Second-line rituximab–bendamustine versus rituximab–gemcitabine–oxaliplatin in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the real world

Aim: Despite long-term responses to first-line immunochemotherapy, many patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have relapsed/refractory disease. Second-line treatment options are available. However, a large proportion of patients are ineligible for transplantation/intensive therapy. Patients & methods: This observational study of 702 patients in the USA, who used second-line therapies for relapsed/refractory DLBCL, evaluated treatment patterns and overall survival (OS). The study focused on the OS outcome of patients receiving second-line rituximab–bendamustine or rituximab–gemcitabine–oxaliplatin. Results & conclusion: Rituximab–bendamustine and rituximab–gemcitabine–oxaliplatin were received by 4.6 and 1.4% of patients, respectively (N = 42/702). Median and 1-year OS rates were similar between regimens. Many of the 200 different treatment regimens observed in second line were modified versions of National Comprehensive Cancer Network regimens.