Treatment of diffuse large cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas

Abstract

Advanced stages of diffuse mixed lymphoma, diffuse histiocytic or large cell lymphoma, and diffuse undifferentiated non-Burkitt’s lymphoma have traditionally been considered rapidly progressive, fatal diseases. During the 1960s, few of these patients survived for five years [1]. In 1975, it became apparent that combination chemotherapy could achieve long-term disease-free survival in advanced diffuse histiocytic lymphoma [2]. This observation was confirmed soon thereafter [3–6] and, by 1977, it was established that complete remissions, documented by re-evaluation of all initially involved sites, could be obtained in approximately 40–50% of these patients, and that 75–80% of the complete responders would have long-term disease-free survival. In 1983, results of the ProMACE-MOPP treatment program suggested further improvement in these therapeutic results [7]. Several other studies also indicated significantly prolonged survival [8–10]. At present, long-term disease-free survival may be achieved in approximately 60% of all patients with advanced stages of diffuse aggressive lymphomas.