Combination of ofatumumab and reduced-dose CHOP for diffuse large B-cell lymphomas in patients aged 80 years or older: an open-label, multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial from the LYSA group

Appropriate Treatment Intensity for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Older Population: A Review of the Literature

Most patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are >65 years of age, with the number of patients expected to increase in the coming years. A comprehensive geriatric assessment that carefully evaluates fitness status and comorbidities is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment intensity. Although generally healthy patients or those <80 years of age may benefit from standard immunochemotherapy, unfit/frail patients or patients >80 years old may require reduced-intensity chemotherapy or less-toxic drugs. Some new drugs are currently being tested as single or combined agents for first-line treatment, aiming to improve the outcomes of conventional chemotherapy. This review systematically collates and discusses the outcomes associated with the use of immunochemotherapy in older patients with DLBCL, as well as considering the impact of full-dose immunochemotherapy on quality of life in older and frail patients, summarizing the rationale for reduced dosing in the older population, and presenting recommendations for selecting patients likely to benefit from reduced dosing. If preliminary efficacy and safety data are confirmed in future clinical trials, non-chemotherapy-based immunotherapy approaches could become an alternative potentially curative option in frail patients and those >80 years of age with DLBCL.

Geriatric risk model for older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GERIAD): a prospective multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Optimal risk stratification based on simplified geriatric assessment to predict treatment-related toxicity and survival needs to be clarified in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS

This multicenter prospective cohort study enrolled newly diagnosed patients with DLBCL (≥ 65 yr) between September 2015 and April 2018. A simplified geriatric assessment was performed at baseline using Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental ADL (IADL), and Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI). The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS).

RESULTS

The study included 249 patients, the median age was 74 years (range, 65-88), and 125 (50.2%) were female. In multivariable Cox analysis, ADL, IADL, CCI, and age were independent factors for EFS; an integrated geriatric score was derived and the patients stratified into three geriatric categories: fit (n = 162, 65.1%), intermediate-fit (n = 25, 10.0%), and frail (n = 62, 24.9%). The established geriatric model was significantly associated with EFS (fit vs. intermediate-fit, HR 2.61, p < 0.001; fit vs. frail, HR 4.61, p < 0.001) and outperformed each covariate alone or in combination. In 87 intermediate-fit or frail patients, the relative doxorubicin dose intensity (RDDI) ≥ 62.4% was significantly associated with worse EFS (HR, 2.15, 95% CI 1.30-3.53, p = 0.002). It was related with a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 symptomatic non-hematologic toxicities (63.2% vs. 27.8%, p < 0.001) and earlier treatment discontinuation (34.5% vs. 8.0%, p < 0.001) in patients with RDDI ≥ 62.4% than in those with RDDI < 62.4%.

CONCLUSION

This model integrating simplified geriatric assessment can risk-stratify older patients with DLBCL and identify those who are highly vulnerable to standard dose-intensity chemoimmunotherapy.

Curative intent therapy for DLBCL in the elderly

Older patients with aggressive lymphoma are extremely heterogeneous due to the high frequency of functional limitations and comorbidities and to the different biological profiles and clinical behavior of the disease. The stratification in three geriatric categories (fit-unfit-frail) based on multidimensional geriatric assessment (GA) helps physicians tailor a potentially curative treatment.While an intensive approach with the standard R-CHOP regimen is feasible in fit patients, leading to similar long-term response and survival rates compared to younger ones, in unfit patients a balance between treatment toxicity and curative intent can be obtained through the reduction of dose intensity. Frail patients, treated with best supportive care so far, could benefit from a chemo-free approach with new target drugs. These novel agents, either alone or in combination with chemo-immunotherapy, are changing the therapeutic landscape of older patients with aggressive lymphoma, both in first-line therapy and in the setting of the relapsed/refractory disease.

Bone marrow biopsy in geriatric patients above the age of 85 years: invaluable or unnecessary? A retrospective analysis

Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is a well-established diagnostic tool for various hematological, oncological, and other medical conditions. However, treatment options for geriatric patients (pts) facing these diseases are often constrained. In this single-center, retrospective analysis we assessed the diagnostic value of BMB in geriatric pts aged ≥ 85 years and examined its impact on therapeutic decisions. We examined 156 BMB procedures in 129 pts, extracting data from the electronic patient records and applying descriptive statistical methods. Nearly half of the primary diagnostic procedures (26; 44.1%) resulted in a modification of the initially suspected diagnosis. Notably, 15 (25.4%) of these procedures, led to changes in both the diagnosis and planned interventional treatment. Among the 15 follow-up procedures (36.6%), disease progression was initially suspected based on symptoms, but BMB results excluded such progression. In lymphoma staging biopsies, only 2 (3.6%) prompted a change in therapeutic intervention. Importantly, no BMB-related complications, such as bleeding, infection or nerve damage, were reported. Median survival after BMB was 16.1 months across all pts, yet it varied based on the diagnosis and comorbidity score. The survival of pts with a change in therapy based on BMB results did not significantly differ from those who did not undergo a therapy change. In conclusion, BMB proved to be generally safe and beneficial in this geriatric cancer patient cohort beyond the age of 85 years. However, the advantages of lymphoma staging in this patient population warrant further consideration.

Metronomic Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes the most relevant studies found in the scientific literature regarding metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) in the geriatric oncology population to support its use as a feasible treatment of care in the frail elderly patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent years have seen a reevaluation of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs and MCT is an emerging schedule in phase II and III clinical trials. Ageing is one of the risk factors for the development of cancer, the incidence of whom increases dramatically in people who live longer. To date, standard oncological protocols involve chemotherapeutic drugs in short cycles of therapy at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Although these therapeutic regimens may be successful, they can cause important adverse drug reactions, especially in elderly or frail patients. MCT is a different modality of delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs (frequent low dose for prolonged time) and it looks at the overcoming of the limitations and disadvantages of MTD, in particular the toxicity aspect. We reviewed the experience of clinicians who have used MCT in clinical trials enrolling elderly patients with different cancer types.

R-miniCHOP versus R-CHOP in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A propensity matched population-based study

For elderly frail patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an attenuated chemo-immunotherapy strategy of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone (R-miniCHOP) was introduced as a treatment option as from 2014 onward in the Netherlands. Although R-miniCHOP is more tolerable, reduction of chemotherapy could negatively affect survival compared to R-CHOP. The aim of this analysis was to assess survival of patients treated with R-miniCHOP compared to R-CHOP. DLBCL patients ≥65 years, newly diagnosed in 2014-2020, who received ≥1 cycle of R-miniCHOP or R-CHOP were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry, with survival follow-up through 2022. Patients were propensity-score-matched for baseline characteristics. Main endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and relative survival (RS). The use of R-miniCHOP in DLBCL increased from 2% in 2014 to 15% in 2020. In total, 384 patients treated with R-miniCHOP and 384 patients treated with R-CHOP were included for comparison (median age; 81 years, stage 3-4; 68%). The median number of R-(mini)CHOP cycles was 6 (range, 1-8). The 2-year PFS, OS and RS were inferior for patients treated with R-miniCHOP compared to R-CHOP (PFS 51% vs. 68%, p < .01; OS 60% vs. 75%, p < .01; RS 69% vs. 86%, p < .01). In multivariable analysis, patients treated with R-miniCHOP had higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to patients treated with R-CHOP (HR 1.73; 95%CI, 1.39-2.17). R-miniCHOP is effective for most elderly patients. Although survival is inferior compared to R-CHOP, the use of R-miniCHOP as initial treatment is increasing. Therefore, fitness needs to be carefully weighed in treatment selection.

Feasibility of Quality of Life Assessment in Patients with Lymphoma Aged ≥80 Years Receiving Reduced-Intensity Chemotherapy: A Single-Institute Study

Quality of life (QOL) must be carefully monitored in older patients with lymphoma who are suitable for chemotherapy, but few reports have assessed QOL in older patients who received reduced-intensity chemotherapy. This study investigated QOL in patients with lymphoma aged ≥80 years to clarify the feasibility of such assessments following reduced-intensity chemotherapy. QOL was prospectively analyzed (using the QOL Questionnaire for Cancer Patients Treated with Anticancer Drugs (QOL-ACD)] and the SF-36®, a comprehensive survey of patient health) among 13 patients (seven women) aged ≥80 years with lymphoma who received reduced-intensity chemotherapy at 4-week intervals at Kyushu University Beppu Hospital between June 2022 and August 2023. Patients were assessed at baseline, in the middle of the protocol, at the end of the protocol, and 6 months after the end of the protocol. The overall response rate was 69%. Almost all severe adverse events (10 patients) occurred during early cycles (cycles 1-2). Common adverse events included hematological toxicities such as neutropenia (10 patients). The daily activity (p = 0.048) and social attitude (p = 0.027) scores of the QOL-ACD and the general health perception (p = 0.044) and social functioning (p = 0.030) scores of the SF-36® were significantly improved during and after chemotherapy. Reduced-dose chemotherapy, if implemented before treatment selection, might permit evaluations of QOL in older patients aged ≥80 years; further investigation is warranted.

Lenalidomide plus rituximab for the initial treatment of frail older patients with DLBCL: the FIL_ReRi phase 2 study

Treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in older patients is challenging, especially for those who are not eligible for anthracycline-containing regimens. Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) started the FIL_ReRi study, a 2-stage single-arm trial to investigate the activity and safety of the chemo-free combination of rituximab and lenalidomide (R2) in ≥70-year-old untreated frail patients with DLBCL. Frailty was prospectively defined using a simplified geriatric assessment tool. Patients were administered a maximum of 6 28-day cycles of 20 mg oral lenalidomide from days 2 to 22 and IV rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 1, with response assessment after cycles 4 and 6. Patients with partial response or complete response (CR) at cycle 6 were administered lenalidomide 10 mg/d from days 1 to 21 for every 28 cycles for a total of 12 cycles or until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was the overall response rate (ORR) after cycle 6; the coprimary end point was the rate of grade 3 or 4 extrahematological toxicity. The ORR was 50.8%, with 27.7% CR. After a median follow-up of 24 months, the median progression-free survival was 14 months, and the 2-year duration of response was 64%. Thirty-four patients experienced extrahematological toxicity according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥3. The activity of the R2 combination was observed in a significant proportion of subjects, warranting further exploration of a chemo-free approach in frail older patients with DLBCL. This trial was registered at EudraCT as #2015-003371-29 and clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02955823.

Age-adjusted high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation or conventional chemotherapy with R-MP as first-line treatment in elderly primary CNS lymphoma patients - the randomized phase III PRIMA-CNS trial

BACKGROUND

Older primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients have an inferior prognosis compared to younger patients because available evidence on best treatment is scarce and treatment delivery is challenging due to comorbidities and reduced performance status. High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HCT-ASCT) after high-dose methotrexate (MTX)-based immuno-chemotherapy has become an increasingly used treatment approach in eligible elderly PCNSL patients with promising feasibility and efficacy, but has not been compared with conventional chemotherapy approaches. In addition, eligibility for HCT-ASCT in elderly PCNSL is not well defined. Geriatric assessment (GA) may be helpful in selecting patients for the best individual treatment choice, but no standardized GA exists to date. A randomized controlled trial, incorporating a GA and comparing age-adapted HCT-ASCT treatment with conventional chemotherapy is needed.

METHODS

This open-label, multicenter, randomized phase III trial with two parallel arms will recruit 310 patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL > 65 years of age in 40 centers in Germany and Austria. The primary objective is to demonstrate that intensified chemotherapy followed by consolidating HCT-ASCT is superior to conventional chemotherapy with rituximab, MTX, procarbazine (R-MP) followed by maintenance with procarbazine in terms of progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), event free survival (EFS), (neuro-)toxicity and quality of life (QoL). GA will be conducted at specific time points during the course of the study. All patients will be treated with a pre-phase rituximab-MTX (R-MTX) cycle followed by re-assessment of transplant eligibility. Patients judged transplant eligible will be randomized (1:1). Patients in arm A will be treated with 3 cycles of R-MP followed by maintenance therapy with procarbazine for 6 months. Patients in arm B will be treated with 2 cycles of MARTA (R-MTX/AraC) followed by busulfan- and thiotepa-based HCT-ASCT.

DISCUSSION

The best treatment strategy for elderly PCNSL patients remains unknown. Treatments range from palliative to curative but more toxic therapies, and there is no standardized measure to select patients for the right treatment. This randomized controlled trial will create evidence for the best treatment strategy with the focus on developing a standardized GA to help define eligibility for an intensive treatment approach.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German clinical trials registry DRKS00024085 registered March 29, 2023.

Monoclonal antibodies binding to different epitopes of CD20 differentially sensitize DLBCL to different classes of chemotherapy

Introduction

Rituximab (R), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and the world's first approved antibody for oncology patients, was combined with the CHOP chemotherapy regimen and markedly improved the prognosis of all B- cell-derived lymphomas, the most common hematological malignancy worldwide. However, there is a 35% disease recurrence with no advancement in the first-line treatment since R was combined with the archetypal CHOP chemotherapy regimen nearly 30 years ago. There is evidence that R synergizes with chemotherapy, but the pharmacological interactions between R and CHOP or between newer anti-CD20 mAbs and CHOP remain largely unexplored.

Methods

We used in vitro models to score pharmacological interactions between R and CHOP across various lymphoma cell lines. We compared these pharmacological interactions to ofatumumab, a second-generation anti-CD20 mAb, and CHOP. Lastly, we used RNA-sequencing to characterize the transcriptional profiles induced by these two antibodies and potential molecular pathways that mediate their different effects.

Results

We discovered vast heterogeneity in the pharmacological interactions between R and CHOP in a way not predicted by the current clinical classification. We then discovered that R and ofatumumab differentially synergize with the cytotoxic and cytostatic capabilities of CHOP in separate distinct subsets of B-cell lymphoma cell lines, thereby expanding favorable immunochemotherapy interactions across a greater range of cell lines beyond those induced by R-CHOP. Lastly, we discovered these two mAbs differentially modulate genes enriched in the JNK and p38 MAPK family, which regulates apoptosis and proliferation.

Discussion

Our findings were completely unexpected because these mAbs were long considered to be biological and clinical equivalents but, in practice, may perform better than the other in a patient-specific manner. This finding may have immediate clinical significance because both immunochemotherapy combinations are already FDA-approved with no difference in toxicity across phase I, II, and III clinical trials. Therefore, this finding could inform a new precision medicine strategy to provide additional therapeutic benefit to patients with B-cell lymphoma using immunochemotherapy combinations that already meet the clinical standard of care.

Evolving therapeutic landscape of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: challenges and aspirations

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the commonest subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and encompasses a group of diverse disease entities, each harboring unique molecular and clinico-pathological features. The understanding of the molecular landscape of DLBCL has improved significantly over the past decade, highlighting unique genomic subtypes with implications on targeted therapy. At the same time, several new treatment modalities have been recently approved both in the frontline and relapsed settings, ending a dearth of negative clinical trials that plagued the past decade. Despite that, in the real-world setting, issues like drug accessibility, reimbursement policies, physician and patient preference, as well as questions regarding optimal sequencing of treatment options present difficulties and challenges in day-to-day oncology practice. Here, we review the recent advances in the therapeutic armamentarium of DLBCL and discuss implications on the practice landscape, with a particular emphasis on the context of the healthcare system in Singapore.

