Bendamustine plus rituximab is effective and has a favorable toxicity profile in the treatment of mantle cell and low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Purpose The aim of this multicenter-study was to evaluate the progression-free survival, response rate and toxicity of the combination of bendamustine and rituximab (BR) in patients with mantle cell or low-grade lymphomas in first to third relapse or refractory to previous treatment. Patients and Methods A total of 245 courses (median, four courses per patient) were administered to 63 patients. Bendamustine was given at a dose of go mg/m(2) as a 30-minute infusion on days 1 and 2, combined with 375 mg/m(2) rituximab on day 1, for a maximum of four cycles every 4 weeks. Histologies were 24 follicular, 16 mantle cell, 17 lymphoplasmacytoid, and six marginal zone lymphoma. Results Fifty-seven of 63 patients responded to BR, corresponding to an overall response rate of 90 % (95 % Cl, 80 % to 96 %) with a complete remission rate (CR) of 60 % (95 % Cl, 47 % to 72 %). The median time of progression-free survival was 24 months (range, 5 to 44+ months), and the median duration of overall survival has not yet been reached. In mantle cell lymphomas, BR showed a considerable activity, achieving a response rate of 75 % (95 % Cl, 48 % to 93 %) with a CB rate of 50 %. Myelosuppression was the major toxicity, with 16 % grade 3 and 4 leukocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was rare, with only 3 % grade 3 and 4. Conclusion These results demonstrate that the BB combination is a highly active regimen in the treatment of low-grade lymphomas and mantle cell lymphomas. (c) 2005 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.