Role of a doxorubicin-containing regimen in relapsed and resistant lymphomas: an 8-year follow-up study of EPOCH

Navigating between Scylla and Charybdis: A roadmap to do better than Pola-RCHP in DLBCL

In treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), oncologists have traditionally relied on the chemotherapy backbone of R-CHOP as standard of care. The two dangers that the hematologist must navigate between are the aggressive disease (Charybdis that in the absence of therapy systematically destroys all the ships) and the toxicity of the therapies (Scylla with its six monstrous heads that devours six crew members at a time), and hematologists have to navigate very carefully between both. Therefore, three different strategies were employed with the goal of improving cure rates: de-escalating regimens, escalating regimens, and replacement strategies. With a replacement strategy, a breakthrough in treatment was identified with polatuzumab vedotin (anti-CD79B antibody/drug conjugate) plus R-CHP. However, this regimen still did not achieve the elusive universal cure rate. Fortunately, advances in genomic and molecular technologies have allowed for an improved understanding of the heterogenous molecular nature of the disease to help develop and guide more targeted, precise, and individualized therapies. Additionally, new pharmaceutical technologies have led to the development of novel cellular therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, that could be more effective, while maintaining an acceptable safety profile. Thus, we aim to highlight the challenges of DLBCL therapy as well as the need to address therapeutic regimens eventually no longer tethered to a chemotherapy backbone. In the intersection of artificial intelligence and multi-omics (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), we propose the need to analyze multidimensional biologic datato launch a decisive attack against DLBCL in a targeted and individualized fashion.

Low incidence of cardiotoxicity in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving EPOCH after prior anthracycline exposure

OBJECTIVE

To describe the incidence of cardiotoxicity in patients with anthracycline exposure who subsequently receive EPOCH for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with anthracycline exposure who subsequently received EPOCH for NHL at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The primary outcome was cumulative incidence of arrhythmia, heart failure (HF), left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, or cardiac death.

RESULTS

Among 140 patients, most had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Inclusive of EPOCH, median cumulative doxorubicin-equivalent dose was 364 mg/m2 ; exposure was 400 mg/m2 or higher in 41%. With median 36-month follow-up, 23 cardiac events were noted in 20 patients. Cumulative incidence of cardiac events at 60 months was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9%-21%). When limited to LV dysfunction/HF, cumulative incidence at 60 months was 7% (95% CI: 3%-13%), with most events occurring after the first year. Univariate analysis indicated only history of cardiac disease and dyslipidemia to be associated with cardiotoxicity; no other risk factors, including cumulative anthracycline dose, were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective cohort, representing the largest experience in this setting with extended follow-up, cumulative incidence of cardiac events was low. Rates of LV dysfunction or HF were particularly low, suggesting infusional administration may mitigate risk despite prior exposure.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the HIV Setting

Despite the widespread use of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and the subsequent decrease in AIDS-defining cancers, HIV-related lymphomas remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with HIV (PWH). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtype in PWH. This lymphoma is a heterogeneous disease including morphological variants and molecular subtypes according to the cell of origin or the mutation profile. In the pre-cART era, treatment with standard-dose chemotherapy induced high rates of toxicity and outcomes were very poor. The introduction of cART and the incorporation of infection prophylaxis allowed the use of conventional intensive chemotherapy regimens used in the general population, such as R-CHOP or R-EPOCH. The use of cART during chemotherapy treatment was initially controversial due to the potential risk of adverse drug-drug interactions. However, the availability of current cART regimens with less potential to cause drug interactions and evidence that cART improves survival rates in NHL strongly support the use of cART in PWH with DLBCL. Consequently, interdisciplinary collaboration between HIV specialists and hemato-oncologists for the management of potential interactions and overlapping toxicities between antiretroviral and antineoplastic drugs is crucial for the optimal treatment of PWH with NHL.

R-CHOP Vs DA-EPOCH-R for Double-Expressor Lymphoma: A University of California Hematologic Malignancies Consortium Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

Managing double-expressor lymphomas (DEL) is controversial given the dearth of data and lack of standardized guidelines on this high-risk subset of lymphomas. No prospective and few retrospective studies limited by either their sample size or short follow-up address the question of initial treatment of choice for DEL. We performed the largest analysis to date exploring R-CHOP vs DA-EPOCH-R in DEL.

METHODS

Adults with DEL diagnosed from 6/2012-2/2021 at 4 unique sites were retrospectively analyzed. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. Key secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), overall and complete response rates (ORR and CRR), cumulative incidence of relapse, and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT) utilization.

RESULTS

155 patients were included, 61 treated with R-CHOP and 94 with DA-EPOCH-R. 3-year PFS and OS were similar between R-CHOP and DA-EPOCH-R, 33.2% vs 57.2%,(P = .063), and 72.2% vs 71.6% (P = .43) after median follow-up times of 2.43 and 2.89 years, respectively. Patients <65 had improved PFS with DA-EPOCH-R, hazard ratio 0.41 (P = .01). CRR and ORR rates were also similar. Relapse rates were not statistically different, 51.9% vs 28.6% (P = .069). AutoHCT utilization was higher with R-CHOP vs DA-EPOCH-R, 23.0% vs 8.5% (P = .017).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings do not support the use of DA-EPOCH-R over R-CHOP for DEL. Patients <65 years may experience longer PFS with DA-EPOCH-R, but limitations to the analysis make this interpretation difficult.

