Prognostic factors and efficacy of GDP-R therapy in refractory/relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphomas not eligible for high-dose therapy

Aim:The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the overall survival(OS)and time to treatment failure(TTF)in a cohort of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphomas(DLBCLs)not eligible for high-dose therapy(HDT)treated with gemcitabine in association with dexamethasone,cisplatin and rituximab(GDP-R)protocol.The secondary aim was to identify the prognostic factors impacting OS and TTF.Methods:The authors retrospectively analyzed 45 patients with refractory/relapsed DLBCLs treated with GDP-R.Results:Overall response rate(ORR)was 48.8%;complete response 15/45(33.3%),partial response 7/45(15.5%).Response was influenced by the number of previous therapies administered and International Prognostic Index(IPI)value.Although no significant impact occurred with regard to OS,patients pre-treated with 2 or<2 chemotherapeutic regimens had better ORR(P=0.014)and a longer TTF(P=0.029 in multivariate Cox model).IPI value also influenced TTF.Patients with<2 IPI value had significantly more prolonged TTF than the other ones(P=0.048 in multivariate Cox model).Treatment was well-tolerated,with the majority of patients treated on out-patient modality.GDP-R regimen represents a valid treatment for aggressive relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma not eligible for HDT thanks to its efficacy and good toxic profile.Conclusion:The number of previous chemotherapeutic regimens and IPI value select those who benefit more from this treatment.