Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology
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J. Cancer Res. Clin. Oncol. · Nov 2002
Clinical TrialHigh rates of long-lasting remissions after 5-day bendamustine chemotherapy cycles in pre-treated low-grade non-Hodgkin's-lymphomas.
Since continuous relapse rates are characteristic for advanced low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), their treatment remains a problem. Previous phase II studies showed that bendamustine induced high remission rates in pre-treated low-grade NHL. To further examine its efficacy and side effects, bendamustine has been studied in a large number of patients with pre-treated low-grade NHL. Follow-up time was 3-8 years. ⋯ Bendamustine proved to be very effective in pre-treated low-grade NHL patients by inducing high rates of long-lasting remissions. Bendamustine combines the pharmacological properties of an alkylating agent with those of a purine analogue and showed no cross-resistance to chlorambucil, melphalan, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, and other anthracyclines. The myelosuppressive toxicities were dose limiting, and the non-haematological side effects were moderate.