Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: whole-abdomen irradiation as an adjuvant to chemotherapy.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of whole-abdomen irradiation in the treatment of abdominal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1978 and 1990, 39 patients with abdominal NHL were treated with modified three-way whole-abdomen irradiation as either an adjunct to chemotherapy (in 34 patients) or sole therapy (in five patients).

RESULTS

The 5-year relapse-free survival rate in 36 patients who received at least 30 Gy was 38% and was 64% in 17 patients treated for consolidation of complete or partial response to chemotherapy. Treatment was terminated in four of 19 patients in whom treatment was interrupted because of acute toxicity. The major acute toxicities were decreased blood counts and enteritis. There were four grade 3 or 4 late toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Whole-abdomen irradiation is a safe adjunct to chemotherapy in patients with NHL who are at high risk for intraabdominal failure.