No abstract

The histopathologic pattern of NHL in Thailand was characterized by the features noted for Asia, i.e., a low rate of the follicular entity and a preponderance of the diffuse aggressive subtypes. In addition, the frequency of the small lymphocytic and diffuse small cleaved subtypes were increased compared with the Western population and the rate of T-cell lymphoma appeared to be less than in Far East Asia.

The histopathologic pattern of NHL in Thailand was characterized by the features noted for Asia, i.e., a low rate of the follicular entity and a preponderance of the diffuse aggressive subtypes. In addition, the frequency of the small lymphocytic and diffuse small cleaved subtypes were increased compared with the Western population and the rate of T-cell lymphoma appeared to be less than in Far East Asia.

There is no apparent early advantage in terms of response or survival conferred by adding the study INF regimen to CHOP therapy for patients with IG/HG-NHL.

The objective of this study was to determine the hematopoietic effects and toxicity of low-dose granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with neutropenia. Recombinant human G-CSF (Lenograstim) was administered by daily subcutaneous injection with an initial dosage of 0.5 microg/kg per day for 2 weeks. Patients not responding to the initial dosage received the escalated dosage, 1 to 2 microg/kg per day for 2 weeks. Eligibility criteria were the following: French-American-British disease classification subtype refractory anemia (RA), refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), or refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of <1.5 x 10(9)/L. Criteria indicating response to treatment were ANC of >1.5 x 10(9)/L and doubling of ANC on at least 2 occasions. Thirty-two MDS patients were recruited from 6 university hospitals. Eighteen patients had RA, 4 had RARS, and 10 had RAEB. Median age was 56.4 years (range, 28-87 years). Twenty-six patients (81.2%) had an increase in ANC from a median of 0.94+/-0.35 x 10(9)/L to 4.24+/-3.78 x 10(9)/L. Three of 6 patients who did not respond to the initial dosage responded to the escalated dosage of 1 microg/kg per day. Eighteen (81.8%) of 22 patients with RA or RARS responded compared with 8 (80%) of 10 patients with RAEB. The response rates in patients with ANCs of <0.5 x 10(9)/L. 0.5 to <1.0 x 10(9)/L, and 1.0 to 1.5 x 10(9)/L were 80%, 70%, and 88.2%, respectively. The side effects were minimal. No significant changes in hemoglobin levels or platelet counts were observed. In conclusion, low-dose G-CSF administered by subcutaneous injection is well tolerated and effective in improving neutropenia in MDS patients.