[The efficacy of L-asparaginase in the treatment of refractory midline peripheral T-cell lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the treatment outcome of refractory midline peripheral T-cell lymphoma (MPTCL).

METHOD: Eleven patients with refractory MPTCL received salvage chemotherapy consisting of L-asparaginase(L-ASP), vincristine and dexamethosone (L-ASP group), and 10 patients received combined chemotherapy without L-ASP(control group). The response rates and 2 year survival rates were observed.

RESULTS

Response rates were 63.6% for L-ASP group and 10.0% for control group (P < 0.05), and 2 year survival rates were 45.5% and 0 (P < 0.05), respectively. The major side effects of L-ASP were leukocytopenia, elevation of serum bilirubin and hyperglycemia.

CONCLUSION

The L-ASP-based salvage chemotherapy improved the response rate and 2 year survival rate of the patients with refractory MPTCL.