No abstract

Burkitt and Burkitt-like lymphomas are rapidly growing tumors which require specialized therapy. Although intensive, multi-agent regimens have been effective in children, results are more variable in adults. Magrath et al. previously described a regimen that was highly effective in children and young adults. This phase II study of a modified Magrath regimen was designed to assess its efficacy in older adults and reduce treatment-related toxicity. Fourteen patients with Burkitt/Burkitt-like lymphoma and median age of 47 years were stratified into two categories: low-risk (normal LDH and a single focus of disease measuring less than 10 cm, 3 patients) and high risk (all other, 11 patients). Low-risk patients received three cycles of modified CODOX-M (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, adriamycin, vincristine with intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine followed by high-dose systemic methotrexate, regimen A). High-risk patients received four alternating cycles of regimens A and B (A-B-A-B). Regimen B consisted of ifosfamide, cytarabine, etoposide and intrathecal methotrexate (IVAC). The modified treatment regimen was associated with no grade 3/4 neuropathy and only one episode of grade 3/4 mucositis. All patients completed protocol therapy and there were no treatment-related deaths. Twelve patients (86%, 90% CI: 61 97%) achieved a complete response; 1 patient achieved a PR and 1 patient died of progressive disease. Nine patients (64%) are alive and disease free at a median follow-up of 29 months. This modified Magrath regimen is effective and well-tolerated in a representative group of older adult patients.

Favorable clinical and molecular response rates associated with rituximab and CHOP chemotherapy do not translate into prolonged PFS in MCL. Nevertheless, rituximab and combination chemotherapy may transiently clear PB or BM of detectable tumor cells, prompting additional consideration of antibody-based in vivo purging in subsequent clinical trials.