Consolidation radiotherapy in DLBCL after chemotherapy

Published: 2010-09-14

The current standard treatment for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP). A retrospective analysis attempted to clarify the role of consolidation radiation therapy (RT) after R-CHOP [1].

Four hundred and sixty nine patients with histologically confirmed DLBCL were treated between January 2001 and December 2007. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates for those treated with RT were 91% and 82% respectively, whereas the OS and PFS for those not treated with RT were 68% (p < 0.0001) and 59% (p <0.0001) respectively.

This study therefore showed significant improvements in OS and PFS among patients who received consolidation RT. The researchers suggest that future trials should consider RT again in view of recent advances in delivery techniques, smaller fields of treatment and lower total dose.

1. JCO Early Release. 2010. Epub ahead of print. doi:10.1200/JCO.2009.27.3441