In a nutshell
This study examined if a modified chemotherapy treatment can improve outcomes for patients with B-non Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), in lower income countries. This study concluded that reduced-intensity chemotherapy can result in long term survival rates in these patients.
Some background
B–non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) is also known as Burkitt lymphoma. It is a fast-growing cancer which starts in immune cells, called B-cells. It is most common among children and young adults.
Treating B-NHL in lower-income countries is difficult. These countries cannot afford to perform expensive tests to diagnose the disease. They do not have the funds to provide intensive treatment and medical care.
The Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster (BFM) regimen is a combination of chemotherapy medications used to treat B-NHL in high-income countries. It includes strong and potentially toxic steroid and chemotherapy drugs. It is not known if a modified version of BFM treatment can improve B-NHL survival rates in lower income countries.
Methods & findings
386 children with B-NHL were included in this study. An altered BFM regimen was used as treatment. Drug doses were reduced and patients monitored using different methods. Treatment was given based on the stage of the disease. Patients were followed up for an average of 49 months.
After 3 years, 70% of patients survived without any signs or symptoms of cancer. This included 83% of patients with stage I-II disease, 75% of patients with stage III disease, and 55% of patients with stage IV disease at diagnosis.
Side effects included deaths from infections or metabolic complications (8.8%), relapse or disease progression (11.9%), and a second cancer (0.26%).
The bottom line
This study concluded that reduced-intensity chemotherapy can result in long term Burkitt lymphoma survival rates of greater than 70%, in lower income countries.
The fine print
The results of this study apply to middle and lower-income countries.
Published By :
Pediatric blood & cancer
Date :
Jan 24, 2019
