Use of R-mini-CHP in combination with polatuzumab vedotin (pola-R-mini-CHP) as the primary treatment in >=80-year-old cases with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

• Published in: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hematopathology 2023, Vol.63 (4), p.262-265
• Main Authors: Yasunobu Sekiguchi, Hiroki Tsutsumi, Ayumi Gomyo, Masahisa Kudo, Yoshie Iizaki, Nobuo Maseki, Machiko Kawamura, Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Yu Nishimura, Hiroaki Kanda, Hideaki Nitta, Masaaki Noguchi, Hirofumi Kobayashi
• Format: Article
• Language: Japanese
• ISSN: 1346-4280

In Japan, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) accounts for about 40% of all hematologic malignancies diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for about 45% of all NHLs, and is the most common hematologic malignancy encountered in clinical practice. Furthermore, the incidence of DLBCL is on the rise among the elderly, and cases aged >=80 years account for approximately 23%. The incidence of DLBCL in this age group is likely to increase further in the future, with the aging of the population. The prognosis of DLBCL is known to be poorer in older than in younger cases. This is considered to be due to a higher frequency of comorbidities and reduced organ function reserve than in younger cases, resulting in a higher incidence of adverse events (AEs) and earlier mortality. In addition, in the elderly aged >=80 years, it is known that the frequency of the activated B-cell (ABC) type is higher, accounting for about 60% to 70%, and also that the BCL2 and MYC gene expressions and cytogenetic complexity increase. These factors are considered to be associated with a poor prognosis. Notwithstanding, there is no established treatment for DLBCL in this age group.