Primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: The role of dose-dense chemotherapy:

ObjectiveTo assess if the use of a dose-dense regimen of chemotherapy can improve the prognosis in patients with primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in early stages (I–II) but associated with worse prognostic factors.MethodsOne hundred and eight consecutive patients with primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in early stages (I–II) with high serum levels of lactic dehydrogenase and beta 2 microglobulin (more than >2 of normal levels), which were associated with a worse prognostic outcome, were treated with a dose-dense chemotherapy: CHOP with increased doses of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, was administered every 14 days (instead of 21 days). The end points of this study were to improve outcome measured from progression-free survival and overall survival and to evaluate acute toxicities.ResultsComplete response was achieved in 85 patients (78%). Actuarial curves at five years show that progression-free survival was 82% and overall survival was 85%. Hematological toxicities were severe...