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Treatment of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

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Abstract

With the implementation of rituximab, tremendous progress has been achieved in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Nevertheless, the majority of patients with DLBCL are over the age of 65 years and the management of these patients is often suboptimal. Standard chemo-immunotherapy with curative approach should be appropriate for all elderly patients who can tolerate it. Therefore, a careful evaluation of each patient is mandatory prior to treatment allocation. R- CHOP regimen (rituximab, cyclophosphamide doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) remains the standard of care, but special attention has to be paid to rigorous supportive care. Patients not fit enough for R-CHOP are candidates for dose-reduced therapy or other palliative strategies.

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  1. 3rd Medical Department for Hematology and Oncology, Hanusch Krankenhaus, Heinrich Collinstrasse 30, 1140, Wien, Austria

    Thomas Nösslinger MD

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  1. Thomas Nösslinger MD
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Correspondence to Thomas Nösslinger MD.

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Nösslinger, T. Treatment of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. memo 9, 8–12 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12254-016-0248-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12254-016-0248-6

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