Treatment and survival for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: influence of histological subtype, age, and other factors in a population-based study (1999-2001).
OBJECTIVE
This population-based study investigates the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treatment in clinical practise generally, and for specific histologies, and identifies factors associated with treatment and survival.


METHODS
Data for NHL patients, diagnosed during 1999-2001, were obtained from the National Cancer Registry (Ireland). Multivariate models were analysed on survival and treatment.


RESULTS
45-77% of patients received chemotherapy, 22-34% of patients received the radiotherapy, depending on the histology. Patients aged <65, married, with early stage B-cell aggressive disease were more likely to receive chemotherapy (P<0.05). Patients >65 or with advanced stage were less likely to receive radiation (P<0.05). Survival was poorer in older (P<0.001) and unmarried patients (P<0.05), and those with B-cell aggressive lymphoma (P<0.001). Patients who received chemotherapy and radiation had lower hazard ratios.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the use of chemotherapy and radiation in this European population was similar to the findings in the US where older patients received treatment less often. However, the age disparity here was greater than that in the US.
Cronin-Fenton
Deirdre P
DP
National Cancer Registry of Ireland, Elm Court, Boreenmanna Road, Cork, Ireland. dc@dce.au.dk
Sharp
Linda
L
Deady
Sandra
S
Comber
Harry
H
D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome