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Individualized Fludarabine-Based Regimen in Elderly Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

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Abstract

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a fludarabine-based individualized regimen in elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL).

Methods

Sixteen patients were treated with the individual regimen of fludarabine combined with rituximab. Adverse reactions and efficacy of treatment were observed.

Results

Sixteen patients received a total of 69 courses of immunochemotherapy, with an average administration of 275 mg fludarabine per person. The overall response rate was 81.3% (13/16), in which seven cases (43.8%) achieved complete remission, six cases (37.5%) achieved partial remission, two cases (12.5%) had stable disease, and one case (6.3%) developed disease progression. The most frequent side effect was myelosuppression. Two patients experienced grade 3–4 cytopenia, one case developed a grade 3 infection, and no treatment-related death was observed.

Conclusion

The individual regimen of fludarabine combined with rituximab demonstrated marked clinical efficacy and acceptable toxicity in elderly patients with CLL/SLL.

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Correspondence to Hong-Li Zhu.

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Guo, B., Zhu, HL., Fan, H. et al. Individualized Fludarabine-Based Regimen in Elderly Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma. Adv Therapy 29, 178–186 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-011-0097-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-011-0097-y

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