Phase 1b/2 study of ibrutinib and lenalidomide with dose-adjusted EPOCH-R in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is difficult to cure; non-germinal center B-cell-like (non-GCB) and activated B-cell-like (ABC) DLBCL have worse outcomes than GCB DLBCL. Ibrutinib and lenalidomide are synergistic in vitro in ABC DLBCL and may augment salvage chemotherapy. In part 1 of this phase 1b/2 study (NCT02142049), patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL received ibrutinib 560 mg and escalating doses of lenalidomide on Days 1-7 with DA-EPOCH-R (Days 1-5) in 21-day cycles. In part 1 (N = 15), the maximum tolerated dose was not reached with lenalidomide 25 mg (recommended part 2 dose [RP2D]); most common grade ≥3 adverse events were anemia (73%) and febrile neutropenia (47%); the overall response rate (ORR) was 40%. At the RP2D (n = 26), ORR was 71% in non-GCB and 64% in ABC. Ibrutinib and lenalidomide with DA-EPOCH-R had a manageable safety profile and antitumor activity in relapsed/refractory DLBCL, especially the non-GCB subtype.

Hematological cancers in individuals infected by HIV

HIV infection increases cancer risk and is linked to cancers associated to infectious agents classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lymphomas represent one of the most frequent malignancies among individuals infected by HIV. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma remains a leading cancer after the introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). The incidence of other lymphomas including Burkitt lymphoma, primary effusion lymphomas, and plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral cavity remain stable, while the incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated Multicentric Castleman Disease has increased. The heterogeneity of lymphomas in individuals infected by HIV likely depends on the complexity of involved pathogenetic mechanisms, i.e. HIV-induced immunosuppression, genetic abnormalities, cytokine dysregulation, co-infection with the gamma-herpesviruses, Epstein Barr virus and KSHV, and the dysregulation of the immune responses controlling these viruses. In the modern cART era, standard treatments for HIV-associated lymphoma including stem cell transplantation in relapsed/refractory disease, mirrors that of the general population. The combination of cART and anti neoplastic treatments has resulted in remarkable prolongation of long-term survival. However, oncolytic and immunotherapic strategies, and therapies targeting specific viral oncogenes will need to be developed primarily.

Intensive Debulking Chemotherapy Improves the Short-Term and Long-Term Efficacy of Anti-CD19-CAR-T in Refractory/Relapsed DLBCL With High Tumor Bulk

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) therapy has achieved remarkable effects in refractory/relapsed (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, when high tumor bulk occurs, patients tend to early progression after CAR-T therapy. Here, we investigated whether pretreatment with intensive debulking chemotherapy could improve the outcome of CAR-T in such patients. Fifty-seven patients with R/R DLBCL were enrolled, and 42 patients received anti-CD19-CAR-T therapy, among which, 25 patients (the combined group) with high tumor bulk received debulking chemotherapy and anti-CD19-CAR-T therapy sequentially. Another 17 patients (the control group) without high tumor bulk received anti-CD19-CAR-T therapy only. According to the response to debulking chemotherapy, patients of the combined group were divided into chemo-sensitive and chemo-refractory groups. Within 2 months, the objective response rate (ORR) was higher in the chemo-sensitive group than in the chemo-refractory group (P = 0.031). Grades 1-3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was reported, and no difference was shown in CRS grade distribution between the chemo-sensitive and chemo-refractory groups (P = 0.514). The chemo-sensitive group demonstrated longer overall survival (OS) than the chemo-refractory group (P = 0.042). Of the chemo-sensitive group, the 1-year disease free survival (DFS) and OS rates were 52.6 and 57.9%, respectively. Besides, no significant differences were found in ORR, DFS, and OS between the chemo-sensitive and control groups (ORR: P = 0.593; DFS: P = 0.762; OS: P = 0.531). In summary, effective debulking chemotherapy improved the short-term ORR and long-term OS of CAR-T therapy in R/R DLBCL with high tumor bulk, with outcomes comparable to those of R/R DLBCL without high tumor bulk. The clinical trial of our study was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx as ChiCTR-ONN-16009862 and ChiCTR1800019622.

Clinical Trial Registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier (ChiCTR-ONN-16009862 and ChiCTR1800019622).

Dose-adjusted EPOCH with or without rituximab for aggressive lymphoma patients: real world data

CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) -/+ rituximab (R) is the standard chemotherapeutic regimen for aggressive lymphoma, but is insufficient for aggressive lymphoma with adverse prognostic factors. Dose-adjusted (DA)-EPOCH (etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone) -/+ R demonstrates excellent efficacy against some aggressive lymphoma. Thus, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of this therapy in clinical practice. We enrolled 149 patients from 17 institutions diagnosed between 2007 and 2015. The median follow-up period for survivors was 27 months (range 0.2-123). The complete response (CR) rate of newly diagnosed patients was 79% (95% CI 68-87%). All patients were hospitalized to receive this therapy and 94% of patients also received granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor support. There were no treatment-related deaths. Febrile neutropenia (FN) and grade 3 or 4 infection occurred in 55% and 28% of patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in FN or infection between young (≤ 65 years) and elderly patients (> 65 years). In newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified patients (n = 46), the CR rate was 80% (95% CI 64-91%) and the 2-year OS rate was 81% (95% CI 66-90%). In the present study, DA-EPOCH -/+ R exhibited excellent efficacy and feasibility for aggressive lymphoma.

Prognostic Nomogram and Predictive Factors in Refractory or Relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients Failing Front-Line R-CHOP Regimens

Background: The clinical course of relapsed or refractory (r/r) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is variable, with limited efficacy data of second-line treatment in a post-rituximab real-world context. Hence, we explored the predictors and constructed a nomogram for risk stratification in this population.

