Brief chemotherapy and involved field radiation therapy for limited-stage, histologically aggressive lymphoma.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and toxicity of brief chemotherapy and involved field radiation therapy for treatment of limited-stage, histologically aggressive malignant lymphoma.


METHODS
Single-arm prospective trial.


METHODS
Comprehensive cancer treatment center serving the entire population of British Columbia.


METHODS
Consecutive enrollment of 78 patients ranging in age from 21 to 82 years (median, 64) with limited-stage (no B symptoms, Ann Arbor stage I or II, tumors less than 10 cm in diameter), diffuse large cell, mixed or immunoblastic histologic characteristics of malignant lymphoma seen at our institution between May 1980 and December 1984. All eligible patients were evaluated for response and relapse-free and overall survival.


METHODS
Chemotherapy with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) for three cycles followed by involved field radiation therapy to the original site of disease in a dose equivalent to 3000 cGy in ten fractions.


RESULTS
The complete response rate was 99% (77 of 78 patients). With a median follow-up off treatment of 30 months the actuarial relapse-free survival is 84% and the overall survival is 85%. No deaths due to toxicity occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Brief chemotherapy and involved field radiation therapy is highly successful treatment for patients with limited-stage, histologically aggressive malignant lymphoma. Toxicity of this approach is acceptable, even in the elderly. Staging laparotomy is not needed to select these patients. Future trials should incorporate more effective chemotherapy programs.
Connors
J M
JM
Klimo
P
P
Fairey
R N
RN
Voss
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D014750:Vincristine; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011241:Prednisone