Purpose: We studied the efficacy and safety of THP-COP(pirarubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone)for elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).
Methods: We retrospectively investigated the efficacy and adverse events of THP-COP in previously untreated patients with DLBCL who completed THP-COP as first-line chemotherapy between December 2009 and December 2014.
Results: The study included 32 previously untreated DLBCL patients aged 67- 85 years(median, 77 years). The median number of treatment courses was 6, and 30 patients completed the treatment (93.8%). The response rate(CR/CRu/PR)was 81.3%, and 21 patients(65.6%)achieved a complete response(CR). The 1- year overall survival rate for all patients was 96.3%(95%CI: 76.5-99.5%). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropenia, leukocytopenia, infection, and febrile neutropenia. Grade 1-2 adverse events included thrombocytopenia, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, and constipation. Dose reduction was required in 19 patients. The median relative dose intensities (RDI)were 80.8%, 80.2%, and 68.0% for pirarubicin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine, respectively.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that THP-COP is safe and effective for elderly patients with DLBCL.