Patients and methods: Among 296 r/r DLBCL patients pretreated with R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College between 2006 and 2017, 231 were included for nomogram construction. After randomization, we constructed the prognostic nomogram in the primary cohort (n=161) based on a multivariate analysis and confirmed it in the validation cohort (n=70). Additionally, we explored predictive factors for second-line therapy using a ordinal regression analysis.

Results: Four independent prognostic factors including rituximab in the second-line setting, initial Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), response to front-line treatment, and invasion on progression/recurrence were used to construct the nomogram. The nomogram had a C index of 0.70 with AUC values of 0.73 and 0.71 for the primary and validation cohorts, respectively. Subsequently, three risk groups (low, intermediate, and high) were determined with median overall survival (OS) of 38.0, 25.0, and 7.0 months, respectively. Additionally, we conducted a multivariate ordinal regression analysis and identified prior response to front-line treatment (odds ratio=4.50, 95% CI: 1.84-11.27, p=0.001) and bulky disease at diagnosis (odds ratio=0.36, 95% CI: 0.182-0.702, p=0.003) were two independent factors for second-line treatment efficacy.

Conclusions: The established predictors for treatment efficacy and the novel nomogram for survival in r/r DLBCL patients could potentially be applied for risk stratification and treatment guidance in the post-rituximab era.

Long-term outcomes of patients treated with an EPOCHL regimen as first-line chemotherapy for newly diagnosed extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a retrospective single-center study

We retrospectively evaluated the long-term outcomes of patients receiving an EPOCHL (EPOCH + L-asparaginase) regimen as first-line chemotherapy for newly diagnosed extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL). Ninety-six patients received 2-8 cycles of EPOCHL. After 2-4 cycles, 55.2% patients had complete response (CR) and 39.6% had partial response (PR). 42.7% patients developed progressive or relapsed disease. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 56.1% overall, 59.8% for stage I/II, and 34.9% for stage III/IV disease, and corresponding 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 58.7, 65.3, and 39.8%, respectively. OS differed significantly between patients with stage I/II and those with stage III/IV disease (p = 0.018). Patients who achieved CR had better 3-year OS of 92.9%. Advanced stage disease was a poor prognostic factor for OS. All major adverse events associated with the EPOCHL regimen were reversible, and this first-line chemotherapy was safe and effective for patients with ENKTL.

Dose-Adjusted EPOCH-R Compared With R-CHOP as Frontline Therapy for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Clinical Outcomes of the Phase III Intergroup Trial Alliance/CALGB 50303

PURPOSE

Alliance/CALGB 50303 (NCT00118209), an intergroup, phase III study, compared dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) with standard rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) as frontline therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients received six cycles of DA-EPOCH-R or R-CHOP. The primary objective was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary clinical objectives included response rate, overall survival (OS), and safety.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2013, 524 patients were registered; 491 eligible patients were included in the final analysis. Most patients (74%) had stage III or IV disease; International Prognostic Index (IPI) risk groups included 26% IPI 0 to 1, 37% IPI 2, 25% IPI 3, and 12% IPI 4 to 5. At a median follow-up of 5 years, PFS was not statistically different between the arms (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.27; P = .65), with a 2-year PFS rate of 78.9% (95% CI, 73.8% to 84.2%) for DA-EPOCH-R and 75.5% (95% CI, 70.2% to 81.1%) for R-CHOP. OS was not different (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.59; P = .64), with a 2-year OS rate of 86.5% (95% CI, 82.3% to 91%) for DA-EPOCH-R and 85.7% (95% CI, 81.4% to 90.2%) for R-CHOP. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were more common (P < .001) in the DA-EPOCH-R arm than the R-CHOP arm, including infection (16.9% v 10.7%, respectively), febrile neutropenia (35.0% v 17.7%, respectively), mucositis (8.4% v 2.1%, respectively), and neuropathy (18.6% v 3.3%, respectively). Five treatment-related deaths (2.1%) occurred in each arm.

CONCLUSION

In the 50303 study population, the more intensive, infusional DA-EPOCH-R was more toxic and did not improve PFS or OS compared with R-CHOP. The more favorable results with R-CHOP compared with historical controls suggest a potential patient selection bias and may preclude generalizability of results to specific risk subgroups.

Implementation of a pharmacy-managed program for the transition of chemotherapy to the outpatient setting

PURPOSE

Implementation of a pharmacy-managed program for the transition of chemotherapy to the outpatient setting is described.

SUMMARY

The University of Arizona Cancer Center and Banner-University Medical Center Tucson are affiliated not-for-profit academic medical centers in Tucson, Arizona, whose facilities include a hospital and ambulatory care clinics that maintain 3 outpatient infusion centers. The cancer center pharmacy currently employs 25 pharmacists, with 4 clinical pharmacists serving both the inpatient and outpatient treatment sites. A multidisciplinary team of staff members was assembled to address the transition of chemotherapy from inpatient to outpatient that included physicians, ambulatory clinical oncology pharmacists, finance, social workers, pharmacy staff, nursing staff, and information technology. The program was initiated in May 2014, with a 2-year postimplementation evaluation of our transition of chemotherapy to the outpatient setting. Chemotherapy order sets were developed in our electronic medical record for transitioning rituximab to the outpatient setting for inpatient chemotherapy orders as well as transitioning leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumor chemotherapy regimens to be administered in the outpatient setting. Eighteen rituximab-containing regimens and 14 chemotherapy protocols were switched to the outpatient setting, with numerous variants of these regimens also created for outpatient only administration. The realized savings for high-cost chemotherapy transitioned to the outpatient setting with rituximab and clofarabine was $1,902,890. Over 747 inpatient bed days were saved, with an approximated cost savings to the health system of $1,402,866, with a cumulative cost savings to our health system of $3,305,756.

