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Zhou, Xiaolei

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7992-637X

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 12

RIBBON-1: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial of chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (B) for first-line treatment of HER2-negative locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (MBC)
Robert, Nicholas J. , Lipatov, Oleg , Perez, Edith A. , Dièras, Véronique , Glaspy, John A. , Brufsky, Adam , Bondarenko, Igor , Yardley, Denise Aysel , Zhou, Xiaolei , Phan, S.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | August 25, 2020 | Volume: 27 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 1005-1005

10.1200/jco.2009.27.15_suppl.1005 Get It

1005 Background: B in combination with weekly paclitaxel or docetaxel (D) as 1st-line therapy for MBC has improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with the respective taxane alone in two large Phase III trials. This study investigated the addition of B to standard 1st-line chemotherapy regimens for MBC. Methods: Patients were randomized in 2:1 ratio to receive B + chemotherapy or placebo (pl) + chemotherapy. Prior to randomization, investigators chose capecitabine (Cap) (2000 mg/m2 x 14d), taxane (T) (nab-paclitaxel [260 mg/m2] or D [75 or 100 mg/m2], q3wk), or anthracycline (Ant)-based chemotherapy (q3wk). B or pl was administered at 15 mg/kg q3wk. Key eligibility criteria included MBC or locally-recurrent disease, no prior cytotoxic treatment, ECOG PS 0 or 1, HER2-negative disease and no CNS metastases. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed PFS. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), independent review of PFS, and safety. At progression, all patients were eligible for B with 2nd line chemotherapy. The Cap cohort and the pooled T or Ant (T + Ant) cohort were independently powered and analyzed in parallel using two-sided stratified log-rank test (Cap: 80% power to detect HR=0.75; T + Ant: 90% power to detect HR=0.7). Results: RIBBON-1 enrolled 1237 patients (Cap, 615; T, 307; Ant, 315) from 12/05 to 8/07 in 22 countries with a median follow-up of 15.6 months in the Cap cohort and 19.2 months in the T + Ant cohort. The results are summarized below. OS data are limited with only 33% of events. Safety was consistent with results of prior B trials. Conclusions: The addition of B to Cap, T; or Ant-based chemotherapy regimens used in 1st-line treatment of MBC resulted in statistically-significant improvement in PFS with a safety profile comparable to prior Phase III studies. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]
Disease Characteristics, Treatment Patterns, and Outcomes of Follicular Lymphoma in Patients 40 Years of Age and Younger: An Analysis from the National LymphoCare Study
Byrtek, Michelle, Dawson, Keith, Flowers, Christopher R. , Hainsworth, John D. , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Casulo, Carla , Zhou, Xiaolei , Farber, Charles Michael , Cerhan, James R. , Link, Brian K.

Blood | November 17, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3044-3044

10.1182/blood.v124.21.3044.3044 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the world and has a median age at diagnosis in the seventh decade. FL in young adults (YA; 40 years old or younger) is extremely rare. Currently, there are no standard approaches guiding treatment of YA patients with FL, and very little is known about disease characteristics and outcomes of YA patients with FL given limited research conducted in this vulnerable population. To gain further insight into FL in YA, we analyzed the National LymphoCare Study (NLCS) to describe disease and patient characteristics, as well as features of treatment in YA patients with FL. We previously reported that 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) is an important survival endpoint in patients with FL undergoing chemo-immunotherapy. Hence, we also sought to characterize 2-year PFS in this age group and compare it to older cohorts. Methods: Evaluablepatients were identified in the NLCS, and those between 18–40 years of age with newly diagnosed FL at any stage were classified as YA patients. Patients with mixed histology or transformed disease were excluded, as were patients with progression of disease prior to beginning first-line treatment. Survival probability was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. We estimated the association of age group with PFS using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from multivariable Cox models. Results: A total of164 YA patients with FL were analyzed, representing 6.2% of the NLCS population, similar to the observed frequency in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program data (4.8% of all FL). Sixty nine percent of YA patients had advanced stage disease. The majority of patients (80%) had low-grade histology, and 50% had good risk disease according to the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI). Nineteen percent of patients (31/164) underwent watchful waiting, 12% received rituximab monotherapy, and 47% received chemo-immunotherapy (61% of whom received R-CHOP [rituximab, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone]). There was no significant difference in FLIPI score or other baseline disease characteristics compared to adult patients aged 41–60 years. Eleven deaths occurred among YA with FL; only 5 of these were lymphoma related. Overall survival (OS) at 2 years was 97.4% (95% CI 93.3%, 99.0%), and at 5 years, 93.7% (88.3%, 96.7%), which was similar to patients aged 41–60 (97.2% [96.0%, 98.0%] at 2 years, and 92.0% [90.1%, 93.5%] at 5 years). After a median follow-up of 7.1 years, OS in YA FL was 92%. Through follow-up, there were 64 PFS events. The estimated 2-year PFS (95% CI) for YA and adults 41–60 was 75.9% (67.1%, 82.6%) and 80.9% (78.1%, 83.4%), respectively. After adjusting for FLIPI score, there was no difference in PFS for YA with FL requiring first-line treatment (excluding watchful waiting) compared to adults aged 41–60 years (HR=0.93; 95% CI 0.69, 1.25), and no difference in OS compared to adults aged 41–60 years (HR=1.19; 95% CI 0.64, 2.23). Conclusions: In the largest cohort of YA patients with FL to date, we found few differences in outcomes compared to patients aged 41–60. FLIPI and other disease characteristics were similar to adults aged 41–60 years. There were no differences between YA FL and adults aged 41–60 in PFS for all treated patients. OS in the YA group of patients with FL was outstanding. YA patients with FL have reassuringly similar outcomes to patients aged 41–60. Fertility preservation and survivorship issues should be taken into consideration when defining management strategies, but otherwise these data support that YA patients with FL should not be approached differently from older adults with the same disease. Disclosures Byrtek: Genentech, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Dawson:Genentech, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Zhou:RTI-HS: Employee of RTI-HS, which has research contracts with Genentech Other. Flowers:Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Abbott: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; OptumRx: Consultancy; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Allos: Consultancy. Farber:Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Janssen/Pharmacyclics: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau; Leukemia Lymphoma Society NJ Chapter: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Alexion: Speakers Bureau, Stock ownership Other. Cerhan:Genentech, Inc.: LymphoCare Scientific Advisory Board Other. Link:Genentech, Inc.: Consultancy, Scientific Advisory Board for Genentech Other.
A Proposed Prognostic Model For Overall Survival In The Oldest Old (>80 Years Old) Follicular Lymphoma Patients
Nabhan, Chadi , Byrtek, Michelle, Dawson, Keith, Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Flowers, Christopher R. , Zhou, Xiaolei , Link, Brian K. , Zelenetz, Andrew D. , Cerhan, James R.

Blood | October 15, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3058-3058

10.1182/blood.v122.21.3058.3058 Get It

Abstract Background Disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of follicular lymphoma (FL) patients (pts) aged >80 years (yrs) are infrequently reported. Further, the original Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) has not been formally studied in pts aged >80 yrs. Also, whether FLIPI is associated with overall survival (OS) in pts aged >80 yrs is unknown. Patients/Methods We used the National LymphoCare Study—a Genentech-sponsored, prospective, multicenter registry of FL pts across the United States without study-specific treatment—to comprehensively analyze FL pts aged >80 yrs. Using Pearson chi-squared tests, associations of age groups with disease characteristics and overall response rate (ORR) were examined. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and OS by treatment regimen were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression that were adjusted for baseline disease factors were used to assess treatment differences in PFS, lymphoma-related mortality (LRM, which includes both disease and treatment-related deaths), and OS, as well as the significance of age by treatment interactions. FLIPI and a prognostic model that was constructed based on the findings were used to predict outcomes. Results Of 2649 evaluable pts, 209 (8%) were aged >80 yrs. Compared with pts aged ≤60, pts aged >80 yrs were more likely to be Caucasian, to have worse performance status, to have lower hemoglobin (Hgb) value (<12 g/dL), to have less advanced stage, and were less likely to be treated at academic institutions. When treated, pts aged >80 yrs had lower ORR compared with younger pts and were less likely to receive rituximab + chemotherapy (P <.001) or anthracyclines (P <.001). Use of maintenance rituximab was not significantly different between pt groups when rituximab induction was given (61% for pts aged ≤60, 38% for pts aged >80, P=.11), but it was more frequent in pts aged >80 yrs when rituximab + chemotherapy induction was administered (44% for pts aged ≤60, 59% for pts aged >80, P=.04). After adjusting for maintenance use, sex, and baseline factors, age significantly differentiated PFS impact of observation, rituximab monotherapy, and rituximab + chemotherapy (P=.01). No treatment regimen provided superior PFS or OS in pts aged >80 yrs. With a median follow-up of 6.5 yrs for all pts (4.3 yrs for pts aged >80 yrs), 5-year OS was 59% and 92%for patients aged >80 and ≤60 yrs, respectively. OS in pts aged >80 yrs varied based on FLIPI score (log-rank test, P=.01; Figure 1). Interestingly, the percentage of deaths that were disease-related was 40% in pts aged >80 yrs, which was comparable to the percentage in pts aged ≤60 yrs of 48%. Cox modeling showed that lower Hgb, B symptoms, and male sex predicted worse OS (P<.01) but not PFS in pts aged >80 yrs. Recognizing that males have inferior OS compared with females in the general population, we constructed a prognostic model composed only of B symptoms and Hgb level <12 (low risk=no factors; high risk=1 or more factors; P<.0001; Figure 2). FLIPI and the proposed prognostic model significantly differentiated both OS and LRM (Table 1). Conclusions In the largest, prospectively published study of FL pts aged >80 yrs, OS, PFS, ORR, and treatment selection varied compared with younger pts. Surprisingly, the proportion of deaths attributed to lymphoma in these older FL pts was 40%. FLIPI was associated with outcome in pts aged >80 yrs and so was a proposed prognostic model comprising lower Hgb and B symptoms. Independent validation of this model is required, and additional prospective studies that are designed for the oldest old are warranted. Disclosures: Nabhan: Genentech Inc.: Advisory Board Other, Honoraria. Byrtek:Genentech, a member of the Roche group: Employment, Equity Ownership; Roche: Equity Ownership, stock options, stock options Other. Dawson:Genentech: Employment; Roche: Equity Ownership. Link:Genentech: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; Millenium: Research Funding; Pharacyclics: Research Funding. Zelenetz:GSK: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Cephalon: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Sanofi-Aventis: Consultancy; Genentech: Research Funding; GSK: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Cancer Genetics: Scientific Advisor Other. Cerhan:Genentech: Scientific Advisory Board of the National LymphoCare Study Other. Flowers:Abbott, Celgene, Millennium/Takeda, Sanofi, Spectrum, Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene, Genentech Bio-oncology: Consultancy.
Characteristics and Effectiveness of Rituximab (R) Maintenance Regimens Among US Patients Diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma (FL) 2004–2007,
Sinha, Rajni, Byrtek, Michelle, Taylor, Michael , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Hirata, Jamie , Flowers, Christopher R. , Nastoupil, Loretta J. , Zhou, Xiaolei , Taylor, Michael, Cerhan, James R. , Link, Brian K.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3708-3708

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3708.3708 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3708 Background: Rituximab maintenance (RM) following induction therapy has been demonstrated to increase PFS in randomized trials in both first-line and relapsed settings (ECOG 1496, EORTC 20981, and most recently, PRIMA), and RM has been frequently used in clinical practice in the U.S. and other countries. We examined the various RM approaches used by practicing physicians in the U.S., factors that predicted whether RM was used, and compared the “real-world” effectiveness of RM to the outcomes of observation (Obs) following front-line R-based induction in FL patients (pts). Methods: The National LymphoCare Study is a prospective, multi-center, longitudinal, observational study that collects data on treatment and outcomes for pts diagnosed with FL in the U.S. from 2004–2007. Pts who achieved complete response (CR), partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) following initial treatment with R-based therapy and who did not initiate second line therapy during the 215-day period following the date of last dose of initial therapy were categorized as Obs. Pts meeting the same criteria who started maintenance R treatment in the 215-day period comprise the RM group. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify characteristics related to receiving RM. We compared RM and Obs groups in progression-free survival (PFS), time to next treatment (TTNT), and overall survival (OS) using Cox proportional hazards models controlling for confounding factors of clinical interest (sex, FLIPI risk group, treatment setting [academic vs. community], and induction therapy). PFS was defined as the number of days from the 215 day period following induction that defined the Obs and RM groups up to and including the date of disease progression as assessed by the treating physician or death from any cause. Pts who had not yet experienced a PFS event at the time of analysis were censored at the date of the most recent response assessment. Results: Of the 2,732 pts enrolled in NLCS, 1,536 pts completed R-based induction therapy. Among these,1,236 pts achieved CR/PR/SD and met other criteria described above to be included in analysis. 557 pts started RM treatment in the 215-day post-induction work up period (128 following R and 429 following R-chemo), and 679 pts were observed (125 following R and 554 following R-chemo). The mean duration of RM was 528 days, and the mean number of RM doses received was 13. 23% received Rx4 every 6 months, 20% Rx1 every 2 or 3 months, and 57% received another schedule. 14% of pts discontinued RM early (n=79). The most common reasons for early discontinuations were disease progression (29%), toxicity (11%), or death (7%). Pts who received R induction were more likely to receive RM than those who received R-chemo as induction (51% vs. 44%). Pts treated in community practices were slightly more likely to receive RM compared with those who were treated in academic centers (46% vs. 40%). In multivariable models, the most significant predictors of receiving RM were grade (I/II), stage (III/IV), geographic region (other than West), community practice setting, and R induction treatment (all p<0.05). After adjusting for FLIPI risk group, induction treatment, and clinical factors, RM significantly improved PFS (HR= 0.72; p= 0.010) and TTNT (HR= 0.74; p= 0.03). At 4 years of follow-up, 11% of pts in the combined population have died and there was no significant difference in OS between RM and Obs groups. 22% (n=124) of RM pts had received 2nd line treatment at the time of analysis, of whom 36% received R alone and 31% received R-chemo. The response rate for 2nd treatment was similar between RM and Obs groups (60% CR/PR for both groups). Conclusions: RM following front-line R-based induction was common in this period. However, a large percentage of pts received a RM schedule that was not consistent with standard published schedules reflecting variation among community practices. Nevertheless, RM use in clinical practice produced significant differences in PFS and TTNT compared to Obs. Importantly, response to second-line treatment was similar between RM and Obs groups. Additional followup is needed to determine whether RM produces OS benefits in this context. Disclosures: Sinha: Celgene: Research Funding. Zhou:RTI-HS: Employment; Novartis: Research Funding. Friedberg:Genentech: Consultancy; astellas: ; Lilly: ; Abbott/Trubion: ; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Cephalon: Consultancy. Hirata:Genentech Inc/Roche: Employment; Roche: Equity Ownership. Flowers:Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech/Roche (unpaid): Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy.
Age Differences in Disease Characteristics, Patterns of Care, and Outcomes of Follicular Lymphoma (FL) in the United States (US): Report From the National Lymphocare Study (NLCS)
Nabhan, Chadi , Byrtek, Michelle, Latta, Shadi, Dawson, Keith, Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Flowers, Christopher R. , Zhou, Xiaolei , Link, Brian K. , Cerhan, James R.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3708-3708

10.1182/blood.v120.21.3708.3708 Get It

Abstract Abstract 3708 Background: There are few prospective studies on disease characteristics, patterns of care, response, and outcomes in elderly FL patients (pts) in the US. The NLCS is a Genentech-sponsored prospective multicenter registry study that collects this information without study-specific treatment. We utilized the NLCS database to better understand the impact of age on FL outcome. Patients and Methods: All evaluable pts with FL histology in the NLCS were included except pts with FL plus other lymphoma histology or pts who progressed before first treatment or before being assigned to watchful waiting (WW). Using Pearson Chi-Square tests, associations of age groups (≤60, 61–70, >70) with disease characteristics and overall response (ORR) were examined. Median PFS and OS by treatment regimen were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods for each age group. Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for baseline factors (grade, number of nodal sites, LDH, Hgb, stage, performance status (PS), bone marrow (BM) involvement, race, and treatment center type) were used to assess treatment differences in PFS and OS and the significance of age by treatment interactions. Results: Of 2,647 pts, 47% (n=1,254) were ≤60 yrs, 25% (n=666) were 61–70 yrs, and 27% (n=727) were >70 yrs (min age of 22; max of 97). Compared with pts ≤60 yrs, pts 61–70 and >70 were more likely to be white (93% >70, 92% 61–70, and 88% ≤60, P=.02 and .02 respectively), have stage I/II disease (37% >70, 36% 61–70, and 29% ≤60, P=.0008 and .0003), have <5 nodal sites (73% >70, 69% 61–70, and 61% ≤60, P=.001 and <.0001), and have poor-risk FLIPI (53% >70, 51% 61–70, and 15% ≤60, P<.0001 and <.0001). Compared with pts ≤60, elderly pts (>70) were more likely to have FL grade 3 (24% vs 18%, P=.01). While there were no differences in geographic distribution by age, elderly pts were more likely to receive therapy at community practices (86%) versus academic institutions than pts ≤60 (77%, P<.0001) or 61–70 (81%, P=.004). Treatments varied significantly by age (P<.0001). More elderly pts were observed compared to pts ≤60 (23% vs19%). When treated, elderly pts (22%) were more likely to receive rituximab (R) monotherapy compared with patients aged 61–70 (12%) or ≤60 (10%). When chemotherapy alone or plus R was given, elderly pts were less likely to receive anthracyclines (45% vs 65% (61–70) and 68% (≤60)). Among all variables, only grade 3 histology predicted anthracycline use in all age groups. Lack of BM involvement predicted anthracycline use for younger pts (≤60 and 61–70). Of those ≤60, white pts were more likely to receive anthracyclines, and of those 61–70, those with ≥5 nodal sites were more likely to receive anthracyclines. ORRs were similar across age groups receiving similar regimens with R plus chemo providing the highest ORR. Adjusting for baseline factors, treatment (WW, R, R-Chemo, or other) benefit varied for each age group in terms of PFS (P=.02), with treatment outcomes being most differentiated among younger pts (Table). PFS appeared shorter in elderly pts regardless of the treatment received. No significant interaction between age and efficacy of anthracycline in terms of PFS or OS was observed (P-values >.65), but the overall effect of anthracycline for all pts was beneficial for PFS (HR=0.80, P=.02) and OS (HR=0.67, P=.003). Median OS was 8 years for elderly and not reached for others. After adjusting for baseline factors, no significant differences in treatment impact by age on OS were seen. Elevated LDH, reduced Hgb, stage III/IV, PS ≥1, and BM involvement were all significantly associated with shortened OS. These factors were also significantly associated with treatment choice, as worse-prognosis elderly pts were more likely to receive either R or R+chemo than WW or other treatment. Conclusions: FL pts >70 yrs more commonly received R alone and less commonly received anthracyclines when treated with chemotherapy. The impact of anthracyclines on PFS did not vary by age, but differences in PFS for other treatment regimens showed a stronger association among younger pts Disclosures: Nabhan: Genentech: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Byrtek:Genentech, Inc., a member of the Riche Group: Employment, Equity Ownership. Dawson:Genentech, Inc., a member of the Riche Group: Employment, Equity Ownership. Link:Genentech, Inc., a member of the Riche Group: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Spectrum: Consultancy. Friedberg:Genentech: Consultancy. Cerhan:Genentech: National LymphoCare Scientific Advisory Board Other. Flowers:Celgene: Consultancy; Prescription Solutions: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Millennium: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy; GIlead: Research Funding; Spectrum: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Lymphoma Research Foundation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Differences in disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes between men (M) and women (W) with follicular lymphoma (FL): Prospective evaluation of 2,650 U.S. patients (pts).
Nabhan, Chadi , Byrtek, Michelle, Dawson, Keith, Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Flowers, Christopher R. , Zhou, Xiaolei , Ziemiecki, Ryan , Zelenetz, Andrew D. , Cerhan, James R.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | January 3, 2019 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 15_suppl | Pages: 8550-8550

10.1200/jco.2014.32.15_suppl.8550 Get It

Second‐line and subsequent therapy and outcomes for follicular lymphoma in the United States: data from the observational National LymphoCare Study
Link, Brian K. , Day, Bann‐Mo, Zhou, Xiaolei , Dawson, Keith, Cerhan, James R. , Flowers, Christopher R. , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Cerhan, James R , Link, Brian K , Zelenetz, Andrew D.

