lysis syndrome in adults with NHL. The results of this phase II clinical trial were reported in the December 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for T-Cell Lymphoma (11/26/2003)
A multi-center study from Spain has reported that over half the patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) receiving high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell support become long-term disease-free survivors. Results were even better for the subgroup transplanted in first complete remission where disease-free survival at 5 years was 79%. The results of this study were published in the December 2003 issue of the
Annals of Oncology.
Cigarette Smoking in Women Increases Risk for Follicular Lymphoma (11/26/2003)
Researchers from Yale University have reported that long-term cigarette smoking in women increases the risk of developing follicular lymphoma. The results of this case-controlled study appeared in the December 1 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Cancer.
Gemzar®, Dexamethasone, and Cisplatin Effective for Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin’s Disease (11/26/2003)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute of Canada have reported that the combination of
Gemzar®, dexamethasone and cisplatin is associated with a 70% response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s disease. The results of this phase II clinical trial were published in the December 2003 issue of the
Annals of Oncology.
1
Randomized Trial Documents Improved Survival of Relapsed Follicular NHL with High-Dose Therapy (10/30/2003)
European researchers have reported the results of a large randomized trial which demonstrated clear superiority for high-dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow stem cell support compared to continued chemotherapy in patients with follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who had failed chemotherapy. The same study failed to show a benefit from purging B-cells from the graft. These results were published in the November 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Infectious Mononucleosis is Associated with Hodgkins Lymphoma in Young Adults (10/7/2003)
Researchers from Denmark and Sweden have clarified the relationship between documented Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infectious mononucleosis and EBV associated Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They concluded that young adults with serologically documented EBV infection had an increased risk of EBV associated Hodgkin’s lymphoma but not EBV negative Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These results appeared in the October 2, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
Vaccine Successful for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (10/2/2003)
Researchers from Switzerland recently evaluated patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) treated with an autologous tumor lysate pulsed dendritic cell vaccine. These results appeared in the October 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Radioactive Anti-CD 20 Antibody (Bexxar®) May Improve Outcome of Autologous Transplants for Follicular Lymphomas (10/2/2003)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer have reported that high-dose radioimmunotherapy may be superior to conventional high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell support for relapsed follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The results of these analyses were reported in the October 2003 issue of
Blood.
Long-Term Consequences of Treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma Defined (9/15/2003)
Two reports published in the September 15, 2003 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology help define the long-term consequences of treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In the first report, Dutch researchers compared the causes of death of over 1,200 patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma with the normal population. They concluded that patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma were at risk of excess deaths from secondary cancers and cardiovascular disease throughout more than 30 years of follow-up.
1 The second report, by German researchers, looked specifically at the outcomes of patients with secondary acute myelod leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
2 They concluded that the prognosis for this group of patients remains poor with only two of 46 patients surviving.
CHOP Followed by Bexxar® for Untreated Advanced Follicular Lymphoma (8/28/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) reported the results of a Phase II trial of CHOP followed by I 131 tositumomab (Bexxar®) in the September 2003 issue of
Blood. Although the follow-up was relatively short, the response rate was high, overall survival was 97%, and the 2-year progression-free survival was 81%.
Pegylated Doxorubicin (Doxil¨) Effective for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (8/26/2003)
A multicenter trial has confirmed the palliative efficacy and acceptable toxicity of Doxil® for the treatment of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). These data appeared in the September 1, 2003 issue of
Cancer.
Randomized Trial Suggests that Delayed Therapy of Advanced Low-Grade NHL is not Detrimental (8/15/2003)
Researchers from the United Kingdom reported that delay of treatment in patients with newly diagnosed aggressive non-Hodgkins lymphoma until symptoms of disease progression resulted in similar survival to early treatment with chlorambucil. At 10 years, 19% of all patients and 40% of those over 70 years of age did not require treatment. This report was published in the August 16, 2003 issue of the
Lancet.
Aranesp® is Effective in Correcting Anemia in Patients with Lymphoma and Myeloma (8/12/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the Darbepoetin Alfa 20000161 Study Group reported that weekly Aranesp® administration for 12 weeks improved hemoglobin levels and decreased red blood cell transfusions in patients with lymphoma or myeloma. These findings were reported in the August 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Haematology.
