Management of newly diagnosed high-risk and intermediate-risk follicular lymphoma with Y ibritumomab tiuxetan in a phase II study.

Five-year overall survival for high-risk Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index follicular lymphoma is only approximately 50% compared with 90% for low risk. To evaluate an approach to improve upon this poor outcome, we completed an exploratory phase II trial of intensified treatment for patients with intermediate and high-risk follicular lymphoma. Front-line treatment with chemo-immunotherapy consisting of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone was followed by radio- immunotherapy with 90-Yttrium ibritumomab tiuxetan consolidation, and 2 years of rituximab maintenance.

Gemcitabine/dexamethasone/cisplatin vs cytarabine/dexamethasone/cisplatin for relapsed or refractory aggressive-histology lymphoma: cost-utility analysis of NCIC CTG LY.12.

Background: The NCIC CTG LY.12 study showed that gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin (GDP) were noninferior to dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin (DHAP) in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive histology lymphoma prior to autologous stem cell transplantation. We conducted an economic evaluation from the perspective of the Canadian public healthcare system based on trial data.

Randomized comparison of gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin versus dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin chemotherapy before autologous stem-cell transplantation for relapsed and refractory aggressive lymphomas: NCIC-CTG LY.12.

Purpose: For patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive lymphoma, we hypothesized that gemcitabine-based therapy before autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is as effective as and less toxic than standard treatment.

Patients And Methods: We randomly assigned 619 patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive lymphoma to treatment with gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin (GDP) or to dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin (DHAP). Patients with B-cell lymphoma also received rituximab.

Impact of central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis on the incidence and risk factors for CNS relapse in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated in the rituximab era: a single centre experience and review of the literature.

Central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is controversial with even less evidence in the era of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy. We reviewed the impact of CNS prophylaxis in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP at a tertiary care centre over a 7-year period. CNS prophylaxis was recommended for 'higher risk' patients and consisted of intrathecal methotrexate and/or high-dose methotrexate.

High-dose methotrexate based chemotherapy with deferred radiation for treatment of newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma.

The addition of high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) to whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has improved the survival of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). However, combined therapy is associated with increased neurotoxicity. In an effort to limit this toxicity, we treated a series of non-immunocompromised patients with HDMVP, a HD-MTX based regimen, with deferral of WBRT until progression.

The impact of follicular (FL) and other indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) on work productivity-a preliminary analysis.

Introduction: Although much is known about the efficacy, toxicity, and direct costs of treatment for follicular lymphoma (FL), there is no data assessing the impact of this diagnosis on the work productivity of affected individuals.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of consecutive patients attending a malignant haematology clinic at a large multi-disciplinary cancer centre. Patients with a diagnosis of FL or other indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma completed questionnaires assessing health status, work productivity, and activity impairment.

Physician perceptions and preferences in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related lymphoma.

The optimal management of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related lymphoma (ARL) in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is unclear. We administered a survey to determine physician preferences and perceptions in the management of ARL and to assess the variability in treatment in Canada. Of 196 lymphoma-treating physicians, 117 (63%) responded.

Rituximab in lymphoma: a systematic review and consensus practice guideline from Cancer Care Ontario.

Rituximab is the first antibody-based therapy approved in cancer. The role of this treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has evolved significantly since its introduction. We aimed to systematically review the literature on rituximab in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and provide consensus guidelines as to the rational use of this agent.

Debate on the conservative and aggressive treatment options for the optimal management of indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is currently considered to be an incurable disease, with a median survival of 6-8 years. In the absence of a cure, the variety of therapeutic options available for patients with indolent NHL range from 'watchful waiting' to high-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). There is no current consensus on standard treatment.