Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and rituximab versus epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, prednisone and rituximab for the initial treatment of elderly “fit” patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: results from the ANZINTER3 trial of the Intergruppo Italiano Linfomi

We conducted a prospective study to compare epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, prednisone and rituximab (R-miniCEOP) to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and rituximab (R-CHOP) for the treatment of “fit” elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Patients over the age of 65 with stage II-IV DLBCL were screened with a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Patients were randomized to receive 6 courses of R-miniCEOP (114) or R-CHOP (110). Overall, the rate of complete remission was 70% (P=0.466). After a median follow-up of 42 months, 5-year EFS rates were 46% and 48% for R-miniCEOP and R-CHOP, respectively (P = 0.538). Patients older than 72 years and with low risk disease had a better outcome when treated with R-miniCEOP (P=0.011). Overall R-CHOP and R-miniCEOP are similarly effective for elderly “fit” patients with DLBCL. The less intense R-miniCEOP may be an acceptable option for the treatment of relatively older patients with low-risk disease.