Central nervous system relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era: results of the UK NCRI R-CHOP-14 versus 21 trial.

ABSTRACT: Background:Central nervous system (CNS) relapse of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is associated with a dismal prognosis. Here, we report an analysis of CNS relapse for patients treated within the UK NCRI phase III R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) 14 versus 21 randomised trial. Patients and methods:The R-CHOP 14 versus 21 trial compared R-CHOP administered two- versus three weekly in previously untreated patients aged??18?years with bulky stage I-IV DLBCL (n?=?1080). Details of CNS prophylaxis were retrospectively collected from participating sites. The incidence and risk factors for CNS relapse including application of the CNS-IPI were evaluated. Results:177/984 patients (18.0%) received prophylaxis (intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (MTX) n?=?163, intravenous (IV) MTX n?=?2, prophylaxis type unknown n?=?11 and IT MTX and cytarabine n?=?1). At a median follow-up of 6.5?years, 21 cases of CNS relapse (isolated n?=?11, with systemic relapse n?=?10) were observed, with a cumulative incidence of 1.9%. For patients selected to receive prophylaxis, the incidence was 2.8%. Relapses predominantly involved the brain parenchyma (81.0%) and isolated leptomeningeal involvement was rare (14.3%). Univariable analysis demonstrated the following risk factors for CNS relapse: performance status 2, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, IPI,?>1 extranodal site of disease and presence of a 'high-risk' extranodal site. Due to the low number of events no factor remained significant in multivariate analysis. Application of the CNS-IPI revealed a high-risk group (4-6 risk factors) with a 2- and 5-year incidence of CNS relapse of 5.2% and 6.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Despite very limited use of IV MTX as prophylaxis, the incidence of CNS relapse following R-CHOP was very low (1.9%) confirming the reduced incidence in the rituximab era. The CNS-IPI identified patients at highest risk for CNS recurrence. ClinicalTrials.gov:ISCRTN number 16017947 (R-CHOP14v21); EudraCT number 2004-002197-34.

SUBMITTER: Gleeson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5834096 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature