In a nutshell
The authors looked at the long-term outcomes for patients with advanced follicular lymphoma when treated with fludaranine, cyclophosphamide, and mitoxantrone (FCM). The authors concluded that FCM leads to long-lasting response with low rates of negative effects.
Some background
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is effectively treated with chemotherapy that includes fludarabine. The FCM regimen leads to long-term complete responses. Some studies suggest that FCM may have long-term negative effects and toxicities. More research is needed to understand the long-term toxicity of FCM on previously untreated patients.
Methods & findings
This study looked at the long-term effects of FCM on patients with follicular lymphoma. The medical records of 200 previously untreated patients were reviewed. All patients had advanced FL. The average follow-up time was 12.5 years.
At the end of FCM treatment, 83% of patients were in complete remission (no evidence of cancer). The 10-year progression free survival rate (time from treatment to disease progression) was 46%. The 10-year overall survival rate (time from treatment to death from any cause) was 83%. At the end of the follow-up, 45% of patients had relapsed or progressed.
10 patients (8%) developed a secondary cancer during the follow up. Being over 45 years old at the time of treatment was associated with development of a second cancer. There were no late toxicities related to the central nervous system, the heart, or the lungs.
The bottom line
The study concluded that FCM treatment leads to good long term outcomes with a low probability of negative effects.
Published By :
Annals of Hematology
Date :
Mar 22, 2017
