![Sample our Bioscience journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5925/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Bioscience.jpg"})
Abstract
Introduction: The current treatment approach of high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) relies to a large extent on anthracycline-based regimens yielding cure rates in ∼ 65 – 75% of patients. Despite being highly effective, these regimens are associated with significant long-term toxicity with a cumulative 10-year incidence of cardiovascular disease of 22%. Moreover, for the 25 – 35% of patients who fail first-line therapy there has been very little progress in terms of salvage regimens over the past 15 years. Re-treatment with anthracyclines-based regimens was, until now, not an option given the extensive cardiac toxicity of these agents. Pixantrone dimaleate (Pixantrone) is a novel anthracycline-like drug that offers an interesting alternative for the treatment of aggressive NHL.
Areas covered: This article provides an overview of treatment-related cardiac toxicity in NHL, the pharmacology of Pixantrone and the evidence supporting its use in NHL.
Expert opinion: Pixantrone is a potential alternative agent with a favorable safety profile for the treatment of relapsed and refractory NHL patients. It might benefit from combinations strategies and further development in the elderly and frail population.
Declaration of interest
F Morschhauser has received honoraria from Servier for participation in advisory boards. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.