Y-ibritumomab Tiuxetan in B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Real-world Data From the United Arab Emirates.

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, Y-labeled ibritumomab tiuxetan (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 YIT were eligible for inclusion. The country of research lacked a national autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) center, but many ASCT-eligible patients received 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-Q 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-Q range, 30.5-44 months]). YIT had acceptable short- and long-term safety profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that patients with NHL may benefit from YIT as salvage treatment if ASCT is not available; however, this should be validated in randomized studies.