Rituximab and chlorambucil as first-line treatment for low-grade ocular adnexal lymphomas

Ann Hematol. 2007 Aug;86(8):565-8. doi: 10.1007/s00277-007-0301-y. Epub 2007 May 5.

Abstract

Ocular adnexal lymphomas (OALs) are typically low-grade lymphomas and are largely represented by marginal-zone lymphomas (EMZL). Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice but is frequently associated to local complications. We investigated the association of chlorambucil and rituximab as first-line treatment for primary OALs. Nine consecutive, newly diagnosed OALs patients (eight with a EMZL, one with a follicular lymphoma) with a median age of 78 years were treated with this combination. Eight patients were in stage I-A, and one was in stage IV-A; all patients had low LDH values. Eight patients (89%) obtained a complete remission and one a partial response. All completed the treatment without significant toxicities. After a median follow up of 25 months, all patients are alive; no progressions or late toxicities were observed. Rituximab in combination with chlorambucil proved to be a feasible option as first-line treatment for OALs because of its feasibility and the absence of toxicity and local sequelae.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Chlorambucil / administration & dosage*
  • Chlorambucil / adverse effects
  • Eye Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Eye Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Chlorambucil
  • Rituximab