CONCLUSION

This model for transitioning chemotherapy from the hospital to the outpatient setting enhanced access to care, decreased bed utilization in the hospital, and improved clinical and financial metrics.

A 17-Year-Old Boy With Right Face Palsy, Left Leg Weakness, and Lytic Skull-Bone Lesions

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), an infection that is endemic in certain parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, has been associated with malignancy and neurological deficits. Here, we describe a pediatric patient with chronic HTLV-I infection who developed complications associated with HTLV-I (ie, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis). To our knowledge, this presentation in a child has never been described. The patient underwent a bone marrow transplant and, at the time of this writing, was in remission. This case report highlights the fact that HTLV-related complications, previously expected to occur after decades of infection, also can occur in pediatric patients, particularly those who acquired HTLV-I perinatally.

Evaluation of a method for calculating carboplatin dosage in DeVIC ± R therapy (combination therapy of dexamethasone, etoposide, ifosfamide and carboplatin with or without rituximab) as a salvage therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma

PURPOSE

Several studies have evaluated the utility of extrapolating the Calvert formula in calculating carboplatin (CBDCA) dosages in solid tumours; however, data regarding haematological cancers are less. Therefore, we conducted a preliminary study of the utility of extrapolating the Calvert formula in calculating CBDCA dosages for DeVIC ± R therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective study on 57 non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients who had received DeVIC ± R therapy was conducted. The area under the curve (AUC) of CBDCA was back-calculated from actual dosages using the Calvert formula. Patients were divided into two groups according to an AUC ≥ 4 or an AUC < 4, respectively. The Revised Response Criteria of the International Working Group and CTCAE version 4.0 were used for assessing the treatment efficacy and adverse events, respectively.

RESULTS

The use of AUC instead of body surface area had greater utility in calculating CBDCA dosage, with a response rate of greater than 50 % in patients receiving DeVIC ± R therapy with an AUC ≥ 4 for CBDCA. The response rate of the AUC ≥ 4 group was significantly higher than that of the AUC < 4 group. Decreased platelet and neutrophil counts of grade ≥3 occurred at higher rates in the AUC ≥ 4 group.

CONCLUSION

The extrapolation of the Calvert formula has utility in calculating the CBDCA dosage for DeVIC ± R therapy, and therapeutic efficacy was increased by maintaining the AUC of CBDCA at ≥4.

Clinical and Cost Comparison Evaluation of Inpatient Versus Outpatient Administration of EPOCH-Containing Regimens in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Background:

Etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (EPOCH)-containing regimens are frequently utilized in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, however, the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients receiving inpatient versus outpatient EPOCH has not been described. Additionally, no comparisons have been made regarding financial implications of EPOCH administration in either setting. This study’s primary objective was to compare hospital admissions for FN in patients receiving inpatient or outpatient EPOCH.

Methods:

A single-center, institutional review board-approved review was conducted for adults receiving EPOCH beginning January 2010. Clinical and financial data were collected through chart review and the institution’s financial department. Descriptive statistics were utilized for analysis.

Results:

A total of 25 patients received 86 cycles of an EPOCH-containing regimen (61 [70.9%] inpatient). Five (8.2%) inpatient cycles resulted in an admission for FN compared to 4 (16%) outpatient cycles. Prophylactic antifungal and antiviral agents were prescribed more often after inpatient cycles (>80%) compared to outpatient cycles (<50%). Overall, 27 (31.4%) of 86 cycles did not receive granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. Outpatient EPOCH administration was associated with a cost savings of approximately US$141 116 for both chemotherapy costs and hospital day avoidance.

Conclusion:

EPOCH-containing regimens can be safely administered in the outpatient setting, which may result in cost savings for healthcare institutions.

Clinical approach to diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of lymphoma. We now recognize that DLBCL corresponds to a biologically heterogeneous family of diseases. Given the potential for cure for most DLBCL patients, appropriate diagnostic and staging evaluation and therapy are essential. Here we review areas of consensus as well as controversy in the evaluation, treatment and monitoring of patients with DLBCL and its related subtypes.

Current trends in the treatment of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma - an overview

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma has been recognised as a distinct entity with unique clinical, pathologic, and genetic features. According to WHO 2008 classification it is marked as a variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma but shares characteristics with classic Hodgkin lymphoma. Genetic analysis has shown that amplification of the 9p24.1 region is the disease's specific structural alteration. Aggressive behaviour and a tendency to invade surrounding tissues of the thoracic cavity, often causing superior vena cava syndrome, or pleural or pericardial effusions, are the clinical hallmarks of this disease. For a long period of time it has been considered as a disease with poor prognosis, which responds poorly to the conventional treatment created for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. An elective treatment has not yet been established, but recently the situation has became much more favourable. After the introduction of rituximab the cure rates have risen to over 80%, and the most recent results have demonstrated a new insight with dose-adjusted intensified continuous treatments, in which the cure rates have exceeded 90%. Current trends have led to the introduction of dose-adjusted intensified protocols becoming a standard of care, whereas the use of radiotherapy remains controversial because of the questionable predictive value of post-treatment PET/CT validity. The relapse rate is very low after two years of sustained complete remission. If the disease relapses or is resistant the outcome is very poor regardless of the applied treatment modality.

