Pharmacotherapy of large B-cell lymphoma.
BACKGROUND
Constituting approximately 30% of lymphoid malignancies, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common aggressive lymphoma in adults worldwide. The clinical and biologic heterogeneity that exists in DLBCL suggests that this entity might actually be comprised of several distinct neoplasms that could require different therapeutic approaches. DLBCL was considered incurable until combination chemotherapy became available.


OBJECTIVE
Current treatment strategies for the treatment of untreated and relapsed advanced-stage DLBCL are reviewed; novel treatments for DLBCL are discussed.


METHODS
Relevant literature was identified using the PubMed search engine and by reviewing abstracts from major conference proceedings.


CONCLUSIONS
Recently, novel therapeutic strategies, including the incorporation of immunotherapy to combination chemotherapy, have improved outcome for patients with DLBCL with cure rates exceeding 50%, especially in younger patients.
Escalón
Maricer P
MP
University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center, 1475 NW 12 Ave Suite 3400 (D8-4), Miami, FL 33136, USA. mescalon@med.miami.edu
Lossos
Izidore S
IS
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D016403:Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D016499:Radioimmunotherapy; D012008:Recurrence
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor