Articles

Challenges in the management of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in older and much older patients

BJH - volume 6, issue 1, march 2015

M. Maerevoet MD, J. Vouriot MD, N. Meuleman MD, PhD, D. Bron MD, PhD

Introduction

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a frequent pathology in older individuals, and though curable by R-CHOP 21, treatment toxicity increases in frail patients. Therefore, therapeutic choices have to take into account Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in addition to Performance Status, but reliable and standardised clinical decision-making tools are sorely lacking. However, Mabthera-containing treatments adapted for frail patients and co-morbidities can be used with a satisfactory survival rate at two years. Nevertheless, the main cause of death remains disease progression.

(BELG J HEMATOL 2014;6(1):4–9)

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