The significance of pre-therapeutic F-18-FDG PET-CT in lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis when pathological evidence is unavailable

Purpose

The significance of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET–CT) in identifying patients with lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (LAHLH) when pathological evidence is unavailable remains uncertain.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 44 HLH patients who underwent PET–CT before clinical treatment were enrolled, and 18 of them were highly suspected as LAHLH by PET–CT. We compared the PET–CT parameters between confirmed LAHLH and non-LAHLH patients. The efficacy of initial therapies for highly suspected LAHLH patients was analyzed as well.

Results

We found that the SUV_Sp, SUV_BM, SUV_LN, SUV_max, SUV_LN/Li, and SUV_max/Li in LAHLH group were significantly higher than those in non-LAHLH group (p = 0.003, p = 0.034, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.039, and p = 0.035, respectively). HLH patients with an SUV_max value >5.5, an SUV_LN value >3.3, and an SUV_Sp value >4.8 were more likely to be LAHLH (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, and p = 0.003, respectively). And the incidence of multiple lymphadenopathy with increased FDG uptake or the incidence of multiple bone lesions in LAHLH patients was significantly higher than those in non-LAHLH group (92.9 vs. 35.7 %, p = 0.004; 42.9 vs. 0 %, p = 0.016, respectively). Furthermore, by comparing the efficacy of initial therapies for highly suspected LAHLH patients (n = 18), we indicated that the CR rate was significantly higher in lymphoma-chemotherapy group than in immunosuppressive therapy group (90 and 25 %, respectively; p = 0.013). OS analysis revealed that highly suspected LAHLH patients treated with lymphoma-chemotherapy had better prognosis (264 days) than those treated with immunosuppressive therapy (15 days) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

When pathological evidence is absent, PET–CT may play an important role in identifying HLH patients underlying lymphoma. Once highly suspected as LAHLH by PET–CT, lymphoma-chemotherapies that directly treat the underling lymphoma may have a relatively favorable effect and better clinical outcomes than immunosuppressive therapy.

Novel drug targets for personalized precision medicine in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a comprehensive review

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a clinically heterogeneous lymphoid malignancy and the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults, with one of the highest mortality rates in most developed areas of the world. More than half of DLBLC patients can be cured with standard R-CHOP regimens, however approximately 30 to 40 % of patients will develop relapsed/refractory disease that remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality due to the limited therapeutic options.Recent advances in gene expression profiling have led to the identification of at least three distinct molecular subtypes of DLBCL: a germinal center B cell-like subtype, an activated B cell-like subtype, and a primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma subtype. Moreover, recent findings have not only increased our understanding of the molecular basis of chemotherapy resistance but have also helped identify molecular subsets of DLBCL and rational targets for drug interventions that may allow for subtype/subset-specific molecularly targeted precision medicine and personalized combinations to both prevent and treat relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Novel agents such as lenalidomide, ibrutinib, bortezomib, CC-122, epratuzumab or pidilizumab used as single-agent or in combination with (rituximab-based) chemotherapy have already demonstrated promising activity in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Several novel potential drug targets have been recently identified such as the BET bromodomain protein (BRD)-4, phosphoribosyl-pyrophosphate synthetase (PRPS)-2, macrodomain-containing mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase (ARTD)-9 (also known as PARP9), deltex-3-like E3 ubiquitin ligase (DTX3L) (also known as BBAP), NF-kappaB inducing kinase (NIK) and transforming growth factor beta receptor (TGFβR).This review highlights the new insights into the molecular basis of relapsed/refractory DLBCL and summarizes the most promising drug targets and experimental treatments for relapsed/refractory DLBCL, including the use of novel agents such as lenalidomide, ibrutinib, bortezomib, pidilizumab, epratuzumab, brentuximab-vedotin or CAR T cells, dual inhibitors, as well as mechanism-based combinatorial experimental therapies. We also provide a comprehensive and updated list of current drugs, drug targets and preclinical and clinical experimental studies in DLBCL. A special focus is given on STAT1, ARTD9, DTX3L and ARTD8 (also known as PARP14) as novel potential drug targets in distinct molecular subsets of DLBCL.

Dose-Adjusted Etoposide, Prednisone, Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide, and Doxorubicin (EPOCH) With or Without Rituximab as First-Line Therapy for Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (DA-EPOCH) was developed in an effort to overcome inadequate drug concentrations and compensate for increased drug clearance. The goal of the present study was to examine the risk factors and outcomes of patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aNHL) treated with DA-EPOCH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report the data from 136 patients with previously untreated aNHL who received infusional DA-EPOCH chemotherapy with or without rituximab from 2005 to 2013. Overall survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with death, progression, or relapse at 2 years.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 82%. The relapse-free survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years was 68%, 63%, and 52% with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 0.59% to 0.85%, 0.54% to 0.70%, and 0.31% to 0.70%, respectively. Patients with T-cell aNHL had an increased risk of death, progression, or relapse (Odds Ratio, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.4-8.8) compared with those with B-cell aNHL. In multivariate analysis, current smoking, disease in the bone marrow, and the number of cycles completed were independent predictors of death and relapse.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that EPOCH with or without rituximab is active in both B- and T-cell aNHL. Toxicity did not significantly affect timing of treatment delivery or treatment outcomes. Dose adjustment by hematopoietic nadir similarly had no effect. The effect of smoking during chemotherapy should be evaluated further.

