Efficacy and survival status of retuximab-NCE regimen treatment in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and toxicity of RNCE regimen in the treatment of relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods: From January 2000 to December 2005, 46 patients with relapsed or refractory B cell NHL were treated by RNCE regimen with or without radiotherapy for the involved field. The clinical characteristics, response, toxicity and long-term survival results were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 46 patients were eligible. The complete response rate of second-line therapy was 52.17% (24/46), and the overall response rate was 82.61% (38/46). The median follow-up duration in this series was 69 months (range: 6 to 102 months). The overall 1, 3, 5-year survival rate was 74.8%, 48.3%, 40.1%, respectively, with a median survival time of 30.2 months (5 to 65 months), and median progression free survival time of 10.9 months (2 to 31 months). The major toxicities were myelosuppression, GI toxicity, fatigue, fever and alopecia. Conclusion: Our data show that RNCE regimen treatment is effective and well tolerated in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.