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. 2016 Jul 1;8(1):e2016030.
doi: 10.4084/MJHID.2016.030. eCollection 2016.

Bendamustine and Rituximab, as First Line Treatment, in Intermediate, High Risk Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphomas of Elderly Patients

Roberto Castelli  1 , Antonio Gidaro  1 , Giorgio Lambertenghi Deliliers  2
Affiliations

Bendamustine and Rituximab, as First Line Treatment, in Intermediate, High Risk Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphomas of Elderly Patients

Roberto Castelli et al. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is a chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, comprising less than 2% of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and affecting mainly middle-aged and elderly patients with a median survival of >10 years. The typical clinical features of SMZL include splenomegaly. Treatment should be patient-tailored and can range from a 'watchful waiting' approach for asymptomatic patients without cytopenias to surgery, localized radiation therapy or immuno/chemotherapies. Recently, the combination of rituximab and Bendamustine (R-Benda) has been defined as highly active in patients with follicular lymphomas, but little is known about the efficacy of R-Benda in SMZL.

Aim of the study: The purpose of this retrospective study was to report our experience on the efficacy of R-Benda as first line treatment in 23 consecutive elderly SMZL patients.

Results: All patients had a complete resolution of splenomegaly along with restoration of their blood counts. Nineteen patients (83%) achieved a complete response (CR) to therapy; three patients (13%) achieved a partial response (PR).Ten patients (43%) obtained molecular remission. Toxicities were mild and mainly haematological and result in dose reductions for fourteen patients.

Conclusions: Our data suggest a high activity and good tolerance of R-Benda, despite dose reduction due to potential toxicity.

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