Chemotherapy of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: The Diffuse Types

摘要

The application of the Rappaport classification for non-Hodgkin lymphoma has allowed for the stratification of histologic subtypes with consistent clinical correlations. Nodularity imparts a favorable prognosis and response to chemotherapy; diffuse patterns are unfavorable. Fifty percent survivals of 5 to 9 years and 1 to 2 years are observed for nodular and diffuse types, respectively. Single agent chemotherapy is ineffective for the diffuse histologies. Combination chemotherapy results in 20 to 80 percent complete remission rates in patients with mixed cell and poorly differentiated diffuse types; median survivals of 1 to 2 years are achieved. The outlook for diffuse histiocytic lymphoma is optimistic: complete remission rates of 50 to 68 percent are achieved. Flattening of the remission duration curve suggests a significant number of these patients are cured of their disease. (ERA citation 03:019896)