Dr. Patel on Induction Therapy With Bendamustine and Rituximab in MCL

Krish Patel, MD, oncologist, Swedish Cancer Institute, discusses induction therapy with bendamustine and rituximab (Rituxan; BR) in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

At the 2018 ASH Annual Meeting, an abstract was presented on induction therapy with BR. Investigators assessed response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Data were pulled from two phase II studies as well as from patients who had been treated off trial. BR was given for a total of 3 cycles, and if patients achieved a clinical response, they went on to receive 3 cycles of rituximab and cytarabine. This was followed by an autologous stem cell transplant.

This is an important study, states Patel, as the optimal induction regimen for newly diagnosed patients is unknown. Though there are many potential induction regimens from which to choose, the study provides compelling evidence that the combination of these agents is something to pursue in future trials.