The treatment of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: a two decades monocentric experience with 98 patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the most suitable first-line approach and the best combination treatment for primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMLBCL) as they have been matter of debate for at least two decades.

METHODS: Our single centre experience in the treatment of 98 de novo PMLBCL patients over the last 20 years is reviewed. All patients received MACOP-B chemotherapy. Thirty-seven received both rituximab and mediastinal radiotherapy; 30 were irradiated after chemotherapy, although not receiving rituximab and 20 received rituximab without radiotherapy consolidation. Eleven patients received chemotherapy only.

RESULTS: Sixty-one (62.2%) patients achieved a complete response after MACOP-B (with or without rituximab); among the 27 (27.6%) partial responders, 21 obtained a complete response after radiotherapy. At the end of their scheduled treatment, 82 patients (83.7%) had a complete and 6 a partial response (6.1%). Eleven patients relapsed within the first 2 years of follow-up. The 17-year overall survival is 72.0% (15 patients died); progression-free and disease-free survival are 67.6% and 88.4%, respectively. A statistically significant difference in overall and progression-free survival was noted among treatment groups, although no disease-free survival difference was documented.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that a third-generation regimen like MACOP-B could be considered a suitable first-line treatment. Mediastinal consolidation radiotherapy impacts on survival and complete response rates and remains a good strategy to convert partial into complete responses. Data suggest that radiotherapy may be avoided in patients obtaining a complete response after (immuno)chemotherapy, but this requires confirmation with further ad hoc studies.