Prognosis of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma not reaching complete response or relapsing after frontline chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy

A retrospective study was performed to assess the outcome of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who did not achieve complete response or who relapsed before and after the use of rituximab. Clinical features and outcome of 816 (425 M/391 F; median age 63 years) patients diagnosed from 1991 to 2001 (pre-rituximab era, N = 348) and from 2002 to 2012 (rituximab era, N = 468) in a single institution were evaluated. Five hundred fifty-three patients achieved complete remission (CR), 57 partial response (PR), and 206 were refractory with a median overall survival of 15, 1.5, and 0.4 years, respectively. Patients receiving rituximab had lower risk of refractoriness or relapse. In primarily refractory and PR patients, there was not a difference in survival depending on whether patients received or not rituximab-containing frontline treatment. Early death rate was 11%, including 3.6% due to infectious complications. Rituximab did not modify these figures. In the relapse setting, 5-year survival from relapse was 25% for patients who never received rituximab, 54% for those who received rituximab only at relapse, and 48% for those treated with immunochemotherapy both as frontline and at relapse. In conclusion, relapsed/refractory patients with DLBCL show poor prognosis despite the use of frontline immunochemotherapy. New therapeutic approaches are needed in this group of patients.

Comparison of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and L-asparaginase and etoposide, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and prednisone as first-line chemotherapy in patients with stage IE to IIE extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a multicenter retrospective study

Optimal chemotherapy regimen for Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) has not yet been defined. We retrospectively compared the outcome of 93 patients newly diagnosed with stage IE to IIE ENKTL who received gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and L-asparaginase (GELOX) (n = 40) or etoposide, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and prednisone (EPOCH) (n = 53) as induction chemotherapy. After induction chemotherapy, the complete response (CR) rate and overall response rate (ORR) for the GELOX group were higher than those for the EPOCH group (70.0% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.007 for CR; 87.5% vs. 67.9%, p = 0.047 for ORR). The GELOX regimen resulted in significantly superior 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) (79.0% vs. 46.5%, p = 0.005) and overall survival (OS) rates (78.9% vs. 50.4%, p = 0.003). Toxicity of both regimens was acceptable. The GELOX regimen produces a better long outcome with less toxicity than the EPOCH regimen for patients with early stage ENKTL.

The effects of cardiovascular disease on the clinical outcome of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

We identified 3910 elderly (>65 yrs) patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who received doxorubicin-based (+/-rituximab) therapy and 77 347 cancer-free controls, and assessed cardiovascular events and survival in relation to preexisting cardiovascular comorbidities. Compared to controls, patients with DLBCL had a 3.4-fold (95%CI 3.0-3.9) and 2.5-fold (95%CI 2.3-2.7) increased risk of congestive heart failure (CHF)/cardiomyopathy (CM) within 6 months and 3 years of diagnosis, respectively. Risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was similarly increased. The risk of CHF/CM and AMI was significantly higher in those patients with DLBCL (vs. controls) who did not report preexisting cardiovascular disease, compared to those who had preexisting cardiovascular disease; this was due to dose reductions of doxorubicin among patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Rituximab improved survival in patients with stage III-IV (but not I-II) disease (p-interaction = 0.0003). Our novel findings emphasize the need to reduce cardiac toxicity of doxorubicin in elderly DLBCL patients.

Management of relapsed-refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Relapsed-Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (RR DLBCL), which accounts for approximately one-third of patients with DLBCL, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Managing RR DLBCL continues to be a challenge to the treating hemato-oncologist. Salvage high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard of care for chemosensitive relapses in DLBCL. Various salvage regimens are available, but the quest for an optimal regimen continues. The addition of rituximab to the salvage regimen has improved the outcome of RR DLBCL. Several pertinent issues regarding the management of RR DLBCL are discussed in this short review.

Assessing the effectiveness of a Grand Rounds CME activity for health-care professionals

The Lymphoma Research Foundation offers Grand Rounds continuing medical education (CME) activities on specific issues related to advances in the management of patients with lymphoma. The 2012 activity comprised interactive case studies presented by local lymphoma experts. A case-based survey was designed to assess whether the management choices of program participants are consistent with the evidence-based content of the CME activity. This survey was administered to participants 1 month after completion of the CME activity and also to a control group who did not participate in the educational program. Participants were more aware of the epidemiology of CD20-positive tumors than were controls and were more likely to appropriately diagnose primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma (PMBCL), use evidence-based second-line therapy for PMBCL, and properly manage a patient with classic Hodgkin lymphoma that did not respond to standard therapy. Participants were also more confident than controls in their ability to interpret histology and cytogenetic testing for selecting an optimal treatment.

Dose-adjusted EPOCH-rituximab therapy in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma is a distinct subtype of diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma that is closely related to nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients are usually young and present with large mediastinal masses. There is no standard treatment, but the inadequacy of immunochemotherapy alone has resulted in routine consolidation with mediastinal radiotherapy, which has potentially serious late effects. We aimed to develop a strategy that improves the rate of cure and obviates the need for radiotherapy.

METHODS

We conducted a single-group, phase 2, prospective study of infusional dose-adjusted etoposide, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide with vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) and filgrastim without radiotherapy in 51 patients with untreated primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. We used results from a retrospective study of DA-EPOCH-R from another center to independently verify the outcomes.

