P-665 Fertility in female patients treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Study question

we aimed to determine factors which could possibly predict future ability to conceive in patients that are to be treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Summary answer

we identified the key characteristics for high probability to achieve a spontaneous pregnancy: younger age, high ovarian reserve and GnrH-a or COC during chemotherapy.

What is known already

Hodgkin's lymphoma is considered one of the most aggressive yet successfully treatable oncological diseases. Prevalence among younger patients and highly gonadotoxic chemotherapy regimens bring up a question of fertility preservation. The issue of predicting the future fertility potential of patients who will have undergone chemotherapy treatment is unresolved to this day. Determining the influence of different factors would allow the creation of personalized fertility preservation treatment plans for each patient.

Study design, size, duration

This observational study was conducted at the V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology. It included 149 patients of reproductive age diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma who had indications to chemotherapy. All of the patients signed an informed consent form prior to participation.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The study included 149 participants with a mean age of 23 ± 6.08 years. All of the participants underwent chemotherapy either without (68.09%) or with ovarian protection (OP) (31.91%). The prevalent chemotherapeutic agents were Adriamycin, Oncovin and Bleomycin. The median number of cycles was 6 ± 2.62.

Main results and the role of chance

Out of all patients 18 had a recurrence and only one died. One patient had three recurrences but after treatment she resumed her menstrual function, achieved one spontaneous pregnancy and live birth. This patient was only 21 years old with very high antral follicular count and had a very short period between recurrences, that way her treatment was performed with continuous GnRH-a protection. Out of patients without OP, 44.8% lost their menstrual function and later had to undergo assisted reproduction treatment, including oocyte donation. Menstrual function recovery rate was higher in both groups with GnRH-a and COC - 80% and 84%, respectively – but not high enough to be statistically significant. Time to recovery was 2 ± 2.57 months, with no significant difference between groups with COC, GnRH-a or without any protection. Patients aged 30 and older had a lower menstruation recovery rate (33.33%) compared to 71.08% and 75% for those younger than 30 and 20, respectively. Two more patients were prepubescent and therefore were not included in the statistical analysis but showed normal regular menses after menarche and achieved spontaneous pregnancies.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Despite aforementioned results the quantity of factors does not let us draw compelling conclusions about their degree of influence; this way multifactorial analysis with more participants would be more preferable. A higher rate of pregnancies in OP group could also correlate with higher alertness and therefore earlier attempts to conceive.

Wider implications of the findings

our findings demonstrate the need for and possibility of predictive model development. This would provide an opportunity not only to establish fertility preservation treatment options but also help in reproductive planning for those who have completed their main treatment, taking the risk of POI into consideration.

Trial registration number

not applicable

R-CHOP compared with CHOP in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCL): Russian experience

18536

Background: R-CHOP is regarded as the best available treatment for untreated patients with aggressive and indolent B- NHL. Methods: 184 previously untreated patients with DLCL were included in retrospective study: 92 patients were treated by CHOP, 92 patients were treated by CHOP plus rituximab ( R-CHOP ). Age of patients ranged 16–87 years (median 50 years). The median follow- up was 18 months. Compared groups were balanced in all parameters. The advanced stage of disease (III-IV) at diagnosis had 66% patients treated with CHOP and 67,5 % patients treated with R-CHOP. =2 extranodal zones were initially revealed at 35% in CHOP group vs 47% in R- CHOP group. PS of 25 % patients in R-CHOP group and 30% patients in CHOP group was regarded as appropriate 3–4 degrees on ECOG. Increased LDH level was marked at 60% in CHOP-group vs 54% in R-CHOP. 29% patients in R-CHOP group and 21% patients in CHOP group had B-symptoms at diagnosis; bulky disease took place in 53% cases in R-CHOP group and 62% cases in CHOP. High IPI score had 47 % patients in CHOP-group vs 48 % in R-CHOP. Results: Complete response was achieved in 74% of the patients treated with R- CHOP, as compared to 56% of those treated with CHOP alone (p<0,05). Disease progression during treatment was reported in 25% of patients in CHOP group and 18,5% in R-CHOP group. Median overall survival in patients treated with R-CHOP was NS, in patients treated with CHOP alone was 16 months. With a median follow-up of 18 months, 29 (31,5%) events (progression - 18,5%, relapse - 10%, death - 3% ) were observed in the R-CHOP group and 48 (52%) events ( progression - 25%, relapse - 20%, death - 7%) in the CHOP group (p<0,05). Median event-free survival and relapse-free survival in the CHOP group was 12 months, in R-CHOP group NS. Toxicity was equivalent in both groups. Conclusions: We have established better direct efficiency and outcome of R-CHOP in any age of pts.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.