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How Comorbidities Impact DLBCL Outcomes in Elderly

Am J Hematol; ePub 2017 Jul 19; Saygin, et al

Using the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) can help better predict outcomes in older patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), according to a study involving more than 400 individuals. Investigators looked the impact of comorbidities, dose reductions, and treatment-related adverse events in participants with DLBCL. Among the results:

  • Median age at diagnosis was 69 years.
  • 58% of patients had high international prognostic index (IPI) score.
  • 85% had low CCI.
  • 40% required dose reduction.
  • 78% achieved complete response.
  • 70% experienced at least 1 grade II-IV adverse event.
  • High IPI score, high CCI, reduced chemotherapy dose, adverse events, and hospitalization significantly predicted death and relapse.
  • High IPI and CCI independently predicted overall and progression-free survival.

Citation:

Saygin C, Jia X, Hill B, et al. Impact of comorbidities on outcomes of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. [Published online ahead of print July 19, 2017]. Am J Hematol. doi:10.1002/ajh.24819.