Clinical Outcome of P-Gemox ( Pegaspargase, Gemcitabine, Oxaliplatin ) for the Patients with Newly Diagnosed Stage III/IV or Relapsed/Refractory Extranodal Natural Killer/T Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Huang Huiqiang , Gao Yan , Wang XiaoXiao , Cai Qingqing , Cai QiChun , Bai Bing , Zhao Wei , Yan Zheng , Jiang Wenqi , Xia Zhongjun , Li ZhiMing 
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The prognosis for patients with advanced stages or relapsed/ refractory ENKTL is extremely poor. Optimal combined chemotherapy remain to be defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of P-GEMOX (Pegaspargase, Gemcitabine and Oxaliplatin) in patients with newly diagnosed stage III/IV or relapsed/refractory ENKTL.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed the effectiveness and toxicity of P-GEMOX in 60 patients with newly diagnosed stage III/IV and relapsed/refractory ENKTL between February 2008 and August 2014. The P-GEMOX dosage was as follows: Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 iv d1,d8; Oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2; d 1, Pegaspargase 2000 U/m2 im, two different sites. The regimen was repeated every three weeks for a maximum six cycles. Patients underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as consolidation if they achieved CR.

Results

57 patients were available for evaluation of response. The objective response, complete remission(CR), of whole cohort were 73.7% (42/57), 36.8% (21/57), respectively. It can be easily administered in out-patients clinic. The median follow-up was 29.1 (range, 2.4¨C54.2 months). Median OS and PFS was 23.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.441-29.559) and 12.8 months(95% confidence interval [CI], 8.109-17.491), respectively. The 4-year OS and PFS rate was 43.0¡À7.3% and 36.5¡À6.9%, respectively (Figure1). There was no difference between newly diagnosed stage III/IV and relapsed/refractory in OS and PFS. The long term survival CR responders were superior to patients with other response, and there was significant difference between the three group(Figure 2, P<0.001). Eleven patients accepted ASCT after achievement of CR, 3-year OS rate were better than other patients( 68.2% vs. 36.6%£¬P=0.08, Figure 3). Toxicities (>50%): neutropenia (85.0%), thrombocytopenia (72.0%), hypoproteinemia (86.7%), and anorexia (63.3%). In addition, hypofibrinogenemia was 46.7%. The most common grade III/IV toxicities (>10%) were granulocytosis (31.6%), thrombocytopenia (26.67%) and hypoproteinemia (13.3%)(Table 1). Intracranial bleeding occurred in one patient during the first cycle with discontinuation of pegaspargase in the consecutive cycles. No treatment related death confirmed.

Conclusion

The P-GEMOX regimen is a safe and effective combination for newly diagnosed advanced and relapsed/refractory ENKTL. Promising long term outcome can be expected by addition of ASCT consolidation after response to induction chemotherapy. In comparison to other combined regimen in literatures, P-GEMOX is effective with less toxic, simplified and high cost-effective. Further clinical trials urgently needed.

Table 1. Toxicities of whole cohort All cases (%) Grade 1/2 (%) Grade 3/4 (%) Toxicities Neutropenia 51(85.0) 32(53.3) 19(31.6) Thrombocytopenia 22(36.7) 15(25.0) 7(11.7) Anemia 43(71.6) 18(66.7) 3(5.0) lymphocytoponia 14(23.3) 12(20.0) 2(3.3) AST/ALT elevated 26(43.3) 22(36.7) 4(6.7) Hypoproteinemia 53(88.3) 48(84.9) 8(13.3) Fbg decrease 41(68.3) 39(65.0) 2(3.3) APTT prolong 16(26.7) 16(26.7) 0 Hyperglycemia 7(11.6) 7(11.6) 0 Total bilirubin elevated 9(15.0) 9(15.0) 0 Nausea 21(35.0) 21(35.0) 0 Anorexia 32 (53.3) 32 (53.3) 0 Vomiting 19(31.6) 19(31.6) 0 Allergic reactions 1(1.7) 1(1.7) 0 herpes zoster 3(5.0) 3(5.0) 0

Figure 1. 4-year OS and PFS of whole patients Figure 1. 4-year OS and PFS of whole patients Figure 2. Survival of whole patients, based on response Figure 2. Survival of whole patients, based on response Figure 3. OS: patients with ASCT vs. Non-ASCT Figure 3. OS: patients with ASCT vs. Non-ASCT

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.