Intermediate dose of nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin combination (R-CMyOP) as first line chemotherapy for frail elderly patients with aggressive lymphoma.

Doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy is the standard regimen for elderly patients with aggressive lymphoma. However, many of them cannot receive it due to severe associated comorbidities. Toxicity and efficacy of intermediate doses of nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin (NPLD) in modified-CHOP regimen ± Rituximab were prospectively analyzed in 35 frail elderly patients (median age: 76 years) with previously untreated aggressive lymphoma with one or more severe comorbidities. NPLD at intermediate doses (30mg/m(2)) is effective and well tolerated in these patients. In addition, NT-proBNP levels > 900ng/ml at diagnosis have demonstrated to be a good predictor for OS and PFS in this cohort of patients.