Real-world practice patterns and outcomes in Veterans with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Future Oncol. 2021 Feb;17(4):411-422. doi: 10.2217/fon-2020-0522. Epub 2020 Oct 29.

Abstract

Aim: To describe practices and outcomes in veterans with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Patients & methods: Using Veteran Affairs Cancer Registry System and electronic health record data, we identified relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients completing second-line treatment (2L) in 2000-2016. Treatments were classified as aggressive/nonaggressive. Analyses included descriptive statistics and the Kaplan-Meier estimation of progression-free survival and overall survival. Results: Two hundred and seventy patients received 2L. During median 9.7-month follow-up starting from 2L, 470 regimens were observed, averaging 2.7 regimens/patient: 219 aggressive, 251 nonaggressive. One hundred and twenty-one patients proceeded to third-line, 50 to fourth-line and 18 to fifth-line treatment. Median progression-free survival in 2L was 5.2 months. Median overall survival was 9.5 months. Forty-four patients (16.3%) proceeded to bone marrow transplant. Conclusion: More effective, less toxic treatments are needed and should be initiated earlier in treatment trajectory.

Keywords: outcomes; practice patterns; real-world evidence; relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / mortality
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Veterans

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