Rituxan® Purged Autografts Very Effective for Mantle Cell Lymphoma (7/14/2003)
Italian researchers have reported that patients with mantle cell lymphoma treated with 4 cycles of therapy, each including Rituxan®, with two cycles supported by autologous stem cells results in a high rate of molecular CR. They reported these results in the July, 15 2003 issue of
Blood.
The FDA has Approved Bexxar® For Treatment of Low-grade NHL (7/1/2003)
Corixa and GlaxoSmithKline announced that the FDA has approved Bexxar® (Tositumomab and Iodine I 131 Tositumomab) for the treatment of patients with CD20 positive, follicular, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), with and without transformation, whose disease is refractory to Rituxan® and chemotherapy. Bexxar® will compete directly with previously approved Zevalin®, which is an anti-B cell antibody linked to radioactive Ytrium, for treatment of an estimated 20% of the NHL population.
Involved Field Radiation Therapy Does Not Benefit Patients with Advanced Hodgkins who achieve a Complete Remission (6/13/2003)
The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Lymphoma Group determined that patients with Stage III-IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma treated with MOPP-ABV who achieve a complete remission (CR) do not benefit from the addition of radiation therapy. These results were reported in the June 12, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
Increased-Dose BEACOPP Improves Outcome of Advanced Hodgkins Lymphoma (6/13/2003)
In the June 12, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine, German researchers reported the long-term results of a large randomized trial comparing three different regimens for the treatment of stage IIb-IVb Hodgkin’s lymphoma. (1) The best outcomes were achieved with a dose-increased BEACOPP regimen, which resulted in a 5-year survival of 91%.
Increased-Dose BEACOPP Improves Outcome of Advanced Hodgkins Lymphoma (6/13/2003)
In the June 12, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine, German researchers reported the long-term results of a large randomized trial comparing three different regimens for the treatment of stage IIb-IVb Hodgkin’s lymphoma. (1) The best outcomes were achieved with a dose-increased BEACOPP regimen, which resulted in a 5-year survival of 91%.
Dose Adjusted EPOCH Chemotherapy May Improve Outcomes of HIV Related Lymphomas (6/11/2003)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute reported that dose adjusted EPOCH (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin) produces complete remissions in over 70% of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) who had previously been treated with anti-viral therapy. They reported these results in the June 15, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Gemzar®, Navelbine®, and Doxil®: A Promising Regimen for Relapsed Hodgkin Lymphoma (6/5/2003)
Researchers affiliated with Leukemia Group B presented the results of a phase I-II clinical trial suggesting that a regimen of Gemzar®, Navelbine® and Doxil® (GND) was an effective salvage therapy for patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma who had failed chemotherapy or an autologous transplant. These results were presented at an oral session of the 39th annual meeting or the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Gemzar®, Navelbine® and Doxil®: A Promising Regimen for Relapsed Hodgkin Lymphoma (6/5/2003)
Researchers affiliated with Leukemia Group B presented the results of a phase I-II clinical trial suggesting that a regimen of Gemzar®, Navelbine® and Doxil® (GND) was an effective salvage therapy for patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma who had failed chemotherapy or an autologous transplant. These results were presented at an oral session of the 39th annual meeting or the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Campath® (Alemtuzumab) Effective in Patients with Mycosis Fungoides/Sezary Syndrome who have Failed Previous Therapy (5/27/2003)
A multicenter trial performed in Sweden, Germany, Norway and Finland has confirmed the effectiveness of Campath®, an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of patients with mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome (MF/SS) who had failed other therapies. The results of this trial were published in the June 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants May Cure Over 75% of Patients with Hodgkins Lymphoma in First Recurrence (5/22/2003)
In a multicenter trial of autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplants for relapsed Hodgkins Lymphoma, Italian researchers observed 5-year overall survival and event-free survival that are better than previously reported with the use of autologous bone marrow. These results were published in the May 15, 2003 issue of
Cancer.
Gemzar®-Based Regimen Effective for Relapsed Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (4/9/2003)
In the March 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Haematology researchers from Hammersmith Hospital in England have reported the effectiveness of a regimen of
Gemzar® (gemcitabine), cisplatin, and methylprednisolone (GEM-P) for patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s (HD) or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Upfront High-Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Support Does Not Improve Outcome of Aggressive Lymphoma (4/1/2003)
The role of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support is well established for patients with all phases of Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who have failed initial therapy. The combined cure rate from initial chemotherapy and salvage high-dose chemotherapy for patients with aggressive NHL is over 50%. However, some studies have suggested that incorporation of high-dose chemotherapy in the initial treatment regimen might improve overall survival of these relatively high risk patients.
Similar Outcomes of Autologous or Allogeneic Transplants for Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (3/26/2003)
A study published in the April 1, 2003 issue of
Blood showed that the outcomes of autologous or allogeneic transplants in patients with lymphoblastic lymphoma were roughly equivalent. There was a lower relapse rate following allogeneic transplants, but this was offset by increased transplant related deaths. This study was conducted by researchers affiliated with the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry and Autologous Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry
Liposomal Anthracyclines Active in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) (3/24/2003)
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that is usually a slow, progressive disease. Treatments are palliative with the possible exception of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. There are a variety of conventional chemotherapeutic agents which are modestly effective including the anthracyclines (including
Doxil®), alkylating agents, and Gemzar®. Chemotherapeutic agents can also be use topically for palliation. There are also a number of less common approaches that appear to have significant activity for the treatment of CTCL including: extracorporeal photopharesis, denileukin difitox, pentostatin, bexarotine, retinoids, and interleukin-12. Such treatments usually result in incomplete responses lasting only three or more months. In the January 2003 issue of the
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, German researches reported remarkable activity of liposomal daunomycin for the treatment of CTCT.
ABVD Advised as Standard Treatment For Advanced Hodgkin’s Disease (2/18/2003)
Since the development of MOPP (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone) in the mid-1960’s, researchers have been seeking the optimal chemotherapy regimen for patients with advanced Hodgkin’s disease. Early studies demonstrated the superiority of ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) compared to MOPP when given with or without radiation therapy for advanced Hodgkin’s disease. In addition, MOPP was associated with more hematologic toxicity. An alternating MOPP/ABVD regimen and a MOPP/ABV hybrid regimen have been associated with the best response and survival rates, but the MOPP/ABVD regimen is associated with more hematologic toxicities, myelodysplasia (MDS) and secondary leukemias. The state of the art at the present time suggests that current regimens for the treatment of advanced Hodgkin’s disease produce similar results but with differing toxicities. The fear is that studies associating a high incidence of MDS and secondary leukemias with a particular regimen early on will demonstrate an increased incidence of these disorders over time. A recent analysis of a study performed by CALGB with participation of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, Southwest Oncology Group and the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group suggests that a regimen of ABVD or MOPP/ABV were equally effective in terms of response rates and overall survival but the MOPP/ABV regimen was more toxic with a worrisome increase in MDS and secondary acute leukemia. These results were published in the February 15, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Rituxan® Effective for CD20+ Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (1/6/2003)
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is curable with combination chemotherapy in the majority of cases. However, some patients fail initial induction therapy or ultimately have disease recurrence. Following failure of induction or relapse after a complete remission, the standard treatments are high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell support or salvage chemotherapy. For patients with lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma there is now a third treatment (i.e. Rituxan®). Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma accounts for less than 10% of all cases of this disease and, in general, has a good prognosis. However, at least 20% of patients with lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma who achieve a complete response will ultimately relapse. In the January 15, 2003 issue of
Blood, German investigators have reported the results of treating patients with relapsed lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma with Rituxan®. These researchers determined that all patients with lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma had cells that expressed CD20.
FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee Recommends Approval of Bexxar® for NHL (1/2/2003)
The oncologic drugs advisory committee (ODAC) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently recommended approval for Bexxar® for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
1
ODAC supports the indication for Bexxar® to include both rituximab-refractory patients and chemotherapy-refractory, low-grade and follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), with or without transformation. Results from 3 clinical trials evaluating Bexxar® were recently presented at the 2002 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Required for Primary Brain Lymphoma (12/20/2002)
Primary brain lymphoma is a relatively rare brain tumor which appears to be increasing in incidence. In the past, primary brain lymphomas have been treated primarily with radiation therapy resulting in a 5-year survival of approximately 5%. Small studies have suggested that adding chemotherapy improves the outcomes of patients with primary brain lymphoma. A regimen was developed at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center that was evaluated in a multi-center trial conducted by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Study. Because of the relative rarity of this tumor, a multi-institutional trial was necessary to confirm the efficacy of combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy for primary brain lymphoma. This trial, involving 98 patients with primary brain lymphoma, has now been evaluated and the results published in the December 15, 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
New Drug, Velcade", Shows Activity in Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (12/19/2002)
Over the past decade several new agents have been introduced to treat patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) including: Fludara®, Rituxan®, Zevalin™ and Bexxar® resulting in significant prolongation of survival. Now, an additional class of agents, the proteasome inhibitors, also appears to be active in patients with low-grade NHL. Velcade" (bortezomide, PS-341) is the first proteasome inhibitor to reach phase I and II testing in clinical trials. Proteasomes appear to be important for degradation of regulatory proteins that govern cell cycle, transcription factor activation, apoptosis and cell trafficking. Preclinical and clinical data have confirmed that inhibitors of the proteasome can act through multiple mechanisms to arrest tumor growth, tumor spread and angiogenesis. Proteasome inhibits degradation of wild-type tumor suppressor protein p53 and inhibits activation of a key transcription factor, nuclear factor kB. In addition, proteasome overrides bcl-2 gene over-expression, leading to apoptosis. Velcade™ has a high specificity for inhibition of proteasome activity. In phase I trials, Velcade™ was tolerated and showed a dose-related effect on proteasome activity.
Rituxan® and Proleukin® May Decrease Relapses After Autologous Transplants for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (12/17/2002)
High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support is the treatment of choice for many patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have failed initial chemotherapy. Despite the superiority of high-dose chemotherapy compared to conventional dose therapy, more than half of all patients will relapse. Rituxan® has been used successfully to treat patients who have failed standard-dose or high-dose chemotherapy. Rituxan® is a logical agent to be evaluated as post-transplant maintenance therapy for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have carried this one step further and combined Rituxan® and
Proleukin® (interleukin-2, IL-2) as maintenance for patients with CD20 positive NHL who have received high-dose chemotherapy. The researchers reported their findings at the 2002 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Bexxar™ Produces Long-Term Responses in Patients with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (12/15/2002)
Currently, there are two antibodies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for malignancies of B cell lymphocytes. Rituxan®, an anti-CD20 antibody, has been approved for the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who have failed initial therapy. Campath®, an anti-CD52 antibody, has been approved for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have failed initial treatment. In addition, the FDA recently approved Zevalin™, which is essentially Rituxan® linked to 90Yttrium, for treatment of patients with NHL who have failed initial chemotherapy. An application for approval of Bexxar®, which is an anti-B cell antibody linked to iodine 131, is pending and will be reviewed by the FDA on December 17, 2002. There has been consternation about the approval of Zevalin™ and not Bexxar® by the FDA since both drugs appear to be very effective. At the 2002 meeting of the American Society of Hematology there were three important presentations which should help in the approval process for Bexxar®.
Elevated Beta-2-Microglobulin Predicts Treatment Failure for Stage I-II Hodgkin’s Disease (12/6/2002)
Over 80% of patients with stage I-II Hodgkin’s disease (HD) are cured by chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. Until now, there has not been a reliable way to predict the relatively small fraction of patients with early-stage HD who would fail therapy. Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have recently suggested that a simple serum test for beta-2-microglobulin will predict the majority of patients who will fail treatment for stage I-II HD. The researchers reported their findings in the December 2002 issue of
Cancer.