New treatment options in elderly patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Most patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) are old (>65 years of age) and this population is expected to increase in the following years. A simplified geriatric assessment based on a careful evaluation of the fitness status and comorbidities is essential to choose the correct intensity of treatment. Fit older patients can benefit from a standard immunochemotherapy, while unfit/frail patients frequently need reduced doses or substitution of particular agents with less toxic ones. This review focuses on new therapies (e.g., polatuzumab vedotin, tafasitamab, bispecific antibodies) that have indicated promising results in relapsed/refractory patients, particularly in cases not eligible to transplant. Some of these new drugs have been tested as single agents or in combinations as first-line treatment, aiming to improve the outcome of the traditional chemotherapy. If preliminary efficacy and safety data are confirmed in future clinical trials, a chemo-free immunotherapic approach could become an alternative option to offer a curative treatment even in frail patients.

Functional status and therapy for older adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in nursing homes: A population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the prevalence of functional and cognitive impairments, and associations between impairments and treatment among older patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving nursing home (NH) care.

METHODS

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database to identify beneficiaries diagnosed with DLBCL 2011-2015 who received care in a NH within -120 ~ +30 days of diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare receipt of chemoimmunotherapy (including multi-agent, anthracycline-containing regimens), 30-day mortality, and hospitalization between NH and community-dwelling patients, estimating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We also examined overall survival (OS). Among NH patients, we examined receipt of chemoimmunotherapy based on functional and cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Of the eligible 649 NH patients (median age: 82 years), 45% received chemoimmunotherapy; among the recipients, 47% received multi-agent, anthracycline-containing regimens. Compared with community-dwelling patients, those in a NH were less likely to receive chemoimmunotherapy (OR: 0.34, 95%CI: 0.29-0.41), had higher 30-day mortality (OR: 2.00, 95%CI: 1.43-2.78) and hospitalization (OR: 1.51, 95%CI: 1.18-1.93), and poorer OS (hazard ratio: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.11-1.65). NH patients with severe functional (61%) or any cognitive impairment (48%) were less likely to receive chemoimmunotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

High rates of functional and cognitive impairment and low rates of chemoimmunotherapy were observed among NH residents diagnosed with DLBCL. Further research is needed to better understand the potential role of novel and alternative treatment strategies and patient preferences for treatment to optimize clinical care and outcomes in this high-risk population.

Association of KIR genes polymorphism and its HLA ligands in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous disease, with each subtype associated with different risk factors. Within this group, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be highlighted, the most common type of NHL.NK cells are key components of the innate immune response and may play an important antitumor role.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present work was to determine the polymorphism of KIR genes in Brazilian patients with DLBCL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Furthermore, we evaluated the association between the polymorphism of these genes and their ligands with the clinical course of the disease. For the study, 112 patients with DLBCL and 222 voluntary blood and bone marrow donors. The genetic material of these samples were extracted for KIR and HLA typing, determination of HLA ligands, determination of the KIR haplotype and search for the deletion of 22 bp in the KIR2DS4 gene. KIR genotype distributions were made by direct counting using 2 × 2 contingency tables using Fisher's exact test. The magnitude of the association was measured by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. P values <.05 were considered significant. Overall survival and progression-free survival were assessed with a Kaplan-Meier estimator.

RESULTS

In the present study, an association of HLA-Bw4 and HLA-Bw480I ligand was found with more advanced stages of the disease. Also, an association of the KIR2DL3 gene with a better response to treatment was found.

CONCLUSION

With this, we can conclude that the polymorphism of KIR genes and the association with HLA ligands can influence the prognosis of DLBCL, as well as the response to treatment was found. With this, we can conclude that the polymorphism of KIR genes and the association with HLA ligands can influence the prognosis of DLBCL, as well as the response to treatment.Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous disease, with each subtype associated with different risk factors. Within this group, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be highlighted, the most common type of NHL.NK cells are key components of the innate immune response and may play an important antitumor role. The objective of the present work was to determine the polymorphism of KIR genes in Brazilian patients with DLBCL. Furthermore, we evaluated the association between the polymorphism of these genes and their ligands with the clinical course of the disease. For the study, 112 patients with DLBCL and 222 voluntary blood and bone marrow donors. The genetic material of these samples were extracted for KIR and HLA typing, determination of HLA ligands, determination of the KIR haplotype and search for the deletion of 22 bp in the KIR2DS4 gene. KIR genotype distributions were made by direct counting using 2 × 2 contingency tables using Fisher's exact test. The magnitude of the association was measured by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval. P values <.05 were considered significant. Overall survival and progression-free survival were assessed with a Kaplan-Meier estimator. In the present study, an association of HLA-Bw4 and HLA-Bw480I ligand was found with more advanced stages of the disease. Also, an association of the KIR2DL3 gene with a better response to treatment was found. With this, we can conclude that the polymorphism of KIR genes and the association with HLA ligands can influence the prognosis of DLBCL, as well as the response to treatment was found. With this, we can conclude that the polymorphism of KIR genes and the association with HLA ligands can influence the prognosis of DLBCL, as well as the response to treatment.

Comparison of first-line treatments for elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

The incidence of DLBCL in elderly patients has been gradually increased. Considering their comorbidities and performance status, the first-line standard treatment hasn't been determined for the elderly.

Methods

We performed a systemic review and network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of all eligible regimens as first line treatment for elderly patients with DLBCL. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase Library proceedings up to March 2022.

Results

Our search yielded thirteen trials including 1839 patients. R2CHOP21 showed the best PFS with a statistical difference and the most favorable OS without a statistical difference. RCOMP showed the most clinical benefits in EFS, CR and OR with no significant difference. The point estimate was in favored improved DFS with RCHOP14 than RCHOP21, although this was not statistically significant. In a subgroup analysis concerning 3-4 grade AEs revealed R-COMP was associated with a decrease in grade III/IV neutropenia and cardiac toxic events; RminiCEOP was associated with the lower rates of 3-4 grade anemia, thrombocytopenia and infection; RCHOP21 had the lowest rate of 3-4 grade AE of neurotoxicity.

Conclusion

The findings of our meta-analysis indicated that R2CHOP21 provided the best disease control in PFS and represented an optimal first-line treatment option in the elderly with DLBCL. Furthermore, RCOMP, RminiCEOP and RCHOP21 exhibited lower rates in different 3-4 grade AEs and might be reasonable treatment options in the elderly with poor general conditions.

Immune-based therapies in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive and clinically heterogeneous malignancy originating from B-cells with up to 40% of patients experiencing primary refractory disease or relapse after first-line treatment. However, the past 5 years have seen a flurry of new drug approvals for DLBCL anchored upon new immune therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells and antibody-based therapies.

AREAS COVERED

This article summarizes recent advances in the treatment of DLBCL, including in the first line and relapsed and refractory setting (second-line and beyond). A literature search was conducted for publications relevant to the immunotherapeutic approach to DLBCL from 2000 through March 2023 within PubMed and articles were reviewed. The search terms were immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor modified T-cell (CAR-T), and classification of DLBCL. Relevant clinical trials and pre-clinical studies exploring the strengths and weaknesses of current immune therapies against DLBCL were chosen. We additionally explored how intrinsic differences amongst DLBCL subtype biology and endogenous host immune recruitment contribute to variable therapeutic efficacy.

EXPERT OPINION

Future treatments will minimize chemotherapy exposure and be chosen by underlying tumor biology, paving the way for the promise of chemotherapeutic free regimens and improved outcomes for poor-risk subgroups.

An evaluation based on relative treatment intensity in older patients treated with reduced-dose R-THP-COP therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The number of older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is increasing. Although the standard treatment for newly diagnosed younger patients with DLBCL has been established, no consensus has been reached regarding the optimal chemotherapy intensity and regimen for older patients with DLBCL. In addition, no method for evaluating treatment intensity in retrospective studies when different numbers of chemotherapy courses are administered has been elucidated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of a reduced-dose R-THP-COP regimen, which included 30 mg/m² of pirarubicin, in 54 patients with DLBCL who were aged ≥75. To assess treatment intensity, we defined the relative treatment intensity (RTI) as the number of courses administered multiplied by the relative dose intensity (RDI).

RESULTS

The estimated four-year overall survival rates (OS) of the patients aged 75-80 and ≥ 80 were 55.1% and 60.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in four-year OS between these age groups. In our cohort, there was no significant difference in the estimated four-year OS between the patients who received reduced-dose R-THP-COP at an RDI of ≥61% and those that received it at an RDI of <61% (P = 0.35). On the other hand, the patients who received reduced-dose R-THP-COP at an RTI of ≥2.7 exhibited a significantly higher estimated four-year OS than those treated at an RTI of <2.7 (68.5% vs. 28.7%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the RTI was a significant independent predictor of OS. The cumulative incidence of treatment-related mortality (TRM) at one year was 4.2% and 3.4% in the 75-80 and ≥ 80 age groups, respectively. The cumulative incidence of TRM was significantly worse among the patients with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores of ≥2 than among those with CCI scores of 0 or 1.

DISCUSSION

Our study suggests that the reduced-dose R-THP-COP regimen is a suitable treatment option for older patients with DLBCL, especially those with CCI scores of <2. Our study also showed that the RTI may be a valuable tool for assessing treatment intensity in retrospective studies involving older patients.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): Early Patient Management and Emerging Treatment Options

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents a curable disease with a 60-70% chance of cure with current R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy. However, 30-40% of patients are refractory or relapsing. Many attempts failed to improve the outcome of DLBCL patients, including the intensification of R-CHOP regimen, consolidation, or maintenance therapy since the introduction of R-CHOP in 2000. Better understanding of both molecular biology of lymphoma cells and the tumor microenvironment raised the hope for future improvement of DLBCL patients' survival. Novel molecular findings have initiated clinical trials exploring targeted therapy based on driver genetic alterations with an intent to improve survival of high-risk subsets of patients. But the preliminary results remain ambiguous. The approach "agnostic" to specific molecular alterations of lymphoma cell includes antibody-drug conjugates (especially polatuzumab vedotin), immunotherapy comprising different antibodies with immunomodulatory effect (tafasitamab, lenalidomide), and T-cell engaging therapy (bispecific antibodies, early use of CAR T-cell). This approach could increase the cure rates and change the current therapeutic paradigm. However, better prognostic stratification, smarter designs of clinical trials, modification of endpoints including the use of ctDNA are needed. This review covers the complexity of DLBCL management.

First-line Treatment With Bendamustine and Rituximab for Old and Frail Patients With Aggressive Lymphoma: Results of the B-R-ENDA Trial

The incidence of aggressive B-cell lymphomas increases with age, but for elderly or frail patients not eligible for doxorubicin-containing treatment standard therapy remains to be defined. In this prospective, multicenter, phase-2 B-R-ENDA trial, we investigated the feasibility, toxicity, and efficacy of 8 cycles rituximab combined with 6 cycles bendamustine (BR) in elderly or frail aggressive B-cell lymphoma patients: 39 patients aged >80 years and 29 patients aged 61-80 years with elevated Cumulative Illness Rating Scalescore >6 were included. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at 2 years were 45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28%-61%) and 46% (28%-63%) for the patients age >80, as well 32% (13%-51%) and 37% (17%-57%) for frail patients age 64-80, respectively. In a preplanned retrospective analysis, we found no significant differences in PFS and OS comparing the outcome of the 39 patients age >80 years with 40 patients aged 76-80 years treated with 6xR-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) and 2 x rituximab in the RICOVER-60 trial (DSHNHL 1999-1, NCT00052936, EU-20243), yet we detected lower rates of infections and treatment-related deaths in the BR-treated patients. We demonstrate that older and frail patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma who are not able to receive standard CHOP-based therapy can benefit from anthracycline-free therapy as a feasible and effective therapeutic option.

Destroying the Shield of Cancer Stem Cells: Natural Compounds as Promising Players in Cancer Therapy

In a scenario where eco-sustainability and a reduction in chemotherapeutic drug waste are certainly a prerogative to safeguard the biosphere, the use of natural products (NPs) represents an alternative therapeutic approach to counteract cancer diseases. The presence of a heterogeneous cancer stem cell (CSC) population within a tumor bulk is related to disease recurrence and therapy resistance. For this reason, CSC targeting presents a promising strategy for hampering cancer recurrence. Increasing evidence shows that NPs can inhibit crucial signaling pathways involved in the maintenance of CSC stemness and sensitize CSCs to standard chemotherapeutic treatments. Moreover, their limited toxicity and low costs for large-scale production could accelerate the use of NPs in clinical settings. In this review, we will summarize the most relevant studies regarding the effects of NPs derived from major natural sources, e.g., food, botanical, and marine species, on CSCs, elucidating their use in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Optimizing MATRix as remission induction in PCNSL: de-escalated induction treatment in newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the central nervous system (PCNSL) is a rare disorder with an increasing incidence over the past decades. High-level evidence has been reported for the MATRix regimen (high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX), high-dose AraC (HD-AraC), thiotepa and rituximab) followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HCT-ASCT) supporting this approach to be considered a standard therapy in newly diagnosed PCNSL patients ≤ 70 years. However, early treatment-related toxicities (predominantly infectious complications), occurring in up to 28% per MATRix cycle, diminish its therapeutic success. Furthermore, sensitivity to first-line treatment is an independent prognostic factor for improved overall survival (OS) in PCNSL. Thus, patients achieving early partial remission (PR) after 2 cycles of MATRix might be over-treated with 4 cycles, in the context of consolidation HCT-ASCT.

METHODS

This is an open-label, multicentre, randomized phase III trial with two parallel arms. 326 immunocompetent patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL will be recruited from 37 German, 1 Austrian and 12 UK sites. Additional IELSG (International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group) sites are planned. The objective is to demonstrate superiority of a de-escalated and optimised remission induction treatment strategy, followed by HCT-ASCT. Randomization (1:1) will be performed after completion of all screening procedures. Patients in Arm A (control treatment) will receive 4 cycles of MATRix. Patients in Arm B (experimental treatment) will receive a pre-phase (R/HD-MTX), followed by 2 cycles of MATRix. Patients in both arms achieving PR or better will proceed to HCT-ASCT (BCNU, thiotepa). The primary endpoint of the study is event-free-survival (EFS), defined as time from randomization to premature end of treatment due to any reason, lymphoma progression or death whichever occurs first. Secondary endpoints include OS, progression free survival (PFS), toxicity, neurocognitive impairment and quality of life. Minimal follow-up is 24 months.

DISCUSSION

Current treatment options for PCNSL in patients ≤ 70 years have improved remarkably over recent years. However, the potential efficacy benefits are offset by an increased incidence of short-term toxicities which can impact on treatment delivery and hence on survival outcomes. In patients ≤ 70 years with newly diagnosed PCNSL addressing the need to reduce treatment-related toxicity by de-escalating and optimising the induction phase of treatment, is a potentially attractive treatment strategy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German clinical trials registry DRKS00022768 registered June 10th, 2021.

