A phase II Japanese trial of 90-minute rituximab infusion for untreated B-cell lymphoma.

Objective: This phase II clinical trial evaluated feasibility and tolerability of 90-minute rituximab infusion and a concentration of 4 mg/mL rituximab infusion in Japanese patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Methods: Treatment was rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone. In cycle 1, rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m2 (4 mg/mL) was administered at the standard infusion rate stipulated in the package insert. On confirmed tolerance of rituximab, patients received 90-minute infusion in second and subsequent cycles. The primary endpoint was incidence of grade 3 or higher infusion-related reactions during 90-minute rituximab infusion in cycle 2 of rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone.

Results: All 32 patients (median age 61.5 years, 16 males, 24 with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) completed the prescribed six or eight cycles of treatment. One patient withdrew consent after cycle 1, and another developed grade 2 erythema and continued receiving 4 mg/mL at the standard infusion rate for cycle 2. The remaining 30 patients received 90-minute rituximab infusion; 28 (93.3%) completed cycle 2 at the scheduled infusion rate and dosage. No grade 3 or higher infusion-related reactions were associated with a concentration of 4 mg/mL rituximab dose or 90-min rituximab infusion in cycle 2. The most common infusion-related reaction symptoms were pruritus, hypertension and oropharyngeal discomfort. During the study, toxicities and adverse events were as expected, with no new safety signals.

Conclusion: High-concentration dosing (4 mg/mL) and 90-minute infusion of rituximab are feasible and tolerable in Japanese patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Clinical Trial Number: JapicCTI-173 663.