Abstract

We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis across 10 US academic medical centers (2010 - 2018) to evaluate current treatment patterns and outcomes in patients age =60 with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Among 244 eligible patients, median age was 68, 63% had advanced stage (III/IV), 14% had ECOG performance status (PS) 2-4, and 12% had documented loss of =1 activity of daily living (ADLs). Medical comorbidities were assessed by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale - Geriatric (CIRS-G), where n=44 (18%) had total scores =10. Using multivariable Cox models, only ADL loss predicted shorter progression-free (PFS; HR 2.13, p=0.007) and overall survival (OS; HR=2.52, P=0.02). Most patients (n=203, 83%) received conventional chemotherapy regimens, including ABVD (56%), AVD (14%), and AVD with brentuximab vedotin (BV; 9%). Compared to alternative therapies, conventional regimens significantly improved PFS (HR 0.46, P=0.0007) and OS (HR 0.31, p=0.0003). Survival was similar following conventional chemotherapy in those ages 60-69 vs =70: PFS HR 0.88, p=0.63; OS HR 0.73, p=0.55. Early treatment discontinuation due to toxicity was more common with CIRS-G =10 (28 vs 12%, p=0.016) or documented geriatric syndrome (28 vs 13%, p=0.02). A competing risk analysis demonstrated improved disease-related survival with conventional therapy (HR 0.29, p=0.02) and higher mortality from causes other than disease or treatment in those with high CIRS-G or geriatric syndromes. These data suggest conventional chemotherapy regimens be considered standard of care in fit older patients with cHL, and highlights the importance of geriatric assessments in defining fitness for cHL therapy going forward.

View details for DOI 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004645

View details for PubMedID 34448831