Monoclonal Antibodies in the Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Moving beyond Rituximab

Although rituximab has revolutionized the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a significant proportion of patients experience refractory disease or relapse early after the end of treatment. The lack of effective treatment options in the relapsed/refractory (R/R) setting had made the prognosis of these patients dismal. The initial enthusiasm for novel anti-CD20 antibodies had been short-lived as they failed to prove their superiority to rituximab. Therefore, research has focused on developing novel agents with a unique mechanism of action. Among them, two antibody-drug conjugates, namely polatuzumab vedotin (PolaV) and loncastuximab tesirine, along with tafasitamab, an anti-CD19 bioengineered antibody, have been approved for the treatment of R/R DLBCL. Whereas PolaV has been FDA and EMA approved, EMA has not approved loncastuximab tesirine and tafasitamab yet. Results from randomized trials, as well as real-life data for PolaV have been promising. Novel agents as bispecific antibodies bridging CD3 on T-cells to CD20 have shown very promising results in clinical trials and are expected to gain approval for treatment of R/R DLBCL soon. As the therapeutic armamentarium against DLBCL is expanding, an improvement in survival of patients with R/R and higher cure rates might soon become evident.

Ofatumumab with iphosphamide, etoposide and cytarabine for patients with transplantation-ineligible relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The efficacy of salvage treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients who relapse or progress (rrDLBCL) after initial therapy is limited. Efficacy and safety of ofatumumab with iphosphamide, etoposide and cytarabine (O-IVAC) was evaluated in a single-arm study. Dosing was modified for elderly patients. Patients received up to six cycles of treatment. The primary end-point was the overall response rate (ORR). Patients were evaluated every two cycles and then six and 12 months after treatment. Other end-points included progression-free survival (PFS), event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Seventy-seven patients received salvage treatment with O-IVAC. The average age was 56.8 years; 39% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of at least 3; 78% had disease of Ann Arbor stage 3 or 4; 58% received one or more prior salvage therapies. The ORR for O-IVAC was 54.5%. The median duration of study follow-up was 70 months. The median PFS and EFS were 16.3 months each. The median OS was 22.7 months. Age, ECOG performance status and the number of prior therapy lines were independent predictors of survival. Treatment-related mortality was 15.5%. O-IVAC showed a high response rate in a difficult-to-treat population and is an attractive treatment to bridge to potentially curative therapies.

Global Risk Indicator and Therapy for Older Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Population-Based Study

PURPOSE

To examine the impact of global risk, a measure comprising age, comorbidities, function, and cognitive statuses, on treatment selection and outcomes among older home care recipients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

METHODS

From SEER-Medicare, we selected home care recipients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 2011-2015, who had pretreatment Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) evaluations. We created a global risk indicator categorizing patients as low-, moderate-, or high-risk on the basis of OASIS assessments. We examined the association of global risk with receipt of therapy and among chemotherapy recipients, with mortality, emergency department visits, hospitalization, and intensive care unit admission within 30 days from first treatment in logistic models, reporting adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI. We compared overall survival across risk groups estimating adjusted hazard ratios.

RESULTS

Of the 1,232 patients (median age, 80 years), 65% received chemotherapy. High-risk patients (v moderate-risk) were less likely to receive any chemotherapy (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.64) and curative regimens (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.86) if treated, although even in the moderate-risk group, only 61% received curative regimens. High-risk patients were more likely to experience acute mortality (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.52), emergency department visits (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.83), hospitalization (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.19 to 2.17), or intensive care unit admission (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.22) and had inferior overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.78).

CONCLUSION

Global risk on the basis of OASIS is easily available, suggesting a potential way to improve patient selection for curative treatment and institution of preventive measures.

SWOG 1918: A phase II/III randomized study of R-miniCHOP with or without oral azacitidine (CC-486) in participants age 75 years or older with newly diagnosed aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas - Aiming to improve therapy, outcomes, and validate a prospective frailty tool

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive but potentially curable malignancy; however, cure is highly dependent on the ability to deliver intensive, anthracycline-based chemoimmunotherapy. Nearly one third of cases of DLBCL occur in patients over age 75 years, and advanced age is an important adverse feature in prognostic models. Despite this incidence in older patients, there is no clear accepted standard of care due to under-representation of this group in large randomized clinical trials. Furthermore, insufficient assessments of baseline frailty and prediction of toxicity hamper clinical decision-making. Here, we present an ongoing randomized study of R-miniCHOP chemoimmunotherapy with or without oral azacitidine (CC-486, Onureg) for patients age 75 and older with newly diagnosed DLBCL and associated aggressive lymphomas. The incorporation of an oral hypomethylating agent is based on increased tumor methylation as a biologic feature of older patients with DLBCL and a desire to minimize the injection burden for this population. This is the first randomized study in this population conducted in North America by the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) and will enroll up to 422 patients including 40 patients in a safety run-in phase. This study incorporates an objective assessment of baseline frailty (the FIL Tool) and a serial comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Key correlative tests will include circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays at pre-specified timepoints to explore if ctDNA quantity and methylation patterns correlate with response. S1918 has the potential to impact future trial design and to change the standard of care for patients 75 years and older with aggressive lymphoma given its randomized design, prospective incorporation of geriatric assessments, and exploration of ctDNA correlatives. Trial registration: The trial is registered with ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT04799275.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in patients older than 65 years: analysis of 3 year Real World data of practice patterns and outcomes in England

BACKGROUND

We wished to examine treatment and outcome patterns in older diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, with a focus on the effect of route-to-diagnosis to outcome.

METHODS

Data were extracted from Public Health England's National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service between 2013 and 2015 included route-to-diagnosis, disease characteristics and survival for 9186 patients ≥65 years. Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy data identified front-line regimens, cycles and doses.

RESULTS

Route-to-diagnosis were emergency (34%), NHS urgent cancer pathway (rapid haemato-oncologist review <2 weeks), (29%) and standard GP referral (25%). The most common regimen was R-CHOP (n = 4392). 313 patients received R-miniCHOP (7% of R-CHOP). For all patients, 3-year overall survival (OS) for 65-79 years was 57% and for ≥80 years was 32%. Three-year OS for R-CHOP-treated patients diagnosed via emergency presentation was 54% (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.63, p < 0.01) and 75% (adjusted HR 0.81, p < 0.01) on the NHS urgent cancer pathway (reference HR:1.00: GP referrals). 3-year OS was 54% for both R-miniCHOP and R-CHOP in ≥80 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive population analysis is the first to show that the NHS urgent cancer pathway is associated with a superior survival after adjusting for multiple confounders. Equivalent survival for R-CHOP and R-mini-CHOP was demonstrated in those ≥80 years.

A simplified frailty score predicts survival and can aid treatment-intensity decisions in older patients with DLBCL

A simplified frailty score predicts survival and toxicity in older patients with DLBCL and can inform treatment-intensity decisions.

Full-dose R-CHOP is not superior to R-miniCHOP in older unfit DLBCL patients, whereas older fit patients likely benefit from full-dose R-CHOP.

Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have a median age of 70 years. Yet, empirical knowledge about the treatment of older patients is limited because they are frequently excluded from clinical trials. We aimed to construct a simplified frailty score and examine survival and treatment-related mortality (TRM) according to frailty status and treatment intensity in an older real-world population with DLBCL. All patients aged ≥70 years diagnosed with DLBCL between 2006 and 2016 in southeastern Norway (N = 784) were included retrospectively and divided into training (n = 522) and validation (n = 262) cohorts. We constructed and validated a frailty score based on geriatric assessment variables and examined survival and TRM according to frailty status and treatment. The frailty score identified 3 frailty groups with distinct survival and TRM, independent of established prognostic factors (2-year overall survival [OS]: fit, 82%; unfit, 47%; frail, 14%; P < .001). For fit patients, full-dose R-CHOP (initial dosage >80%) was associated with better survival than attenuated R-CHOP ([R-miniCHOP]; 2-year OS: 86% vs 70%; P = .012), also in adjusted analyses. For unfit and frail patients, full-dose R-CHOP was not superior to R-miniCHOP, whereas an anthracycline-free regimen was associated with poorer survival in adjusted analyses. A simplified frailty score identified unfit and frail patients with a higher risk for death and TRM, which can aid treatment-intensity decisions in older patients with DLBCL. In this study, fit patients benefited from full-dose R-CHOP, whereas unfit and frail patients had no benefit from full-dose R-CHOP over R-miniCHOP. An online calculator for assessment of the frailty score is available at https://wide.shinyapps.io/app-frailty/.

A comprehensive approach to therapy of haematological malignancies in older patients

Haematological malignancies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with diverse incidence. In Europe, the median age at diagnosis across all disease entities is 69 years. Incidence generally increases with age, reaching a maximum at 75-99 years, with the notable exceptions of Hodgkin lymphoma and acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Overall survival for patients aged 75 years and older with haematological malignancies is generally poor, particularly for acute leukaemias. Understanding the heterogeneity in outcomes for haematological malignancies, treatment challenges, and management of frailty and comorbidities among older patients could help physicians to better address the haematological cancer burden and mortality in ageing populations. The aim of this Series paper is to provide an updated overview of the knowledge accumulated over the past decade regarding treatment options and broader management considerations in older adults with haematological malignancies, focusing on the most common entities encountered across lymphoma, acute leukaemia, chronic leukaemia, and multiple myeloma disease categories. Future strategies, such as increasing enrolment rates of older adults in clinical trials and incorporating patient-reported outcome measurements in daily clinical practice, will assist in providing more individualised health care.

Impact of therapeutic management and geriatric evaluation on patient of eighty years and older with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma on survival: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive disease. The first-line treatment is well defined in young patients; however, in oldest old patients treatment remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of therapeutics management and geriatric evaluation on survival in aged patients with DLBCL.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of PubMed and COCHRANE databases of published report on elderly patients (median age 80 and above) with DLBCL, from January 2002 to January 2020.

RESULTS

We included 32 studies (6 prospective and 26 retrospective). Patients treated with anthracyclines-containing chemoimmunotherapy had a 2-year overall survival (OS) of 59%-74.3% in prospective studies and 48.1-64.6% in retrospective studies. With less intensive treatment without anthracyclines, 2-year OS was 28%-53%. Without specific treatment, median OS was 2 months. History of falls and severe comorbidities were associated with a decreased survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoimmunotherapy with anthracyclines increases survival in selected very elderly patients in comparison with less intensive regimen. Geriatric assessment, in particular altered mobility disorders and severe comorbidities, is predictive of survival and should be associated with the therapeutic decision. More comparative studies are needed to guide the management of frailer patients.

Vincristine in Combination Therapy of Cancer: Emerging Trends in Clinics

Treatment of blood malignancies and other cancer diseases has been mostly unfeasible, so far. Therefore, novel treatment regimens should be developed and the currently used ones should be further elaborated. A stable component in various cancer treatment regimens consists of vincristine, an antimitotic compound of natural origin. Despite its strong anticancer activity, mostly, it cannot be administered as monotherapy due to its unspecific action and severe side effects. However, vincristine is suitable for combination therapy. Multidrug treatment regimens including vincristine are standardly applied in the therapy of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other malignancies, in which it is combined with drugs of different mechanisms of action, mainly with DNA-interacting compounds (for example cyclophosphamide), or drugs interfering with DNA synthesis (for example methotrexate). Besides, co-administration of vincristine with monoclonal antibodies has also emerged, the typical example of which is the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab. Although in some combination anticancer therapies, vincristine has been replaced with other drugs exhibiting lesser side effects, though, in most cases, it is still irreplaceable. This is strongly evidenced by the number of active clinical trials evaluating vincristine in combination cancer therapy. Therefore, in this article, we have reviewed the most common cancer treatment regimens employing vincristine and bring an overview of current trends in the clinical development of this compound.

Limited-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: current management and challenges

Twenty-five to thirty per cent of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presents as limited stage (I-II). Prognosis is generally excellent with four to six cycles of R-CHOP alone (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisolone) or combined-modality therapy with three or four cycles and involved-site radiotherapy (RT). There is growing interest in optimising algorithms to retain disease control whilst minimising long-term toxicity, with several recent studies focusing on the safety of abbreviating chemotherapy and omitting RT in low-risk patients and the utility of PET-based response-adapted approaches. As these studies are limited to younger patients without risk factors, application of similar approaches in elderly or higher-risk patients is hampered by a lack of evidence. Whilst there has been a move away from using RT in low-risk patients, it remains a useful adjunct in specific situations. Current evidence cannot exclude a clinically meaningful benefit from RT even in low-risk patients and, given the low expected toxicity from modern RT techniques, a risk-benefit assessment should be individualised and considered in a multidisciplinary fashion. The optimal approach for extranodal limited-stage DLBCL (~40% of cases) varies according to site of origin. Herein we discuss the latest clinical trial evidence and how this can be applied in routine practice.

Clinical impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment in patients aged 80 years and older with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma receiving rituximab-mini-CHOP: a single-institute retrospective study

PURPOSE

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) has been used to help identify elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who were suitable for rituximab combined with CHOP therapy (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisolone), but there are few reports of CGA for elderly patients with DLBCL who received R-mini-CHOP.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for outcomes among 142 patients aged 80 years and older (≤ 85 years, n = 102; > 85 years, n = 40) with DLBCL who received R-mini-CHOP at 4-week intervals at our institute between 2008 and 2019. We performed a comparison between CGA and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in progression-free survival between patients with international prognostic index (IPI) scores of > 3 and ≤ 3 at diagnosis and in overall survival between patients with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores of ≥ 5 and IADL < 5 before the initial treatment and patients aged ≤ 85 years and > 85 years.

CONCLUSION

Strategies that carefully select elderly patients aged 80 years and older with DLBCL using CGA may help to identify individuals suitable for novel therapies.

Case Report: Successful Management of a Refractory Plasmablastic Lymphoma Patient With Tislelizumab and Lenalidomide

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive hematological malignancy. PBL commonly occurs in immune incompetent patients, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), post-transplant status, or immunosenescence. Given its rarity, there is no specific standard treatment for PBL. However, small case series have shown that intensive chemotherapies combined with anti-myeloma agents such as bortezomib and lenalidomide were effective in treating PBL. Unfortunately, some fragile patients could not tolerate intensive chemotherapeutic regimens, especially the elderly patients. Here we presented a 76-year-old female PBL patient refractory to miniCHOP regimen combined with bortezomib but achieved complete remission when treated with tislelizumab combined with lenalidomide, indicating that immune therapy may be a potential treatment for PBL. To our knowledge, this is the first chemoresistant PBL patient that has been successfully treated with checkpoint inhibitor plus lenalidomide, thus providing new insight towards PBL management.

Infection-related morbidity and mortality among older patients with DLBCL treated with full- or attenuated-dose R-CHOP

Infection-related morbidity and mortality are increased in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) compared with population-matched controls. Key predictive factors for infection-related hospitalization during treatment with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and deaths as a result of infection in older patients during and after treatment with R-CHOP remain incompletely understood. For this study, 690 consecutively treated patients age 70 years or older who received full-dose or attenuated-dose R-CHOP treatment were analyzed for risk of infection-related hospitalization and infection-related death. Median age was 77 years, and 34.4% were 80 years old or older. Median follow-up was 2.8 years (range, 0.4-8.9 years). Patient and baseline disease characteristics were assessed in addition to intended dose intensity (IDI). Of all patients, 72% were not hospitalized with infection. In 331 patients receiving an IDI ≥80%, 33% were hospitalized with ≥1 infections compared with 23.3% of 355 patients receiving an IDI of <80% (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.25; P = .006). An increased risk of infection-related admission was independently associated with IDI >80% across the whole cohort. Primary quinolone prophylaxis independently reduced infection-related admission. A total of 51 patients died as a result of infection. The 6-month, 12-month, 2-year, and 5-year cumulative incidences of infection-related death were 3.3%, 5.0%, 7.2%, and 11.1%, respectively. Key independent factors associated with infection-related death were an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score of 3 to 5, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) score ≥6, and low albumin, which enabled us to generate a predictive risk score. We defined a smaller group (15%) of patients (IPI score of 0-2, albumin >36 g/L, CIRS-G score <6) in which no cases of infection-related deaths occurred at 5 years of follow-up. Whether patients at higher risk of infection-related death could be targeted with enhanced antimicrobial prophylaxis remains unknown and will require a randomized trial.

The use of frailty assessments in treating older adults with aggressive lymphomas

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) are most commonly diagnosed among people aged 65-74 years, with a median age at diagnosis of 67 years. The percentage of NHL-related deaths is highest among people aged 75-84 years, with a median age at death of 76 years from cases between 2014 and 2018. In light of these recent data, attending physicians of patients with NHL will recognize that the majority of their patients will be of advanced age, with many suffering from a spectrum of frailties. The excess rate of death among older adults with NHL may be related to a range of different factors such as more challenging biologic features, undertreatment received due to a patient's chronology and treatment-related toxicity. The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the knowledge generated over recent years regarding epidemiology, prognosis and treatment options in older adults with lymphoma, focusing on Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) where the most robust evidence base is available.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in very elderly patients: Towards best tailored treatment - A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Diffuse large B cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is a potentially curative lymphoma with increasing incidence with ageing. Treatment of elderly DLBCL patients represents a particular challenge due to their comorbidities and performance status.

METHODS

A search for original articles focused on the treatment of elderly DLBCL patients was performed in PubMed database and 633 were found and reviewed. Thirty-eight studies meeting our inclusion criteria were published since 2007.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were retrospective and 25 phase II/III clinical trials. Most of them investigated the efficacy of dose-adjusted R-CHOP regimen. Alternative therapeutic drugs together with geriatric assessment were also evaluated. For fit patients aged 80 and over, the strongest evidence favours R-miniCHOP regimen.

CONCLUSION

A dose-adjusted R-CHOP may be the recommended treatment in elderly DLBCL patients. New tools such as the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment provide useful guidance for treatment choice, based on comorbidities and frailty index of this group.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Large B-cell lymphomas, with an estimated 150,000 new cases annually worldwide, represent almost 30% of all cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Patients typically present with progressive lymphadenopathy, extranodal disease, or both and require therapy. Despite the advanced stage at presentation in the majority of patients, more than 60% can be cured with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) immunochemotherapy (Fig. 1A). Patients with treatment failure after R-CHOP often have a poor outcome — in particular, those with disease that is refractory to frontline or subsequent therapies — although some patients can have a durable remission and be cured after secondary therapies. Over the past two decades, improved insights into large B-cell lymphomas, in terms of epidemiology, prognostic factors, and biologic heterogeneity, have led to a refinement of disease classification and the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Simplified Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: The Prospective Elderly Project of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi

PURPOSE

To prospectively validate the use of a simplified geriatric assessment (sGA) at diagnosis and to integrate it into a prognostic score for older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS

We conducted the prospective Elderly Project study on patients with DLBCL older than 64 years who underwent our Fondazione Italiana Linfomi original geriatric assessment (oGA) (age, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living) before treatment. Treatment choice was left to the physician's discretion. The primary end point was overall survival (OS) (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02364050).

RESULTS

We analyzed 1,163 patients (median age 76 years), with a 3-year OS of 65% (95% CI, 62 to 68). Because at multivariate analysis on oGA, age > 80 years retained an independent correlation with OS, we also developed a new, simplified version of the GA (sGA) that classifies patients as fit (55%), unfit (28%), and frail (18%) with significantly different 3-year OS of 75%, 58%, and 43%, respectively. The sGA groups, International Prognostic Index, and hemoglobin levels were independent predictors of OS and were used to build the Elderly Prognostic Index (EPI). Three risk groups were identified: low (23%), intermediate (48%), and high (29%), with an estimated 3-year OS of 87% (95% CI, 81 to 91), 69% (95% CI, 63 to 73), and 42% (95% CI, 36 to 49), respectively. The EPI was validated using an independent external series of 328 cases.

CONCLUSION

The Elderly Project validates sGA as an objective tool to assess fitness status and defines the new EPI to predict OS of older patients with DLBCL.

Subcutaneous Rituximab-MiniCHOP Compared With Subcutaneous Rituximab-MiniCHOP Plus Lenalidomide in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma for Patients Age 80 Years or Older

PURPOSE

The prognosis of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is worse than that of young patients. An attenuated dose of chemotherapy-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone plus rituximab (R-miniCHOP)-is a good compromise between efficacy and safety in very elderly patients. In combination with R-CHOP (R2-CHOP), lenalidomide has an acceptable level of toxicity and may mitigate the negative prognosis of the non-germinal center B-cell-like phenotype. The Lymphoma Study association conducted a multicentric, phase III, open-label, randomized trial to compare R-miniCHOP and R2-miniCHOP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients of age 80 years or older with untreated DLBCL were randomly assigned into the R-miniCHOP21 group or the R2-miniCHOP21 group for six cycles and stratified according to CD10 expression and age. The first cycle of rituximab was delivered by IV on D1 after a prephase and then delivered subcutaneously on D1 of cycles 2-6. Lenalidomide was delivered at a dose of 10 mg once daily on D1-D14 of each cycle. The primary end point was overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

A total of 249 patients with new DLBCL were randomly assigned (127 R-miniCHOP and 122 R2-miniCHOP). The median age was 83 years (range, 80-96), and 55% of the patients were classified as non-GCB. The delivered dose for each R-miniCHOP compound was similar in both arms. Over a median follow-up of 25.1 months, the intention-to-treat analysis revealed that R2-miniCHOP did not improve OS (2-year OS 66% in R-miniCHOP and 65.7% in R2-miniCHOP arm, P = .98) in the overall population or in the non-GCB population. Grade 3-4 adverse events occurred in 53% of patients with R-miniCHOP and in 81% of patients with R2-miniCHOP.

CONCLUSION

The addition of lenalidomide to R-miniCHOP does not improve OS. Rituximab delivered subcutaneously was safe in this population.

New agents and regimens for diffuse large B cell lymphoma

As a widely recognized standard regimen, R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is able to cure two-thirds patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and the remaining patients suffer from refractory or relapsed disease due to resistance to R-CHOP and fare poorly. Unsatisfied outcomes for those relapsed/refractory patients prompted efforts to discover new treatment approaches for DLBCL, including chimeric antigen receptor T cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunomodulatory drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, molecular pathway inhibitors, and epigenetic-modifying drugs. Herein, up-to-date data about the most promising treatment approaches for DLBCL are recapitulated, and novel genetic classification systems are introduced to guide individualized treatment for DLBCL.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Older Patients

