L-asparaginase-Based induction therapy for advanced extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma

Int J Hematol. 2003 Oct;78(3):248-50. doi: 10.1007/BF02983802.

Abstract

We describe treatment of a patient with advanced extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, with multiple subcutaneous lesions and hemophagocytic syndrome. Considering the projected poor outcome of conventional treatments, we designed an L-asparaginase-based induction therapy. L-asparaginase (4000 units/day, day 1 to day 7) combined with vincristine (1 mg, day 1) and prednisolone (100 mg/day, day 1 to day 5) was administered by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Within a week after treatment was started, excellent response was observed. Because of an allergic reaction to L-asparaginase, 6 courses of CHOP (adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone) therapy were administered as consolidation after 4 courses of L-asparaginase. The lymphoma was controlled with complete remission lasting longer than 2 years without additional treatment. These results and related reports may contribute to greater therapeutic efficacy against at least some cases of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma and other related diseases. Further evaluations based on clinical study are expected to clarify these results.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Asparaginase / administration & dosage*
  • Asparaginase / adverse effects
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Drug Hypersensitivity
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / pathology
  • Male
  • Nose Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Nose Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Remission Induction / methods
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Vincristine
  • Prednisolone
  • Asparaginase