A Phase II Trial of Rituximab Combined With Pegfilgrastim in Patients With Indolent B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Conclusion The pegfilgrastim-rituximab combination was well tolerated, with favorable outcomes compared with historical controls. A shorter time-to-peak oxidative burst was associated with higher CR rates and longer PFS. Our results support further evaluation of strategies that enhance the innate immune system to improve rituximab activity in B-NHL. Micro-Abstract The present phase II study has demonstrated that augmenting neutrophil function by the addition of pegfilgrastim can potentiate the clinical activity of rituximab in indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma while retaining the excellent safety profile. Strategies to boost the innate immune system such as this combination warrant further study, especially in the frail, elderly population for whom therapeutic options are limited owing to poor tolerance.
Source: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research