Clinical Study on Palonosetron Combined with GDP Regimen in Treatment of Elderly Patients with Relapsed Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of palonosetron combined with GDP (Palonosetron-GDP)regimen in the treatment of elderly patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Methods A total of 28 elderly patients(age ≥ 60 years) with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were enrolled in this pilot study. Responses and toxicities were evaluated for patients who received at least three courses of chemotherapy. Meanwhile, time to progression (TTP) was measured. Results From January 2009 to January 2012, 26 elderly patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma received at least three cycles of Palonosetron-GDP therapy and were evaluable for response analysis. Six patients achieved complete remission, while ten cases obtainedpartial response. The overall response rate was 61.5%. The median time to progression (TTP) was 5.3 months (95%CI: 4.7-7.0 months). Major toxicity ofthis regimen was myelosuppression, while other non-hematologic toxicities, especially gastrointestinal adverse effects were moderate in all the patients. Concerning chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV),no grade Ⅲ–Ⅳ CINV occurred, although grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ CINV wereobserved in two and one patients, respectively. Conclusion Palonosetron-GDPwas an effective salvage therapeutic regimen for elderly patients with relapsed non -Hodgkin's lymphoma. Meanwhile, palonosetron might stro ngly preventfromchemotherapy-associated gastrointestinal