title: Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the large bowel.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To characterize the natural history of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the large bowel and identify prognostic factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three patients with primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma according to strict criteria were identified. Seventeen patients underwent resection, and six patients underwent biopsy. Among 19 patients with intermediate- or high-grade lymphoma, 13 had diffuse large cell lymphoma. Ann Arbor stage was I in 15 cases, II in seven cases, and IV in one case. In 15 patients, the International Prognostic Index was available: 0, eight patients; 1, six patients; and 3, one patient. Postoperatively, six patients received combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy, eight patients received chemotherapy, and six patients received radiation therapy. Overall and relapse-free survival were calculated actuarially, and univariate analysis was performed with regard to stage, treatment, extent of surgery, and the International Prognostic Index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median follow-up was 144 months. Two patients' disease recurred. Overall and relapse-free survival at 10 years were 61% and 82%, respectively. The International Prognostic Index was the only significant prognostic factor for overall survival (P = .03, log-rank test).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prognosis of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma appears to be as good as that of low- or intermediate-grade lymphoma. The only significant prognostic factor for overall survival is the International Prognostic Index.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston 77030, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ha
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Fuller
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cabanillas
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Cox
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D007420:Intestine, Large; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate