Abstract
PURPOSE: B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are significant contributors to cancer-related mortality. In this single-arm, retrospective cohort study, we aimed to examine the outcomes of a radioimmunotherapeutic modality, (90)Y-labeled ibritumomab tiuxetan ((90)YIT) in B-cell NHLs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We conducted this study based on data from the United Arab Emirates lymphoma registry. All patients with NHL subjected to (90)YIT were eligible for inclusion. The country of research lacked a national autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) center, but many ASCT-eligible patients received (90)YIT. We investigated overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS), as well as safety outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2008, 54 of 111 patients with B-cell NHL received radioimmunotherapy. The therapy was applied as first-line treatment in 18 cases (33.3%) and second- or later-line treatment in 36 cases (66.7%). All patients were evaluable for response. The first-line group consisted mainly of follicular lymphoma cases, and 3 of 18 patients died (16.7%) during the follow-up (range, 22-67 months). Median OS was not reached. No progression occurred after treatment (median EFS, 36.5 months [Q(1)-Q(3) range, 30.5-44 months]). The second- or later-line group consisted mainly of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cases, and 3 of 36 patients died (8.3%) during the follow-up (range, 4-68 months). Median OS was not reached. One case of progression was registered (median EFS: 33 months [Q(1)-Q(3) range, 30.5-44 months]). (90)YIT had acceptable short- and long-term safety profiles. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that patients with NHL may benefit from (90)YIT as salvage treatment if ASCT is not available; however, this should be validated in randomized studies.