Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in the CHOP regimen for older patients with aggressive (stages III/IV) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is associated with a lower risk of cardiotoxocity than conventional formulations of doxorubicin, allowing the use of higher cumulative doses. In this Phase II study, 25 patients aged over 70 years (median 79, range 75-82 years) with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (International Prognostic Index (IPI) -2, 12 (48%); IPI-3, 10 (40%); IPI-4, 3 (12%)) received CHOP with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. All completed 6 treatment cycles and were evaluable for efficacy and safety. A complete response was achieved in 13 (52%) patients and a partial response in 12 (48%) patients, which was maintained for at least 12 months. The median time to progression was 26 months (range 14->42) and median overall survival was 32 months (range 26-48). No Grades III/IV toxicity occurred; adverse events included neutropenia, anaemia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation in 16-29% of the cycles. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is an effective and well-tolerated component that may be substituted for doxorubicin in the CHOPC (cyclophosphanide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednizolone) regimen for the treatment of aggressive NHL in elderly people.