Key New Findings for Follicular Lymphoma Treatment

According to two new studies published online August 1 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, bortezomib in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (BR-CVP) could be effectively utilized to battle advanced-stage follicular lymphoma in patients.

For the purposes of their study, Laurie H. Sehn, M.D., M.P.H., from the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group in Kingston, analyzed her findings among 84 patients with newly diagnosed stage III follicular lymphoma. The researchers involved noted that BR-CVP was handled mostly well, with 90 percent of participants completing eight treatment cycles. Of that group, only five patients developed grade 3 neurotoxicity, and none developed grade 4 neurotoxicity. A complete response was seen in 49 percent of patients and a partial response was seen in 34 percent.

In the other study, Nathan Fowler, M.D., from the Anderson Cancer Center in Houston investigated the effectiveness and toxicity of bortezomib, bendamustine, and rituximab. For the purposes of this study, 63 patents with follicular lymphoma were sought out. An overall response rate of 88 percent was noted, with 53 percent showing a complete response.

"The combination of bortezomib, bendamustine, and rituximab is highly active in patients with follicular lymphoma who have received previous treatment," Fowler and colleagues conclude.