British Journal of Haematology | April 3, 2018 | Volume: 184 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 660-663

10.1111/bjh.15149 Get It

Disease, treatment, and outcome differences between men and women with follicular lymphoma in the United States
Nabhan, Chadi , Zhou, Xiaolei , Day, Bann‐Mo, Dawson, Keith, Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Link, Brian K. , Flowers, Christopher R. , Zelenetz, Andrew D. , Cerhan, James R. , Link, Brian K

American Journal of Hematology | April 30, 2016 | Volume: 91 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 770-775

10.1002/ajh.24401 Get It

We aimed to comprehensively study sex differences in disease and patients' characteristics, treatment and outcomes in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) in the United States (USA) utilizing the National LymphoCare Study registry (2004–2014). Among evaluable males (n = 1277) and females (n = 1375) with FL, females less commonly received anthracyclines and were more likely to receive rituximab monotherapy. Overall response rates were comparable between sex groups. With a median follow‐up of 8.1 years, male sex emerged as an adverse factor for PFS (HR, 0.84, 95% CI, 0.72–0.97). Lymphoma‐related mortality (HR, 0.46; 0.23–0.93) and overall survival (HR, 0.63; 0.41–0.97) favored females aged ≤60 years. There are subtle differences in outcomes between male and female FL patients diagnosed and treated in the contemporary era. These data represent the largest prospective analysis of FL patients in the USA based on sex and can aid design of clinical trials for this disease. Am. J. Hematol. 91:770–775, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes following watchful waiting for stage II–IV follicular lymphoma patients in the modern era
Sinha, Rajni, Byrtek, Michelle, Ziemiecki, Ryan , Zhou, Xiaolei , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Link, Brian K. , Dawson, Keith, Flowers, Christopher R. , Nastoupil, Loretta J. , Taylor, Michael, Cerhan, James R. , Link, Brian K

British Journal of Haematology | January 5, 2016 | Volume: 172 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 724-734

10.1111/bjh.13895 Get It

SummaryTo examine the effectiveness of an initial management strategy of watchful waiting for follicular lymphoma (FL) in clinical practice, we compared outcomes for patients diagnosed 2004–2007 in the United States initially managed with watchful waiting with outcomes following initial rituximab monotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy. In total, 1754 stage II–IV patients in the National LymphoCare Study underwent watchful waiting (n = 386), rituximab monotherapy (n = 296) or rituximab plus chemotherapy (n = 1072) as initial management strategy. Female patients and those who received treatment in the Northeast or in an academic setting more commonly underwent watchful waiting versus initial chemoimmunotherapy; whereas patients with grade 3 histology, anaemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, extranodal involvement, B symptoms or performance status ≥1 more commonly received chemoimmunotherapy. Although time to new treatment and progression‐free survival following first‐ and second‐line therapy were improved with chemoimmunotherapy, and time to chemotherapy was improved with rituximab monotherapy, there were no differences in overall survival between watchful waiting and chemoimmunotherapy or rituximab monotherapy. With 8‐year overall survival estimates of 74%, initial management with watchful waiting in the context of sequential therapy remains a viable option for FL patients in the modern era. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00097565).
Disease characteristics, treatment patterns, prognosis, outcomes and lymphoma‐related mortality in elderly follicular lymphoma in the United States
Nabhan, Chadi , Byrtek, Michelle, Rai, Ashish , Dawson, Keith, Zhou, Xiaolei , Link, Brian K. , Friedberg, Jonathan W. , Flowers, Christopher R. , Zelenetz, Andrew D. , Maurer, Matthew J. , Cerhan, James R. , Link, Brian K

British Journal of Haematology | April 8, 2015 | Volume: 170 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 85-95

10.1111/bjh.13399 Get It

SummaryData from the National LymphoCare Study (a prospective, multicentre registry that enrolled follicular lymphoma (FL) patients from 2004 to 2007) were used to determine disease characteristics, treatment patterns, outcomes and prognosis for elderly FL (eFL) patients. Of 2650 FL patients, 209 (8%) were aged >80 years; these eFL patients more commonly had grade 3 disease, less frequently received chemoimmunotherapy and anthracyclines, and had lower response rates when compared to younger patients. With a median follow‐up of 6.9 years, 5‐year overall survival (OS) for eFL patients was 59%; 38% of deaths were lymphoma‐related. No treatment produced superior OS among eFL patients. In multivariate Cox models, anaemia, B‐symptoms and male sex predicted worse OS (P < 0·01); a prognostic index of these factors (0, 1 or ≥2 present) predicted OS [hazard ratio (95% CI): ≥2 vs. 0, 4·72 (2·38–9·33); 1 vs. 0, 2·63 (1·39–4·98)], with a higher concordance index (0·63) versus the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (0·55). The index was validated in an independent cohort. In the largest prospective US‐based eFL cohort, no optimal therapy was identified and nearly 40% of deaths were lymphoma‐related, representing baseline outcomes in the modern era.