RESULTS

The patients had a median age of 30 years (range, 19 to 52) and a median tumor diameter of 11 cm; 59% were women. During a median of 5 years of follow-up, the event-free survival rate was 93%, and the overall survival rate was 97%. Among the 16 patients who were involved in the retrospective analysis at another center, over a median of 3 years of follow-up, the event-free survival rate was 100%, and no patients received radiotherapy. No late morbidity or cardiac toxic effects were found in any patients. After follow-up ranging from 10 months to 14 years, all but 2 of the 51 patients (4%) who received DA-EPOCH-R alone were in complete remission. The 2 remaining patients received radiotherapy and were disease-free at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapy with DA-EPOCH-R obviated the need for radiotherapy in patients with primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00001337.).

Salvage chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant in primary refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: outcomes and prognostic factors

Patients with primary refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (REF DLBCL: progression on or within 3 months of completion of primary therapy) sensitive to salvage chemotherapy undergo autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). We conducted a retrospective review of 111 patients with REF DLBCL treated between 1999 and 2007. Primary treatment consisted of cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP; 66%) and rituximab with CHOP (R-CHOP; 33%); 14% received involved field radiation. The response rate (RR) to first salvage chemotherapy was 23% (RR by regimen: dexamethasone, cytosine arabinoside and cisplatin [DHAP] 15%, etoposide, Solu-Medrol, cytosine arabinoside and cisplatin [ESHAP] 36%, and gemcitabine, dexamethasone and cisplatin [GDP] 45%); 25% (n = 28) of patients underwent ASCT. With a median follow-up of 5.9 months (range 1-94), the median progression-free and overall survival from primary treatment failure was 3 and 10 months, respectively. Outcomes in patients with REF DLBCL after CHOP or R-CHOP appear equally poor. Second-generation platinum-containing regimens (ESHAP, GDP) may be superior to DHAP in this setting. Novel, prospectively evaluated treatment approaches should be pursued in REF DLBCL.

Clinical pharmacy services and research for lymphoma patients at a cancer center

At the National Cancer Centre Singapore, which is currently the largest ambulatory cancer centre in Singapore, clinical pharmacists have taken upon responsibilities to provide direct pharmaceutical care in the center’s lymphoma team since 2006. Given the complexity and intricacies of lymphoma treatments, clinical pharmacists are often positioned to ensure supportive care is optimized among these patients. Besides management of chemotherapy-related and supportive care issues, clinical pharmacists play a pivotal role in guiding cost-effective and safe prescribing. In collaboration with the medical team, they are also involved in conducting practice research in order to optimize the delivery of pharmaceutical care. In this report, the dedicated services and research activities conducted by clinical pharmacists of a lymphoma team will be discussed.

A Cancer and Leukemia Group B multi-center study of DA-EPOCH-rituximab in untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with analysis of outcome by molecular subtype

BACKGROUND

A phase II trial of dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) from the National Cancer Institute showed promising activity in untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The Cancer and Leukemia Group B conducted a study to determine if these results could be reproduced in a multi-institutional setting.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study included 69 patients with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma at least 18 years of age and at least stage II. Radiaton therapy was not permitted on study. Median age was 58 years (range 23-83) and 40% had high-intermediate or high International Prognostic Index risk. Immunohistochemical biomarkers for cell of origin and proliferation were performed.

RESULTS

With a median follow up of 62 months, time to progression and overall survival were 81% and 84%, respectively, and time to progression was 87%, 92% and 54% for low/low-intermediate, high-intermediate and high International Prognostic Index risk groups, respectively, at 5-years and beyond. The time to progression and event-free survival of germinal center B-cell lymphoma were 100% and 94%, respectively, and non-germinal center B-cell GCB diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were 67% and 58%, respectively, at 62 months (germinal center vs. non-germinal center B cell P=0.008). DA-EPOCH-R was tolerated without significant grade 4 non-hematologic toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide the first confirmation by a multi-institutional group that DA-EPOCH-R provides high durable remissions in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and is effective in both germinal center and non-germinal center B-cell subtypes. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.Gov (NCT00032019).

Long-term outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma treated by etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin regimen: a single-institution experience

One possible reason for the relapse and refractoriness of extranodal natural killer/T-cell (NK/T) lymphoma (ENKL) is resistance to a CHOP-like regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). To evaluate the outcome of first-line EPOCH chemotherapy (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin) for ENKL, 34 patients, including 30 with nasal ENKL (88.2%) and four with extranasal ENKL (11.8%), were studied. Involved-field radiation therapy (IFRT) was administered to patients with localized nasal focus after chemotherapy. Thirty-three cases were eligible for response evaluation. The response rate (RR) was 60.6% (20/33) with a complete remission (CR) rate of 45.5% (15/33). For patients with localized nasal ENKL, the CR rate was 57.7% (15/26). The 3-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 53.6% and 69.0%, respectively. After initial EPOCH chemotherapy followed by IFRT, the CR rate was 75.0% and the 3-year overall survival rate was 75.0%. However, patients with disseminated and extranasal disease responded poorly. These results indicate that EPOCH followed by IFRT yields promising outcomes for patients with localized nasal ENKL.

Cell of origin fails to predict survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) includes two prognostically important subtypes, the germinal center B-cell (GCB) and the non-GCB types. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemical approaches for predicting the survival of patients with DLBCL following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). We identified 62 patients with DLBCL who either had an initial complete remission (17 patients) or received salvage chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory disease (45 patients), followed by AHSCT. Tissue microarrays were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against GCET1, CD10, BCL6, MUM1, FOXP1 and LMO2. Using the Hans algorithm, we classified 50% of the cases as GCB type, whereas the Choi algorithm classified 58% as GCB type and LMO2 was positive in 69%. However, no significant differences were found in the 5-year overall or event-free survivals using any of these approaches. In conclusion, cell of origin fails to predict survival of DLBCL patients treated with AHSCT.