Upfront High-Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Support Does Not Improve Outcome of Aggressive Lymphoma (11/18/2002)
The role of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support is well established for patients with all phases of Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who have failed initial therapy. The combined cure rate from initial chemotherapy and salvage high-dose chemotherapy for patients with aggressive NHL is over 50%. However, some studies have suggested that incorporation of high-dose chemotherapy in the initial treatment regimen might improve overall survival of these relatively high risk patients. To test this hypothesis, a randomized multi-center trial was conducted by the German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group. This trial randomly allocated 312 patients to receive 5 cycles of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) and etoposide followed by involved field radiation or 3 cycles of CHOP-etoposide followed by high-dose chemotherapy with BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan) followed by involved field radiation. The results of this trial were reported in the November 15, 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Rituxan® Effective as Initial Induction and Maintenance for Patients with Indolent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (10/25/2002)
Patients with indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) have a number of drugs available for palliation of their disease. At the present time, no chemotherapy or immunotherapeutic approach, with the exception of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, offers cure for this disease. The most interesting agent to be developed recently is Rituxan® (rituximab). Rituxan® is an anti-CD 20 antibody which produces a high rate of response in patients with indolent NHL who have failed first-line therapy. Rituxan® has the main advantage of being less toxic than chemotherapeutic agents and can be administered in full doses to older patients. At the present time several groups are exploring the use of Rituxan® earlier in the disease course of patients with CD20 positive lymphoid malignancies. In the October 15, 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers affiliated with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center reported on the use of Rituxan® for initial induction and maintenance therapy for patients with previously untreated indolent NHL.
Researchers Developing a Monoclonal Antibody for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (10/25/2002)
There are a number of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) including Rituxan®, Zevalin", Campath" and Bexxar®. However, there is no antibody-based therapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL). In the November 1 issue of
Blood, German and American researchers report promising outcomes of a phase I clinical trial of a new antibody (H22xKi-4) directed at HL. This antibody is directed at the CD30 antigen which is present in many Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells. This study was specifically directed at patients with HL who had at least 30% CD30 positive cells on biopsy.
Non-Myeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective in Patients Who Fail Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (10/2/2002)
High-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for selected patients with Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. However, the majority of patients treated with autologous stem cell transplants will ultimately relapse and treatment options are few. Myeloablative regimens followed by allogeneic stem cell transplants are associated with a high treatment-related mortality due to regimen-related toxicities and graft-versus-host disease. The recent development of non-myeloablative treatment regimens followed by allogeneic stem cell transplants has been associated with less early treatment-related mortality. Researchers in England have reported that this approach is successful in half the patients who have failed a previous autologous stem cell transplant. They reported their results in the October 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Oxaliplatin, Recently Approved for Colon Cancer, Is Effective In Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (9/10/2002)
Patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) who have failed primary treatment are often treated with a combination of dexamethasone, cytarabine and cisplatin (DHAP). For more than a decade this has been the most active salvage regimen for patients with relapsed NHL and is often used for cytoreduction before an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant. The major disadvantage of this regimen is the renal toxicity of cisplatin which could compromise the success of a subsequent intensive therapy. Oxaliplatin is a platinum compound with less renal toxicity than cisplatin and could be a better drug if active for NHL. In the December 2001 issue of the
British Journal of Haematology, researchers from the Royal Marsden Hospital in London have reported that oxaliplatin can be substituted for cisplatin in the DHAP regimen without any apparent loss of activity.
Wine Drinking Associated with a Decreased Incidence of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) in Men (8/29/2002)
The etiology of NHL is unknown but does not appear to be related to excessive tobacco or alcohol use. Several studies have looked at alcohol consumption and have not found an increased incidence of NHL in drinkers, except for one study where an increase was observed only in familial cases on NHL. One study of elderly women suggested that the consumption of red wine actually decreased the incidence of NHL. In the September 2002 issue of the
American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health published data that also suggests that wine consumption in men is associated with a decreased risk of NHL.
Effectiveness of Zevalin™ (90Yttrium-2b8 ibritumomab tiuxetan) for Treatment of Patients with Follicular Lymphoma Who Have Failed Rituxan® Confirmed (8/26/2002)
Rituxan® has been used therapeutically since 1998 and there are numerous publications documenting the effectiveness of this agent alone or in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of low-grade and aggressive NHL, CLL, mantle cell NHL, cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, EBV-associated lymphoma and autoimmune diseases of B cells. However, the majority of patients ultimately cease to respond to Rituxan®. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zevalin™ for the treatment of patients with low-grade NHL that has stopped responding to standard therapies. The approval indicates that Zevalin™ must be used in combination with Rituxan®. Zevalin™ is comprised of Rituxan® attached to Yttrium 90 to form the immunoconjugate 90 Yttrium-2b8 ibritumomab. Preliminary results presented in several abstracts over the past 2 years have documented the effectiveness of Zevalin™ in patients with follicular lymphoma who have failed Rituxan®. The final results of one such multicenter trial were published in the August 1, 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
High-Risk Follicular Lymphomas Can Be Treated Successfully With Autologous Stem Cell Transplants In Both Large and Small Medical Centers (8/21/2002)
Patients with stage III or IV follicular lymphomas with bulky disease, a high serum lactic dehydrogenase disease related symptoms, or bone marrow involvement have a relatively poor prognosis with conventional treatment. Over the past decade, specialized bone marrow transplant centers have developed promising high-dose treatments with autologous stem cell support for patients with high-risk follicular lymphomas. These treatments usually involve stem cell purging techniques and the treatment predominantly of patients who achieve a remission with initial chemotherapy. In the U.S, and Europe, there are ongoing clinical trials comparing conventional chemotherapy to autologous stem cell transplantation for the treatment of high-risk follicular lymphoma. However, it is not clear how applicable these treatments are outside large referral centers. In the September 2002 issue of the journal
Blood, Italian researchers reported the results of a multicenter trial that suggest that high-dose treatment strategies can be delivered successfully in small oncology centers. Their strategy included “in-vivo” purging where stem cells were harvested from peripheral blood after intensive induction chemotherapy. Their idea was that small centers would be incapable of performing “in-vitro” purging.
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) May Enhance Activity of Rituximab for Treatment of Refractory Lymphomas (7/18/2002)
Rituximab is an anti-CD20 antibody that produces a high response rate in patients with follicular lymphoma. However, these responses are generally of short duration and researchers have evaluated rituximab in combination with other agents. There is evidence that rituximab plus chemotherapy, such as CHOP, given together is better than sequential administration. Interleukin is a lymphokine that enhances immune reactivity. Specifically, IL-2 can enhance antibody killing of tumor cells. The major problem with IL-2 therapy alone is that large and potentially toxic doses are required for responses. Thus, treatments where low, non-toxic doses of IL-2 might be effective are being explored.
Splenic Lymphoma in Patients with Hepatitis C Responds to Anti-Viral Treatment (7/16/2002)
In the July 11 2002 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine, French researchers report the first cases of splenic lymphoma that responded to antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus without chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
1 In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Pagano from the University of North Carolina discusses the relationship of viruses to lymphoma.
2 It has been known for over 40 years that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma. EBV has been more recently associated with lymphomas in immunocompromised patients and in Hodgkin’s disease. Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has also been associated with leukemia and lymphoma development. There is some suggestive evidence that hepatitis C can be related to an increased incidence of lymphomas.
Splenic Lymphoma in Patients with Hepatitis C Responds to Anti-Viral Treatment (7/16/2002)
In the July 11 2002 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine, French researchers report the first cases of splenic lymphoma that responded to antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus without chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
1 In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Pagano from the University of North Carolina discusses the relationship of viruses to lymphoma.
2 It has been known for over 40 years that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with Burkitt’s lymphoma. EBV has been more recently associated with lymphomas in immunocompromised patients and in Hodgkin’s disease. Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has also been associated with leukemia and lymphoma development. There is some suggestive evidence that hepatitis C can be related to an increased incidence of lymphomas.
Molecular Gene Expression Profiles Predict Outcomes of Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas (6/27/2002)
Methods to detect patients who are likely to fail conventional treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common form of lymphoma, are important since such patients can be offered alternative therapies. Up until now, the most commonly used prognostic system is one called the International Prognostic Index (IPI). The IPI is based on three clinical features that reflect the growth and invasive potential of the individual lymphoma: tumor stage, serum LDH level, and number of extranodal disease sites. Using the IPI, patients can be placed at high, intermediate or low risk of treatment failure. The current study, published in the June 20 issue of
The New England Journal of Medicine, uses patterns of gene expression to categorize patients.
Intensive Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Support Produces High Rate of Molecular Remissions in Young Patients with Advanced Follicular Cell Lymphoma (6/20/2002)
Patients with follicular lymphoma often receive moderate dose chemotherapy until they fail to respond. Then, many receive an autologous transplant as salvage therapy. An Italian phase II study attempted to determine the fraction of patients who would achieve a molecular remission of advanced follicle-center lymphoma (FCL) following intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. The results of this study were presented at the June 2002 meeting of the European Hematology Association.
High-Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Support Superior to Intensive Chemotherapy Without Stem Cell Support for Relapsed Hodgkin’s Disease (6/20/2002)
High dose chemotherapy with stem cell support has been the treatment of choice for patients with response relapse of Hodgkin’s disease for over a decade. However, as chemotherapy evolves these results need to be revalidated. The German Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group (GHSG) and the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) have performed a randomized trial comparing high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support to intensive chemotherapy in a recent trial published in the journal
The Lancet. This study supports continued use of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support for patients with Hodgkin’s disease who relapse.
No Benefit for Involved Field Radiation for Patients who Achieve CR for Stage III-IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (6/19/2002)
French researchers have previously demonstrated that patients with stage III-IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma do not benefit from involved field radiation as consolidation after a chemotherapy induced complete remission.
1 This original study has been expanded into an EORTC trial and the results were reported at the 2002 meeting of the European Hematology Association.
2 An important finding of this study was that patients with a PR who received involved field radiation had survivals equivalent to those achieving a CR with chemotherapy alone.
Children and Adolescents with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Arising in Bone Experience Excellent Outcomes with Current Treatment (5/17/2002)
Children and adolescents with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that arises in the bones have a high cure rate with current treatment, according to results recently published in the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Bexxar® Combined with High-Dose Chemotherapy and Infusion of Autologous Stem Cells is Effective Treatment of Mantle Cell Lymphoma (4/29/2002)
According to results recently published in
Blood, high-dose treatment with 131I-Tositumomab, etoposide and cyclophosphamide results in a high remission rate and may provide long-term, disease-free survival for patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma.
AIDS-Related Indolent Lymphomas have Comparable Prognosis to Non-AIDS Lymphoma Patients (4/17/2002)
Researchers at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine evaluated the natural history of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). They found that patients with AIDS-related indolent NHL had median survivals comparable to that of HIV-negative individuals. These findings were reported in a recent issue of the journal
Cancer.
EPOCH Better Than CHOP for Large Cell Lymphoma (4/11/2002)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute, Holy Cross Hospital, Ft Lauderdale, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, and Massachusetts General Hospital have reported that dose adjusted EPOCH chemotherapy is probably better than conventionally administered CHOP for patients with large cell lymphoma. They reported their findings in the April 15 issue of the journal
Blood.
E coli-Asparaginase Superior to Erwinia-Asparaginase (4/10/2002)
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Children's Leukemia Group (EORTC-CLG) have reported that E coli-Asparaginase results in better survival of children with ALL than Erwinia-Asparaginase. These results were published in the April 15 issue of the journal
Blood.
Hyperfractionated Cyclophosphamide, Oncovin®, Doxorubicin and Dexamethasone and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy is Effective Treatment for Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome- (3/27/2002)
Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have evaluated the effects of hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, Oncovin®, doxorubicin,and dexamethasone (hyper-CVAD), a dose-intensive chemotherapy regimen, in patients with AIDS-associated Burkitt’s lymphoma/leukemia, who are receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The results of their study were published in a recent issue of the journal
Cancer.
Simian Virus 40 (SV40), a Polyoma Virus, May be an Etiologic Factor for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) (3/18/2002)
A recent issue of the
Lancet contained two reports documenting the association of SV40 with NHL. In the first report, researchers from Baylor University reported that SV40 sequences were found frequently in diffuse large B-cell and follicular-type lymphomas. In the second report, researchers from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found SV40 viral sequences in 43% of 68 non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.
High Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Support Results in High Salvage Rate for Some Patients with Advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (2/28/2002)
Results of the Groupe d’Études des Lymphomes de l’Adulte H89 Trial were recently reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This analysis sought to determine the outcomes of patients with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) who failed chemotherapy. They prospectively evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of early intensive therapy, including intensified cytoreductive chemotherapy and high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support in patients with advanced HL who failed to respond completely or relapsed after initial treatment. They enrolled 533 patients with newly diagnosed stage IIIB-IV HD in this trial. A total of 157 patients with induction failure (IF) (n = 67), partial response (PR) of less than 75% (n = 22), or relapse (n = 68) were included in this analysis. Planned salvage therapy included mitoguazone, Ifex®, Navelbine® and etoposide monthly for two to three cycles followed by high-dose carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine and Alkeran® (BEAM) with autologous stem cell transplantation.
