-
oa New Chemotherapy Protocol (P-CAN) for Treatment of Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Source: Qatar Medical Journal, Volume 2007, Issue 1, Jun 2007, 14
-
- 01 June 2007
Abstract
Background: this work aims at determining the efficacy of modified CHOP combination in which Vinorelbine (Navelbine) replaces Vincristine for the treatment of aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL).
Patients and methods: This open label pilot study included 19 patients with aggressive NHL and one patient with low grade NHL who were treated with the new combination which we abbreviated as P-CAN (Prednisolone 100 mg/day PO day 1-5, Cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 i.v day 1, Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) 60 mg/m2 i.v day 1, Navelbine (Vinorelbine) 30 mg/m2 i.v day). The patients1 were 13 males and 6 females, mean age 50 years (34-65), performance state 0-2, International Prognostic Index (IPI) 0-3. Seven patients Stage I, one patient Stage II, eight patients Stage III and 3 patients in Stage IV. 14 patients with nodal disease and five patients with extra-nodal disease. They received total of 97 cycles of the chemotherapy (3-7 cycles).
Results: 18 out of 19 patients achieved complete response (CR). In one patient the response could not be assessed, one patient progressed while on treatment. Toxicity was mainly hematological. The 3 years overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) was 83%.
Conclusion: P-CAN is an effective, well tolerated combination in chemo-naive aggressive NHL. The addition of Vinorelbine to steroid, Adriamycin, and Cyclophosphamide seems improve the response. Further larger trials are needed to study this combination and its impact on longer overall survival.