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Multiple-Dose Rituximab in FCR Regimen
Is it efficacious in newly diagnosed CLL?
A regimen of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and multiple-dose rituximab (FCR3) resulted in response rates, time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS) similar to those of patients treated with FCR, and was associated with an increased incidence of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) and therapy-related acute myelogenous leukemia (t-AML). This according to a study of 65 patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with FCR3 and a historical cohort treated with FCR. Researchers found that for FCR3 patients:
| Variable | Result |
| Overall response rate | 97% |
| Complete remission | 75% |
| Minimal residual disease negativity | 62% |
| Median TTP | 81 months |
| Median OS | not reached |
| Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia | 45% |
| Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia | 5% |
| Major infections | 1.9% |
| t-MDS or t-AML developed | 11% |
Citation: Short NJ, Keating MJ, Wierda WG, et al. Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and multiple-dose rituximab as frontline therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. [Published online ahead of print July 28, 2015]. Cancer. doi: 10.1002/cncr.29605.