Treatment of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract With the implementation of rituximab, tremendous progress has been achieved in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Nevertheless, the majority of patients with DLBCL are over the age of 65 years and the management of these patients is often suboptimal. Standard chemo-immunotherapy with curative approach should be appropriate for all elderly patients who can tolerate it. Therefore, a careful evaluation of each patient is mandatory prior to treatment allocation. R- CHOP regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) remains the standard of care, but special attention has to be paid to rigorous supportive care. Patients not fit enough for R-CHOP are candidates for dose-reduced therapy or other palliative strategies.
Source: Memo - Magazine of European Medical Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research