From the Research
Bendamustine and rituximab (BR) is the recommended first-line treatment for patients with mantle cell lymphoma, as it has been shown to improve progression-free survival compared to R-CHOP. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which demonstrated that BR is an effective first-line option for most patients with mantle cell lymphoma, with an overall response rate of 88% and a complete response rate of 54% 1.
Key Points
- The study published in Blood Advances in 2020 found that BR was associated with significant improvements in progression-free survival, but not overall survival, compared to R-CHOP in the whole cohort and in those over 65 years of age 1.
- Another study published in Leukemia & Lymphoma in 2019 also supported the use of BR as a first-line treatment for mantle cell lymphoma, particularly in transplant-ineligible patients 2.
- The choice of treatment for mantle cell lymphoma depends on various factors, including the patient's age, fitness, and risk factors, and should be individualized based on these factors.
- Novel targeted agents, such as ibrutinib, have also shown promise in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma, particularly in patients with high-risk features or those who are not eligible for intensive therapy 3.
Treatment Options
- Bendamustine and rituximab (BR) is a recommended first-line treatment for patients with mantle cell lymphoma.
- R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is also a commonly used treatment regimen, but has been shown to have inferior progression-free survival compared to BR.
- Novel targeted agents, such as ibrutinib, may be considered for patients with high-risk features or those who are not eligible for intensive therapy.
Future Directions
- Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel targeted agents in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma.
- The development of new treatment strategies, such as combination therapies, may also improve outcomes for patients with mantle cell lymphoma.
- Ongoing clinical trials, such as the US intergroup trial testing the addition of bortezomib to the BR backbone, may provide further insights into the optimal treatment approach for mantle cell lymphoma 3.