Rituximab in lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease

BACKGROUND: Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease (LPHD) differs in biology and clinical behaviour from classic Hodgkin disease. Almost 100% of LPHD neoplastic cells express CD20 and thus rituximab could be effective; yet limited data are available. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis on patients with LPHD who were treated with rituximab at our institution to determine the magnitude of benefit offered by this drug. RESULTS: Seven patients were identified; 4 received the drug as single agent while the rest received it in combination with chemotherapy. All except 2 received the drug in the salvage setting. Response rate was 100% with 6 of 7 patients achieving complete remission. At a median follow-up of 2 years, 4 patients are still disease free while the rest relapsed at a median time of 27 months. CONCLUSION: Rituximab is effective in LPHD and should be considered; however, the optimal schedule remains to be determined.