Treatment outcomes of adult Burkitt lymphoma: results with a modified LMB protocol in Brazil and feasibility of outpatient administration

Abstract

While Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma more prevalent in tropical areas, few studies on BL have been conducted in Latin America. Here, we evaluate the clinical presentation and outcomes of an adapted LMB regimen for adults with sporadic BL. We retrospectively evaluated hospital records from University of São Paulo (USP) between 1999 and 2017. Thirty-six patients were included, the median age was 33.5 years and 69% (25) were male. Most patients presented advanced stage disease (81%), 8% had CNS disease, and the majority belonged to LMB group B (75% (27)). Three patients died during the induction phase, and the remaining patients (33) achieved complete response. There was one relapse over a median follow-up of 6 years. Overall survival estimated at 5 years was 89%. We conclude that an adapted LMB protocol is safe and feasible in Brazil.

Keywords:

• Burkitt lymphoma
• LMB protocol
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Chemotherapy results
• Survival analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Wellington Fernandes Silva Junior is a PhD student and teaching assistant in Discipline of Hematology at University of Sao Paulo (USP). He works as attending physician at ICESP, as oncohematologist. His research interest focus on Acute Leukemias and aggressive lymphomas. He has published some articles on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Lidiane Inês da Rosa is an attending physician at ICESP and works as a part of non-Hodgkin lymphoma medical team.

Marcelo Belesso is another member of NHL team from ICESP. His main focus is on NHL, especially diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Luís Alberto P. C. Lage is also a teaching assistant at USP. He has just finished his PhD on T-cell lymphomas.

Vanderson Rocha is a Full-professor of Discipline of Hematology of USP. His research interest focus on Bone marrow transplantation and acute leukaemias.

Juliana Pereira is an associated professor of Discipline of Hematology of USP and medical leader of Hematology team at ICESP.