Sequential DICE combined with l-asparaginase chemotherapy followed by involved field radiation in newly diagnosed, stage IE to IIE, nasal and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma is an aggressive lymphoid tumor. Optimal treatment strategies have not yet been fully defined. To explore a more effective treatment, we conducted sequential chemoradiotherapy (SCRT) and evaluated the safety and efficacy. Seventy-eight patients (51 males, 27 females) were analyzed. The complete response (CR) rate was higher for patients in the SCRT group (90.9%) than in the radiotherapy group (77.8%; p = 0.124). The relapse rate (RR) and death rate (DR) were lower in the SCRT group (RR: 6.7% vs 33.3%, p < 0.001; DR: 15.2% vs. 55.6%, p < 0.001). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of 5 years after diagnosis were significantly higher for patients in the SCRT group (PFS: 89%; OS: 82%) than in the radiotherapy group (PFS: 49%, p < 0.001; OS: 49%, p < 0.001). Treatment-related adverse events were more common in the SCRT group. However, the adverse events were controlled.