Fludarabine, adriamycin and dexamethasone (FAD) in newly diagnosed advanced follicular lymphoma: a phase II study by the British National Lymphoma Investigation (BNLI).
The optimal first-line treatment for symptomatic patients with advanced stage follicular lymphoma remains unclear. Fludarabine-based combination regimens have been extensively used in relapsed disease and merit consideration as first-line therapy. We here report the results of a phase II study of FAD (fludarabine, adriamycin, dexamethasone) regimen in 30 patients with advanced stage follicular lymphoma requiring treatment. The response rate was in excess of 90% with 39% achieving a complete remission. The major toxicity was myelosuppression, but only 3% of cycles were associated with grade IV leucopenia. The high response rate has not translated into major improvements in failure-free survival and consideration must be given to alternative treatment modalities to consolidate the high rate of initial responses.
Department of Haematology, University College London, UK. lynny.yung@blueyonder.co.uk
L
L
Yung
D
D
Cunningham
B
B
Hancock
P
P
Smith
K
K
Maclennan
D
D
Linch
A
A
McMillan
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008224:Lymphoma, Follicular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014740:Vidarabine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D003907:Dexamethasone; D004317:Doxorubicin; D014740:Vidarabine