Recent data suggest high-dose dexamethasone combined with rituximab ((R-dex)(low total cumulative dose of dexamethason)) as effective as high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) with rituximab but may be less toxic.
60 patients with relapsed/refractory CLL retrospectively analyzed after treatment with R-dex (Rituximab 500 mg/m2 i.v. day 1 (375 mg/m2 in cycle 1) and dexamethasone 40 mg orally on days 1-4 and 10-13 every 3 weeks for 8 cycles).
Overall response (ORR)/complete remissions (CR) achieved in 75/3%. At median follow-up of 9 months, median progression-free survival 8 months and median overall survival 24 months.
Bulky lymphadenopathy and refractoriness to fludarabine associated with short PFS. Serious infections occurred in 29% of patients.
- R-Dex active and feasible treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory CLL; however, major infections remain relatively frequent.
View the original abstract on the ASH website.
