title: Lymphoblastic lymphoma in adults: results of a pilot protocol.
abstract: Thirteen adult patients with histologically confirmed lymphoblastic lymphoma were treated with an intensive chemotherapy program consisting of induction with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone (modified CHOP); consolidation and central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis with methotrexate intrathecally and by high-dose intravenous injection, citrovorum factor and L-asparaginase; reinforcement with CHOP; and maintenance with 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate. Treatment duration was 1 yr. A 14th patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia was also treated at presentation by the same regimen. Thirteen patients had at least a mediastinal mass or abnormal cells in the bone marrow; one presented with CNS disease. The median age was 22 yr (range 16--50), and male--female ratio was 2.5:1. All patients had a rapid complete clinical response. Of the 13 patients without initial CNS disease, 4 have relapsed, 3 with primary CNS relapse and 1 with a recurrent abdominal mass. Five patients have died, 2 from drug toxicity, 2 from CNS relapse, and 1 from chronic myelogenous leukemia, which was diagnosed simultaneously with the lymphoblastic lymphoma. The median follow-up is 19 mo, and all patients have completed their planned therapy. At 3 yr, the actuarial survival is 61% and relapse-free survival is 56%.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001215:Asparaginase / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D015122:Mercaptopurine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014750:Vincristine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014750:Vincristine; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D015122:Mercaptopurine; D001215:Asparaginase; D002955:Leucovorin; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate