Autografting followed by rituximab for chemosensitive mantle cell lymphoma: A pilot study and literature review

Abstract

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is rarely cured with either conventional-dose chemotherapy or autografting. Recent evidence suggests that anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy (rituximab) in combination with chemotherapy may improve the response rate. We report a pilot study of autografting using busulfan - melphalan conditioning followed by rituximab in 9 patients (median age 52 years) with chemosensitive MCL. Rituximab was given for 4 doses of 375 mg/m2 between 4 and 10 weeks post-transplant. Three of 5 patients autografted after induction therapy remain alive in clinical and molecular complete remission at 33 - 50 months post-transplant. Only 1 of 4 patients autografted after relapse remains i..