Idiotype-Pulsed Dendritic Cell Vaccination for B-cell Lymphoma Produces Clinical and Immune Responses (2/27/2002)
The goal of controlling cancer by immune mechanisms has been difficult to achieve despite 4 decades of intense investigations. However, researchers from Stanford University have recently reported that idiotype-pulsed dendritic cell vaccinations produce significant immune and clinical responses in patients with B-cell lymphomas. Their results were published in a recent issue of
Blood.
FDA Approves Zevalin™ for Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) (2/26/2002)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zevalin™ (ibritumomab tiuxetan, IDEC-Y2B8) for the treatment of low-grade NHL that has stopped responding to standard therapies. The approval indicates that Zevalin™ must be used in combination with Rituxan™.
CHOP Chemotherapy Plus Rituxan™ Compared with CHOP Alone in Elderly Patients with Diffuse Large-B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (2/19/2002)
The standard treatment for patients with diffuse large-B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, Oncovin® and prednisone (CHOP). Rituxan™ is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, a surface antigen on both normal and neoplastic B lymphocytes. The antigen is present in virtually all cases of NHL that arise from B cells.
High-Dose Iodine-131-Labeled Rituxan ™ and Autologous Stem Cell Support Produces Long Lasting Effects in Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma Failing Conventional Autologous Transplants (2/18/2002)
The anti-CD20 antibody C2B8, Rituxan™, has been used for treatment of patients with B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Recently, German investigators used high doses of this antibody linked to iodine-131 to treat refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Mantle cell lymphoma is an especially aggressive subtype of B-cell NHL with unfavorable prognostics, associated with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. The dose of iodine-131 used in this study required the reinfusion of previously cryopreserved autologous stem cells to assure hematopoietic recovery. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether high-dose, myeloablative radioactive immunotherapy with the iodine 131-labeled Rituxan™ was effective in MCL patients refractory to chemotherapy. A total of seven patients with chemo-refractory or relapsed MCL were studied in this pilot trial. All had relapsed after high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation. Four patients had received 12 Gy of total-body irradiation in addition to chemotherapy. Therapy was performed with myeloablative doses of 261-495 mCi of iodine 131-labeled C2B8 antibody aiming at lung doses of 27 Gy. Following treatment, autologous stem cells were infused.
Interleukin-12 in Combination with Rituxan® May Be an Improved Combination for Patients with B-cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (2/12/2002)
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have determined the optimal doses of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and Rituxan® for the treatment of patients with NHL. Rituxan® is a chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 on B lymphocytes and is an effective treatment agent for patients with NHL. Recently Rituxan® has been combined with chemotherapy for optimal effects. Another approach is to improve the activity of cell killing by Rituxan®. The addition of IL-12 makes sense since this agent facilitates cytolytic T-cell responses, enhances the lytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells, and induces the secretion of interferon (IFN-) by both T and NK cells. It is possible that combining IL-12 with Rituxan® would augment the immune-mediated cell lysis induced by Rituxan®. A phase 1 study of IL-12 in combination with Rituxan® was conducted in 43 adults with B-cell lymphoma to determine the optimal immunologic dose of this combination. Rituxan® was administered at a dose of 375 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion weekly for 4 weeks, and IL-12 was given subcutaneously twice weekly.The starting dose of IL-12 was 30 ng/kg and this was escalated to 500 ng/kg. Constitutional symptoms and liver enzyme elevations at 500 ng/kg of IL-12 were dose limiting. A greater than 20-fold increase in the serum levels of IFN- and a 2.5- to 5-fold increase in inducible protein 10 (IP-10) levels was seen at IL-12 doses of 100 ng/kg or greater. Objective responses occurred in 29 of the 43 patients (69%), with 8 of 11 complete responses seen at IL-12 doses of 300 ng/kg or greater. The optimal immunologic dose of IL-12 in combination with Rituxan® was determined to be 300 ng/kg subcutaneously twice weekly starting on day 2. These data suggest that IL-12 and Rituxan® is an active combination and further studies of this combination in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma are warranted.
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