Combination chemotherapy of diffuse large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma--superiority of the adriamycin combination]

In patients with diffuse large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the results of combination chemotherapy containing adriamycin (ADM) were compared with those of combination chemotherapy without ADM. None of the patients had had any prior therapy and there was no difference in any other background factors for these two treatment groups. Of 32 patients treated without ADM, 19 (59%) achieved complete response (CR) and 12 (38%) achieved partial response (PR). Of 20 patients treated with ADM. 14 (70%) achieved CR and 6 (30%) achieved PR. For patients treated without ADM, median duration of CR was 9 months, projected 5-year relapse-free rate was 27%, median survival time was 1 year 6 months and projected 5-year survival rate was 27%. For patients treated with ADM, median duration of CR was not reached, projected 5-year relapse-free rate was 85%, median survival time was 2 years 2 months and projected 5-year survival rate was 49%. Combination of ADM was superior and therefore should be used for the initial treatment of this type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.