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Radiotherapy in Primary Mediastinal B-cell Lymphoma
Evaluating its effect on overall survival
There is a significant survival benefit associated with radiotherapy (RT) in patients receiving multi-agent chemotherapy in the rituximab era, according to a study of 465 patients with primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma and a median age of 36 years. Researchers found:
- 43% of patients received RT.
- 5-year overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 87%, with the non-RT group at 83% and the RT group at 93%.
- On univariate analysis, OS was improved with RT (HR=0.34).
- On multivariate analysis, RT remained significantly associated with improved OS (HR=0.44) while Medicare insurance status and increasing stage remained significantly associated with OS decrement.
- Propensity score matched analysis confirmed the OS benefit associated with RT.
Citation: Jackson MW, Rusthoven CG, Jones BL, Kamdar M, Rabinovitch R. Improved survival with combined modality therapy in the modern era for primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. [Published online ahead of print February 6, 2016]. Am J Hematol. doi: 10.1002/ajh.24325.