Phase I trial of 7-hydroxystaurosporine and fludararbine phosphate: in vivo evidence of 7-hydroxystaurosporine induced apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

This is a phase I study of 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) and fludararbine monophosphate (FAMP) in relapsed lymphoma. UCN-01 alone was administered in cycle 1 and with FAMP in cycles 2-6. FAMP was escalated in cohorts from 1 to 5 days. UCN-01 and FAMP pharmacokinetics and apoptosis of malignant lymphocytes was evaluated. Eighteen patients were enrolled. Standard FAMP with UCN-01 was tolerated without dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and those seen were common to either agent alone. One patient died due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Seven of 18 patients responded. No pharmacological effect of UCN-01 by FAMP was noted. Lymphocytosis occurred in 15 of 18 patients following UCN-01 to paradoxically increase circulating tumor cells. UCN-01 induced apoptosis in six of eight patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). UCN-01 does not increase FAMP toxicity. Transient lymphocytosis followed by apoptosis occurs with UCN-01. Mobilization from tissue reservoirs may play a role in the induction of cell death in malignant lymphocytes.

Ifosfamide, Epirubicin and Etoposide (IEV) Regimen as Salvage and Mobilization Therapy for Refractory or Early Relapsing Patients with Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The prognosis of early relapsing or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is still poor. Effective salvage therapy should be able to induce high response rate as well as to mobilize hematopoietic precursors. A combination of ifosfamide, epirubicin and etoposide (IEV) was given to 28 patients with refractory or relapsing high grade NHL (4 lymphoblastic lymphoma and 24 large cell lymphoma). All patients were evaluated for response. After 2 courses of IEV, the overall and complete response rate were 64% and 39%, respectively. All patients were controlled for mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells, which was successful in 26 out of 28 (93%). Overall, 25 out of 26 patients proceeded to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Toxicity was mild, with no occurrence of severe persisting extra-hematologic side-effects. Following the entire therapeutic program, including IEV and ASCT, median progression free survival has not yet been reached and 21 patients are alive (18 in continuous complete remission) after a median follow-up of 18 months. Our results demonstrate that treatment with IEV regimen is effective in refractory or relapsing aggressive NHL, resulting in a high percentage of successful stem cell mobilization and feasibility of ASCT.

Vinorelbine, gemcitabine, procarbazine and prednisone (ViGePP) as salvage therapy in relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL): Results of a phase II study conducted by theGruppo Italiano per lo Studio dei Linfomi

Patients with aggressive NHL who fail initial treatment or subsequently relapse have a very poor outcome and less than 20-25% achieve a prolonged disease-free interval with salvage therapies. To improve the outcome of patients with refractory aggressive NHL not suitable for High Dose Therapy (HDT) and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT), the efficacy of a combination of gemcitabine, vinorelbine, procarbazine and prednisone (ViGePP) were tested. Between November 1999 and September 2002, 69 patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL were treated with ViGePP regimen, every 4 weeks up to six courses. At the end of planned chemotherapy patients could receive additional radiotherapy on residual masses or on sites of previously bulky disease. Sixty-six patients were available for evaluation of study end-points. Thirty patients were refractory to therapy and 36 patients had relapsed after remission obtained with previous therapy. At the end of therapy, complete remission (CR) rate was 23%, 3-year relapse free survival rate was 40% and 3-year overall survival rate was 25% for the whole series (29% and 20% for relapsed and refractory patients, respectively). Patients achieving CR with ViGePP had a significantly better survival as compared with the remaining ones (p = 0.0003). ViGePP as used in the present setting has demonstrated a promising activity, comparable to other conventional dose regimens. Although CR was achieved only in a minority of patients, this was durable in a significant proportion of them. This regimen should be tested in less heavily pre-treated patients and probably in combination with new active agents such Rituximab. Further developments of this combination are warranted.

Differential efficacy of bortezomib plus chemotherapy within molecular subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Gene expression profiling of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has revealed distinct molecular subtypes that include germinal center B cell-like (GCB) and activated B cell-like (ABC) DLBCL. ABC DLBCL has a worse survival after upfront chemotherapy and is characterized by constitutive activation of the antiapoptotic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway, which can inhibit chemotherapy. We hypothesized that inhibition of NF-kappaB might sensitize ABC but not GCB DLBCL to chemotherapy and improve outcome. As the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib can inhibit NF-kappaB through blocking IkappaBalpha degradation, we investigated bortezomib alone followed by bortezomib and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in recurrent DLBCL. Tumor tissue was analyzed by gene expression profiling and/or immunohistochemistry to identify molecular DLBCL subtypes. As a control, we showed that relapsed/refractory ABC and GCB DLBCL have equally poor survivals after upfront chemotherapy. Bortezomib alone had no activity in DLBCL, but when combined with chemotherapy, it demonstrated a significantly higher response (83% vs 13%; P < .001) and median overall survival (10.8 vs 3.4 months; P = .003) in ABC compared with GCB DLBCL, respectively. These results suggest bortezomib enhances the activity of chemotherapy in ABC but not GCB DLBCL, and provide a rational therapeutic approach based on genetically distinct DLBCL subtypes. This trial is registered with http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT00057902.