VcR-CVAD Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Maintenance Rituximab Produces Durable Remissions in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A Wisconsin Oncology Network Study

Abstract Introduction VcR-CVAD was developed as an intermediate-intensity induction regimen with maintenance rituximab (MR) to improve remission durations after first-line therapy for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in older and younger patients with MCL. Patients and Methods Patients with previously untreated MCL received VcR-CVAD induction chemotherapy for 6 cycles (21-day cycles). Patients achieving at least a partial response received rituximab consolidation (375 mg/m 2  × 4 weekly doses) and MR (375 mg/m 2 every 12 weeks × 20 doses). The primary endpoints were overall and complete response (CR), and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Thirty patients were enrolled, with a median age of 61 years. There was an even distribution of patients  Conclusions Long-term outcomes with VcR-CVAD are comparable with more intensive inductions and consolidation approaches. MCL is biologically heterogeneous, and durable remission can be achieved with intermediate intensity therapy. MR appears to contribute to these excellent outcomes.