First-Line Rituximab for Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma

All patients with stage IA disease responded to therapy; 81% remained in remission at 3 years.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) — an unusual subtype with variant morphology, CD20-positive Reed-Sternberg cells — is clinically and biologically distinct from classical HL.

Given the activity of single-agent rituximab in relapsed NLPHL (Blood 2008; 111:109), German investigators conducted a phase II, multicenter trial in which rituximab (375 mg/m² weekly for 4 weeks) was administered to 28 patients with newly diagnosed stage IA NLPHL.

All patients responded to treatment; 24 (86%) achieved complete remission, and the remaining 4 achieved partial remission. Progression-free survival rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 96%, 85%, and 81%, respectively. Toxicities were generally mild, as anticipated for rituximab therapy.

Reviewing Author

Michael E. Williams, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee

Michael E. Williams, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee