Abstract:
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in CHOP regimen for un -treated elderly patients with advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods:In a prospective phase II study, we analyzed the feasibility of PLD-modified CHOP regimen in elderly patients with advanced stages of DLBCL. PLD was administered at 30mg/m2 in combination with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone at standard doses every 21d for six cycles. CD20positive patients were given option for rituximab treatment. Results: From November 2011 to March 2014, 30patients with a median age of70years range: 63to 80) were enrolled in this study. Up to 24cases ( 80.0%) obtained an International Prognostic Index of ≥3. The overall re-sponse rate was 86.7%, and the complete remission rate was 66.7%. With a median follow-up of20.1 months, the 18-month overall and progression-free survival rates were 82.4% and70.1%, respectively. The main toxicity was neutropenia, reaching grades3 to 4 in the 24 cases ( 80.0%). No significant changes existed in patients' left ventricular ejection fraction and serum troponin-T during the study. Four patients ( 13.3%) showed asymptomatic abnormal changes in electrocardiogram after PLD infusion. Conclusion: CHOP regimen with PLD is an effective alternative for the treatment of DLBCL in elderly patients, exhibiting an acceptable toxicity.