Effects of a combined Rituximab and CHOP regimen in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of rituximab plus CHOP in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Methods A total of 48 patients with histopathologically confirmed CD20-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were randomly assigned into two groups:24 received CHOP plus rituximab(R-CHOP group),and 24 received CHOP alone(CHOP group).All patients received six chemotherapy cycles,and the therapeutic effect was assessed. Results The overall response rate was 91.7%(22/24) in the R-CHOP group and 66.7%(16/24) in the CHOP group(P0.05).The 1-and 3-year survival rates were 95.8% and 83.3% in the RCHOP group,and 74.7% and 50.0% in the CHOP group.The 1-and 3-year progression-free rates were significantly higher in the RCHOP group(82.6% and 62.8%) than in the CHOP group(57.3% and 37.2%, P0.05).The major side effects in the two groups were myelosuppression,gastrointestinal toxicity and infusion-related adverse reactions.The two groups did not differ significantly in adverse reactions, except chills and fever. Conclusion Combination chemotherapy including Rituximab and CHOP(R-CHOP) is effective and well-tolerated by patients, suggesting it is a good treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.