[The radiation and chemoradiation treatments of generalized low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. 2. The late results].

Late outcomes of radiation and chemoradiation treatments and chemotherapy were analysed in 255 patients with low-grade generalized non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). In terms of total and relapse-free survival, chemoradiation treatment regimen yields the best results, as compared to chemotherapy. There is a general trend to improve the late outcomes when each of two components of the chemoradiation regimen is intensified. Chemoradiation treatment improves late outcomes not only in primary patients, but in patients with relapses after radiation or chemical therapy. Complete remissions are one of the most important predictors of total and relapse-free survival. There is a small group of patients with a diffuse lymphocytic type of NHL (about 10-15%). which is characterized by extremely slow disease progression and enlargement of individual lymph organs (tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen) in whom long-term total and relapse-free survival can be achieved by local radiation therapy.