Role of taxanes in the treatment of advanced NHL patients: A randomized study of 87 cases.

NHL is a highly chemo-sensitive as well as radiosensitive disease. From May 2005 to June 2010, 87 patients were randomised into 2 arms. The control arm received the standard CHOP regimen + IFRT, whereas the study arm received Paclitaxel, 135/m2 additionally. The results showed a better Overall Response (87% vs 78%) in the study arm. The 3yr and 5yr overall survival were significantly better in the study arm (89% vs 77%, pvalue <0.05; 83% vs 67%, p-value <0.05). However, the incidence and severity of the side effects, haematological and nonhaematological were enhanced but manageable in the study arm.