Follicular Lymphoma - Rituxan and Bendamustine

po18guy

Bendamustine + Rituxan is pretty much the gold standard in an increasing number of B-Cell malignancies. It tends to be more effective and less toxic than prior combinations.

I had two simultaneous T-Cell Lymphomas that were multi relapsed. Prior combinations involving 12 anti-neoplastic drugs had failed to keep them in remission. I then received Bendamustine/Treanda in combination with Etoposide and Carboplatin as an experimental regimen. In only two infusions, it erased both stage IV T-Cell Lymphomas and reduced a simultaneous myeloid marrow cancer from 23% of my marrow to only 2.6%, which was considered to be "minimum residual disease." So, it is indeed a powerful agent against various lymphomas.

As well, there are many other potential drug combinations available if one's response to Bendamustine-Rituxan is not as effective as hoped.

archangel724

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1722758#Comment_1722758

you’re absolutely right. I researched both drugs b4 starting treatment in beginning of April. They do say Rituximab (Rituxan) is the best breakthrough in the last 10 years & supposedly is effective at preventing recurrence for longer period of time, if on maintenance doses after main cycles, which I assume I will be on after my 6th cycle. I have a PET Scan scheduled for June 20th, between cycles 3 & 4, so in the middle & we’ll see what it shows. I’m just nervous & pretty shocked still at the crazy response my 2nd cycle, 2nd day of Bendamustine, where my heart rate dropped to 46 & portable EKG showed 50! Don’t understand why or if will happen my 3rd cycle the beginning of June. I hope not b/c I do want to stay the course with this regimen & not mess around with diff chemo cuz, like u said, they’re the gold standard & must b for a reason. I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through! Recurrences. We spend our lives with anxiety waiting & hoping it won’t happen, but it seems that it will. Your response was very impressive so I’m happy for that! My Oncologist said all the NHL are a dog we want to send away with its tail between its legs for as long as we can, but he will come bk. Great! I was already told I’m young (49) so I will definitely do battle again at some point in my life. Unfortunately I guess we look to win our battles & pray something earth shattering comes along so we can end the war & the battles can screw off! Thank u so much for taking the time to read & answer my post. I wish u the best & am here with my minimal experience (so far) if u need a good ear! Rachel

ShadyGuy

I generally agree. I do not know when rituximab was developed, but I had it first time 14 years ago so it has been around awhile. I am also not sure if it has been changed or improved in some way. It works! I am still here despite relapses. I had on relapse chemo but not bendamustine. I don’t know if my survival is because of the rituxan but I think it probably is. Rituxan monotherapy is a cake walk compared to any type of chemo including bendamustine.

po18guy

Your condition is indolent, i.e. chronic. That means that you have the blessing of time for even better treatments to arrive. We do not live in a static world and progress is being made as we speak. Recent studies indicate the selective seratonin re-uptake inhibitors (anti-anxiety/anti-depressant) seem to improve responses in B-Cell Lymphomas. Since some of them have a very benign profile, this is encouraging news.

po18guy

ShadyGuy

That mine is indolent is obvious. That means it cannot be cured but can sometimes be managed. I think I had it for years before I was diagnosed near death at stage 4. It was throughout my body with 26% of bone marrow cancerous and around my heart. But it responded well to treatment. I was unable to work so my life changed dramatically.I will either die with it or from it but it is a permanent fixture in my life. Expert care is required. Don’t mess around with GPs. If lymphoma is suspected go to a specialist immediately.