Most patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are diagnosed at age 60 years or older. Challenges to effective therapy among older individuals include unfavorable biologic features of DLBCL, geriatric vulnerabilities, suboptimal treatment selection, and toxicities of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Wider application of geriatric assessments may help identify fit older patients who benefit from standard immunochemotherapy without unnecessary dose reductions. Conversely, attenuated regimens may provide a better balance of risk and benefit for selected unfit or frail patients. Supportive care with the use of corticosteroid-based prephase, prophylactic growth factors, and early institution of supportive and palliative care can help maximize treatment tolerance. Several novel or emerging therapies have demonstrated favorable toxicity profiles, thus facilitating effective treatment for elderly patients. In the relapsed or refractory setting, patients who are not candidates for stem cell transplantation can benefit from newly approved options including polatuzumab vedotin-based combinations or tafasitamab plus lenalidomide, which may have higher efficacy and/or lower toxicity than historical chemotherapy regimens. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy has been successfully applied to older patients outside of clinical trials. In the first-line setting, emerging immunotherapy options (bispecific antibodies) and targeted therapies (anti-CD20 antibodies combined with lenalidomide and/or B-cell receptor inhibitors) may provide chemotherapy-free approaches for DLBCL. Enrolling older patients in clinical trials will be paramount to fully examine potential efficacy and toxicity of these strategies. In this review, we discuss recent advances in fitness stratification and therapy that have expanded curative options for older patients, as well as future opportunities to improve outcomes in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Management of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in older patients poses challenges due to aggressive disease biology and geriatric vulnerability. Although R-CHOP remains standard first-line treatment, geriatric assessment may help evaluate patients' fitness for immunochemotherapy. Corticosteroid prephase, prophylactic growth factors, and early palliative care can improve tolerance of treatment. Novel salvage options (polatuzumab vedotin-based combinations, tafasitamab plus lenalidomide) or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy should be considered in the relapsed or refractory setting for patients ineligible for stem cell transplantation. Emerging immunotherapies (bispecific antibodies) and targeted therapies provide potential first-line chemotherapy-free approaches, which need to be rigorously assessed in clinical trials that involve geriatric patients.

Approaches to aggressive B-cell lymphomas in less fit patients

Treating unfit patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma poses the dilemma of balancing potential cure while minimizing toxicity because of frailty and comorbidities. Age greater than 80 years and common comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus often preclude the use of full-dose anthracyclines and steroids, the backbones of standard regimens for aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Assessing patient fitness remains subjective, with no consensus on best practice or how to integrate assessment tools into decision making. Incorporation of prephase steroids for all unfit patients may markedly improve performance status with consideration of standard dose therapy, especially in patients less than age 80. Although randomized studies are lacking, current data suggest patients age ≥ 80 years are considered unfit a priori and should receive dose-reduced anthracycline regimens or anthracycline-free regimens. Severe toxicity is highest after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Dose reductions for cycle 1 in unfit patients with plans to escalate as tolerated is often an effective strategy. Unfit patients often benefit from comanagement with gerontologists, cardio-oncologists, and endocrinologists depending on age and the nature of comorbidities. Palliative therapy for patients with newly diagnosed aggressive B-cell lymphoma results in median survivals of less than 3 months, and in general, should only be considered in patients with untreatable comorbidities such as advanced dementia or refractory metastatic solid tumors. Incorporating new, potentially less toxic agents such as novel antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and bispecific antibodies into first-line therapy is an exciting future direction with potential for substantial benefit in less fit patients.

Age-dependent increase of treatment-related mortality in older patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma: analysis of outcome, treatment feasibility, and toxicity in 1171 elderly patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma-data from phase II and III trials of the DSHNHL (German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Study Group)

In elderly patients (pts) with aggressive B cell lymphoma (aNHL), curative treatment often cannot be administered because of comorbidities and tolerability. We analyzed the influence of age in pts > 60 years receiving the R-CHOP-14 regimen within different prospective DSHNHL trials. Of the RICOVER-60 trial and CHOP-R-ESC trials, 1171 aNHL pts were included in this retrospective analysis of age-dependent event-free survival (EFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). All patients received prophylactic G-CSF, and anti-infective prophylaxis with amphotericin B mouth wash and oral fluorchinolone was optional. In the CHOP-R-ESC trials, prophylaxis was augmented to include mandatory continuous orally administered aciclovir and a pneumocystis prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole as well as oral fluorchinolones during neutropenia. The patient population was separated into 4 age groups (61-65 years, 66-70 years, 71-75 years, and 76-80 years). The results from the RICOVER-60 trial were subsequently confirmed in the following CHOP-R-ESC trials by a multivariate analysis adjusted for IPI factors and gender. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in EFS, PFS, and OS were seen between age groups (RICOVER-60). Hematotoxicity, infections, and TRM increased with age. TRM was significantly elevated in the age group 76-80 years. Therefore, this analysis shows that an age above 75 years defines an especially vulnerable patient population when being treated with chemoimmunotherapy for aNHL. Prophylactic anti-infective drugs are essential and clinically effective in reducing morbidity when treating elderly aNHL pts.

Fractures are common within 18 months following first-line R-CHOP in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and osteoporotic fracture are both more common in older patients. Exposure to R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) is likely to increase the risk of fracture, but evidence is lacking to define fracture incidence in this group. Data on consecutive patients with DLBCL aged ≥70 years treated with 1 to 8 cycles of full or attenuated R-CHOP were retrospectively collected across 10 UK centers (2009-2019). Patients were followed up from starting R-CHOP for a minimum of 6 months and censored at 18 months; at last follow-up if <18 months; or at progression or death. Of 877 patients identified, 148 were excluded: 121 had progression or died before 6 months; 23 had follow-up <6 months. Across 729 remaining patients, the median age was 77 years, and 68% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1. Eighty-one fractures occurred within 18 months of follow-up; 42 were symptomatic, including 30 requiring hospital attendance or admission. The cumulative fracture incidence was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7-8.2) at 6 months; 9.7% (95% CI, 7.8-12.1) at 12 months; and 11.4% (95% CI, 9.3-14.0) at 18 months. Multivariate analysis identified a predisposing history (osteoporosis, osteopenia, prior fracture, and rheumatoid arthritis [RhA]), DLBCL bone involvement at baseline, and receipt of prephase steroids as independent risk factors for fracture. There is a clinically relevant fracture risk and significant associated morbidity in older patients receiving R-CHOP. Careful attention to bone health is warranted in older patients receiving R-CHOP. Randomized studies are required to better define the most effective strategies to reduce fracture risk.

Frontline therapy with R-CHOP for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Where have we come (or not come)? A Perspective

A major evolution in the treatment of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occurred almost two decades ago, with clinical trials demonstrating that the addition of rituximab (R) to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP), which had been the "gold standard" of therapy since 1976, significantly improved outcome, including response rate and disease-free survival, of these patients. Since the adoption of R-CHOP, subsequent clinical trials have attempted to improve upon outcomes achieved with R-CHOP, with a variety of approaches examined. These have included dose intensification, which may be applicable in younger patients, but not in the many older or frailer patients with a disease with median age at diagnosis in the 60's. Newer anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies have been substituted for rituximab in frontline regimens. A series of new agents, with unique mechanisms of action, have been added to the R-CHOP backbone. Rituximab-based, non-anthracycline regimens have been studied for older, more frail patients. The utility of maintenance therapy in responding patients has been re-examined, despite the lack of benefit found in the US Intergroup trial. Advances in molecular and genetic aspects of DLBCL have emerged since the seminal R-CHOP trials, demonstrating the DLBCL is not a single entity, but instead a spectrum of multiple disease subtypes. Attempts have been made to identify those patients at baseline who have poorer outcomes with standard approaches, utilizing laboratory and imaging findings. Moving forward, different risk-adapted treatment approaches will be studied to in an effort to improve overall outcome beyond R-CHOP.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Elderly: Current Approaches

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may face challenges in treatment due to comorbidities and tolerance of chemotherapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Older patients are at increased risk for treatment-related toxicity if they are unfit or frail by comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA); however, treatment with non-anthracycline chemotherapy is associated with inferior outcomes in fit and unfit patients. Many older patients remain curable with standard R-CHOP chemotherapy. Careful assessment of frailty, function, and comorbidities using CGA may aid clinicians in initial therapy choices.