title: Gemcitabine and oxaliplatinum: an effective regimen in patients with refractory and relapsing Hodgkin lymphoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Most Hodgkin lymphomas (HL) can be cured with current strategies. However, one-third of the cases do not respond or relapse and need salvage regimens. We report the results of a retrospective study using the gemcitabine and oxaliplatinum (GemOx) regimen.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who relapsed or failed to achieve complete response were eligible and received GemOx salvage therapy. To avoid selection bias and thus to overcome the retrospective nature of the study, all treated patients were included from the pharmacy database.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between 2003-2013, 24 HL patients - relapsing (number [n]=12) or refractory (n=12) - were included, receiving a total of 26 induction treatments with GemOx. Mean previous regimens were 2.38 (42% relapsing after autologous transplantation). Median follow-up was 37 months, and 71% responded (38% of patients achieved complete response). The factors related to better progression-free survival were: B symptoms; response to GemOx; and consolidation with stem cell transplantation. Grades 1 and 2 neurological toxicity was present in 17% of patients. Hematological toxicity was common, with grades 3 and 4 neutropenia (25%) and thrombocytopenia (34%) observed. Progression-free survival was better in patients consolidated with stem cell transplantation. The peripheral blood stem cell collection after GemOx was successful for all candidates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  1) The GemOx regimen is effective in relapsed or refractory HL with manageable toxicity. 2) No mobilization failures were observed. 3) Consolidation after response is needed. 4) Its efficacy and favorable toxicity profile might make multiple administrations possible in several recurrences in HL.
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gutierrez
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martinez-Serra
authors.affiliation: Service of Pharmacy, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gines
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Paredes
authors.affiliation: Service of Oncology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Florencia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Can Misses Hospital, Ibiza, Spain.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vercher
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Can Misses Hospital, Ibiza, Spain.
authors.forename: Josep
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Balanzat
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Llatzer Hospital, Palma, Spain.
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Del Campo
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Mateu Orfila Hospital, Menorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Galan
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morey
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain ; Service of Hematology, Policlínica Miramar, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Palma (IdISPa), Palma, Spain.
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sampol
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Andres
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Novo
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Leyre
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bento
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: García
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Llatzer Hospital, Palma, Spain.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bargay
authors.affiliation: Service of Hematology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain ; Service of Hematology, Policlínica Miramar, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Palma (IdISPa), Palma, Spain.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Besalduch
keywords: GemOx; Hodgkin lymphoma; gemcitabine; oxaliplatinum; treatment